While getting engaged is an exciting experience for every couple, planning a wedding can be quite stressful for most brides. Fortunately, a bride has the liberty to appoint bridesmaids. Typically, bridesmaids provide immeasurable support for the bride as she plans her special day. Not only do a bride's girlfriends rightfully earn their bridesmaids gift, but they also confirm their friendship toward the bride by offering their love and support as she prepares for her wedding day. However, there can be a downside to this bridesmaids concept'it?s called the Maid of Honor Syndrome (MHS).



The average number of bridesmaids to stand up in a wedding is four. Of the four, most brides will appoint a maid of honor. Typically, the maid of honor is expected to take on more responsibilities than the other bridesmaids and as such she is usually the bride's sister, cousin, or closest girlfriend. In addition to her increase in responsibilities, the maid of honor usually wears more elaborate wedding attire and is presented with a more intricate bridesmaids gift. Having a maid of honor is a privilege that most bride's learn to quickly appreciate. However, some maids of honors have taken their positions to the extreme.

While accepting the position as maid of honor does comes with more responsibility and is highly esteemed, some girls take their position too seriously. Unfortunately, they ignore the fact that they are required to do more work and instead they use the other bridesmaids as servants?forgetting that a bridesmaid serves the bride, not the maid of honor. This behavior is known as the Maid of Honor Syndrome. The following can identify MHS.

? She throws her weight around, thus, making the bridesmaids feel inferior.

? She overly emphasizes her role as the maid of honor.

? She rubs her more elaborate bridesmaids gift in the other bridesmaids? faces.

? She plans the bridal shower on her own without receiving input from the other girls.

? She disregards the other bridesmaids feelings.

? She belittles the other girl's bridesmaids gifts.

? She is overly opinionated and tries to influence the bride's decisions.

Does any of the above sound familiar. If you know someone who exhibits the behavior described above, then it's safe to say that they suffer from Maid of Honor Syndrome. Those who suffer from MHS make the wedding planning experience very difficult and are prone to create an uncomfortable environment for the entire wedding party. It is important to recognize the signs of MHS earlier on and make every attempt to rectify the behavior. In turn, it is important for a maid of honor who suffers from MHS to realize that wearing unique wedding attire, receiving a more elaborate bridesmaids gift, and juggling more responsibilities doesn't make her better than any of the other bridesmaids.