Should the sister always be Maid of Honor?

My MOH is my best friend and my sister is a bridesmaid. MOH was surprised and honored but also thought I would have picked my sister. My sister had 0 expectations and even knew I'd pick my best friend before I told her lol. You can pick whoever you want, I think your cousin was probably just surprised.

My MOH asked me if I was sure I didn't want my sister to be NOT, but only because she knows I have 2 sister's and she was afraid THEY would be upset...the thing is, my MOH is the person who introduced my FH, and when she did she "claimed" being a bridesmaid...she has been there for both of us over the past 7.5yrs and it just felt right that she be the MOH, and the explanation made it more special for her. Neither of my sister's cared about being MOH and only one decided she wanted to be a bridesmaid at all lol.

Anyway, all to say that it's a personal choice and as long as you are choosing your people for the right reasons, that is what matters.

I have two sisters and neither are in my BP. They are a lot older than me and we just aren't that close. It is whoever you want it to be. I've had friends who were pressured to ask their sister to be MoH and regretted it. If sisters are traditionally the MoH in your family, your cousin might just have been surprised, but I wouldn't take it personally that she isn't interested in being MoH. Just explain to her why you want her to be your MoH and if your sister complains, you can explain your reasoning to her as well.

No I asked my cousin to be my MOH and had my sister be a bridesmaid. I have always been closer to my cousin more than my sister. It’s really up to you and what makes you comfortable.