Rite Resources: Honoring Your Maid of Honor

photo source

Remember when I wrote about Fr. Leo Patalinghug's cookbook for married couples a few months ago?  I was paging through my copy a few days ago and came across this passage regarding your Best Man and Maid or Matron of Honor and the role they can play in your lives after your wedding:

Remember, these special people promised to pray for and encourage the couple as they went forth from their wedding day to fulfill their vows of lifelong faithfulness.  Having a prominent place in the ceremony, so close to the couple, these people will no doubt remember that image of two people very much in love with each other.

Interceding for your marriage and providing spiritual friendship and counsel is definitely no small matter, and I have to say, the thought of that particular role for the honored members of your wedding party was one that I'd never considered before.  It's got me thinking of them kind of like a baptized baby's godparents...marriage godparents? 

Anyway, I think that your Maid or Matron of Honor's prayers and support are such a wonderful gift.  So, how to thank her and truly honor her?  On the surface, there's, of course, choosing a special dress or bouquet for her, but spiritually speaking, here are a few ideas I came up with:

• Enroll her in the prayer intentions of a religious order during your engagement
• Gift her with a spiritual bouquet of your prayer and intercession for her vocation, whatever it is right now, and its fulfillment
• Ask her and the Best Man to read the Prayers Of the Faithful at your wedding Mass.  It's a visible, living way for them to lead your guests in praying for your marriage and for the Church.
• Include something extra, like a blessed rosary or religious article, in her bridesmaid gift.

I realize that every wedding party and family situation is different, and that you have to meet people where they are.  Depending on how things are, even praying for your Maid of Honor without her knowing, in my opinion, still has the power to bear amazing fruits.

Help me out!  What ways can you think of letting one of the most special ladies in your wedding know she's special?