Your Wedding Bridal Party
Ever wonder what the roles are for bridal party members? Or maybe you haven't been to a wedding and don't understand what a Maid of Honor or Bridesmaid is. Look no further, let's break it down for you!
First things first, this should not just be thrown together. Give it some thought, think on it. Just because you made a new friend recently, doesn't mean they have to be in the wedding, they could be at the wedding instead. You should be able to check Bride and Groom off the list, as you and your better half are filling that role. Check! Now let's look at the Maid of Honor and Best Man positions.
Maid of Honor/Best Man
The people who typically fill this role are a brother or sister or a best friend for years. Your number one (after your future spouse!). Do not get caught up with having to only have one so to say. Maybe your fiance has two brothers with who he is equally close. Just make them both Best Man. It is your wedding. Don't take the chance of hurting one's feelings but the same goes if he wants both his brothers in the wedding and he is much closer to one than make the one the Best Man! It is your wedding day, you decide who is filling those roles.
Maybe you heard the term Matron of Honor. That is just the role of a Maid of Honor, but she is married. I had a Matron of Honor (my sister), but two very close best friends, so I made them Maids of Honors and then still have 5 plus other bridesmaids! Again, your wedding, your way. I had two Maids of Honors because they truly were both my best friends and I couldn't stand to hurt one's feelings over the other, so I simply didn't. I asked them both to give a toast at the rehearsal dinner and my sister, the Matron of Honor did the toast at the wedding. See what I did there! Just a little planning makes things work out really really well, no feelings were hurt, I had my two Maids of Honors with my Matron still. It all worked out!
Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
Bridesmaids and Groomsmen essentially are very close friends or family members that stand up at the altar in addition to the Maid of Honor and Best Man. A bridesmaid's role is to assist the bride and maid of honor in planning for the wedding and parties. Same for the groomsmen! They are responsible for their wedding attire, helping with the bridal shower(s), and other financial obligations.
Sometimes on the bride's side, she will have a Junior Bridesmaid. That just means a younger bridesmaid who is between nine and fifteen years old who also stands up with the bridesmaids.
Flowergirl and Ring Bearer
Flowergirls and Ring Bearers are traditionally between the ages of four and seven. This is traditionally an appropriate age for them to fulfill the role, but again, I am a huge believer in your wedding, your way. I had my 3 years old niece be one of my flower girls. I have had clients use their 9-month old nephew who rode in a wagon! Your wedding, your way!
A flower girl's job is to toss petals before the bride walks down the aisle and the ring bearer is to carry to rings. (Not many people actually give such a role to a little one, but you get the point!) It's all about that picture opportunity and the guests love to see the littles in wedding day attire! The more flower girls and ring bearers the better, is what I think! They are so cute!
Man of Honor/Best Women/Lady
Just like there are always exceptions to the rules, I have seen men play the traditional role of Maid of Honor and rename their title to Man of Honor, same for the Best Man to be called Best Lady or Best Women and even sometimes just Best Friend.
Remember, when it comes down to picking your wedding party, there is no right way, as your wedding is unique to you and your fiance. Just remember these are the people who will be in your wedding pictures forever, so choose wisely. Is the recent friend or coworker you are now becoming close to, deserve a role in your wedding? Only you can answer that and there is no wrong answer to that!
Comment below any thoughts you have! I would love to hear them!