DEAR HARRIETTE: I have two best friends. From my understanding, one maid of honor is enough. All three of us are extremely close. What's the deciding factor? Who should I pick? I've known them both equally as long. -- Patricia, Harrisonburg, Virginia
DEAR PATRICIA: Guess what? You don't have to follow tradition on this one. If you have two best friends, why not make both of them your maids of honor? List them in the program that way, and claim them both as the two women you want to bestow with that honorific.
In terms of who stands directly next to you, make it easy on yourself and put the person who is the tallest or the shortest at your side. Or select another fact, such as who was born first or something else that is neutral. And explain your reasons to them for the "neutrality." Emphasize that you would like to bestow the role of maid of honor on both of them. Then divide up the duties that you would have them handle or ask them to work on their responsibilities together.