Ways to Tell Your Maid of Honor She is Special

She is your best friend, and you have appointed her to be your maid of honor. You've given her the title, and she'll make a toast but other than that, what sets her apart from the other bridesmaids? Here are a few simple ideas, any one or combination of which can help you show your maid (or matron) of honor that she is special and that you truly appreciate all she's done for you through the years.

Dress of a different color. Most brides choose at least two colors for the wedding. While the style of the bridesmaids' dresses may all be the same, choose a different color for the maid of honor. Wedding colors should complement each other, so the dresses will be unified in theme, but the maid of honor will be easy to distinguish, letting her know you want everyone to recognize that she's your best friend.

Small bouquet. At many formal weddings, and at more than a few outdoor weddings, bridesmaids carry flowers. By making a small bouquet for your maid of honor to hold, you let her and the rest of the guests know that she's appreciated. The other maids carry a single flower. This arrangement works especially well if your bridesmaids are each wearing a different colored dress.

Brooch or special pin. Give your maid of honor a tasteful brooch or a special pin to wear on the breast of the dress. Not only is this a special gift to your best friend, it sets her apart from your other bridesmaids.

Simple tiara. Many brides wear a tiara. While nothing a bridesmaid wears should upstage the lady of the moment, a smaller, simpler tiara can illustrate the special connection the two of you share. You may be queen of the day, but your made of honor is more than one of the duchesses. She's a princess.

You chose your maid of honor because she's special to you. Small, thoughtful gestures that set her apart let her, and the entire party, know that she still means so much to you.