A maid of honor is the bride's chief helper and supporter at a wedding. Usually a close friend or sister, the maid of honor stands beside the bride during the ceremony and helps with important tasks before and during the wedding day.

The maid of honor might help the bride choose her wedding dress, plan the wedding shower, keep track of gifts, and hold the bride's bouquet during the ceremony. On the wedding day itself, she makes sure the bride has everything she needs, helps fix her dress or veil, and sometimes gives a speech at the reception celebrating their friendship.

The role exists because weddings involve many details and decisions, and having a trusted friend to share the experience makes it more meaningful and less overwhelming. In the past, the maid of honor also served as an official witness, signing legal documents to confirm the marriage took place.

The male equivalent is called the best man, who supports the groom in similar ways. If the bride's chief attendant is married, she's sometimes called the matron of honor instead, though many people simply use maid of honor for both.

Being chosen as maid of honor means the bride values that person's friendship deeply and trusts her to be there during one of life's most important celebrations.