Matron of Honor vs. Maid of Honor: Can I Have Both?

All wedding planning goes through a key moment: Choosing the maid of honor (or best man). But with so many important people in your life, you're probably wondering if you can have more than one in that honorary position.

Well, you can choose both a maid of honor and a matron of honor, but do you know what each position means and the role they have in the wedding?

Let's see what the traditional components are for each role in the wedding party before you decide.

Origin of the tradition of the bridesmaids

Before we continue, do you know where the tradition comes from?

Well, in ancient times many subcultures in Rome believed that the bride and groom were prone to be kidnapped on their wedding day, either by evil spirits or by former suitors.?

To avoid this, bridesmaids would dress as or more elegantly than the bride herself, so that the bride would go unnoticed, confusing and repelling evil spirits.

What is the difference between a maid and matron of honor?

In a strictly traditional sense, the matron of honor refers to a woman who has not yet married. In the same way, a Matron is a woman who has married before.

In short, there is no real difference between a Godmother and a Matron of Honor, other than the name (and the experience of the marriage).

Can I have both?

Of course you can. Never forget that it is your wedding and only you decide what the proper protocols are. You can have both a Matron of Honor and a Matron of Honor at the same time walking down the aisle with you, as long as they are significant people in your life.

This is a common scenario in weddings with brides who are very close to female household figures such as a mother and younger sister. In this case, one is assigned as the Godmother (the sister, if she has not married) and a Matron (her mother).

How many Maids/Matrons can I choose?

As many as you deem appropriate. There is no limit to the number of Maids of Honor, Matrons, Bridesmaids or Groomsmen you can have at your wedding, nor should there be. Each of these people are important in your life and will be a great help as official honorary attendants.

This is not to say that this is a role for everyone, but it is important to keep in mind that your options are open.

A Matron of Honor can have valuable experience in wedding planning and traditions. Younger bridesmaids are often good at planning receptions and bridal showers.

Each has something to contribute.

How does it change wedding etiquette?

In no way does including an additional Matron of Honor or Matron of Honor change the wedding protocol. The role of both figures is exactly the same so, as far as the wedding planning is concerned, each can contribute according to her area of expertise and divide the duties.

If you are concerned about the walk down the aisle, there are many ways to address this:

- Have them walk in with the best man/sponsors of the wedding.

- Assign a personal escort with the sole function of escorting the bridesmaids.

- Let them enter on their own.

Remember again that this is your wedding, so details can be creatively polished according to what you envision as the ideal wedding.

Distinctive jewelry and attire for the Matron and Maid

Bridesmaids and Matrons should look outstanding at your wedding celebration, so you might consider adding common details to them, as a way of distinguishing their important honorary role in the ceremony.

Some ideas might be to add matching details in the floral arrangements, give them a brooch, pendant or use a pattern in the design of their dresses.?

A popular solution is to add two different fabrics (that match well) and interchange them on the dress for different parts of the silhouette for each Maid of Honor.

Maid and matron of honor speeches

The Maid and Matron of Honor have a symbolic and very important position in your life, which is why you have decided to ask for their company in such an important event as the walk down the aisle.?

For this reason, they both deserve a chance to speak during the closing toast at the reception dinner. After all, they have the same level of importance in the wedding picture.

This speech moment is so important (and emotional) that we've prepared a special section, so that Bridesmaids and Matrons can create a winning speech.

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