Bridesmaids take part in the procession and may stand in the receiving line, they mingle with guests and are seated at the bridal table. The maid or matron of honor is usually a close relative or friend of the bride who supports the bride emotionally during the wedding preparations, helps with wedding tasks, and serves as an official witness to the marriage.
The difference between a "maid"and a "matron" of honor, is that a matron of honor is married, and a maid of honor is not married. If the bride is older or remarrying, her main attendant may prefer to be called a "best woman".
Another recent trend at weddings is when the bride has a male attendant stand as her maid of honor or the groom have a female as his best man; in either case, the person is simply referred to as an honor attendant.
