Everything to Know About Having a Man of Honor or a Groomswoman in Your Wedding Party

The terms “bridesmaid” and “groomsman” definitely have gendered associations that are rooted in old traditions. However, in modern times, there are no hard and fast rules saying that you need to separate your wedding party by gender. It's a sweet gesture for a couple to invite their favorite men, women, and non-binary people to stand their side as they say "I do." Today, bridesmen, groomswomen, men of honor, and best people can serve as your support system throughout your celebrations.

Want to learn more about having a gender-inclusive wedding party? Read ahead to learn how your closest friends can be involved in your big day.

What Do You Call a Woman Groomsman or Man Bridesmaid?

While traditional wedding parties were divided with women supporting the bride and men supporting the groom, you can now have a mix of genders in these special roles. Typically, a man in the bridal party is called a bridesman and a woman in the groom's party is a groomswoman. You can also call someone a wedding party member if you want to eliminate gender from titles. If you want to have one person in a special role that takes on more planning responsibilities, you can choose to a maid, matron, man, or person of honor for the bride, and a best man, best woman, or best person for a groom. The best rule of thumb is to talk with the person in your wedding party and decide on a term that you are both comfortable with.

What Wedding Events Are Bridesmen and Groomswomen Invited To?

As long as you and your wedding party member are both comfortable with what you have planned, you should invite them to every event the rest of your attendants are going to. Be sure to check in with them before you send out invitations to make sure they’ll feel good about going. For example, your male best friend may not be as excited about your lingerie-themed bridal shower as you are. For big pre-wedding moments like a bachelor or bachelorette party, try to plan activities that they would want to join in on. You also can host a joint event with your fiancé and your entire wedding party.

Where Should Bridesmen and Groomswomen Get Ready for the Wedding?

While not every bridesman will be eager to spend the morning watching you and your bridesmaids have your hair and makeup done, you should invite him to join you for all key moments like lunch with all of you in the bridal suite and the big reveal of your wedding dress. If your fiancé is having a groomswoman stand by his side, ask them both if she’d be interested in getting ready with you and your bridesmaids or if she’d rather spend time with the groom.

What Should Bridesmen and Groomswomen Wear on the Wedding Day?

You’ve got a few choices when it comes to attire, but the important thing is to make sure every wedding party member is comfortable and looks like they’re part of the overall group. You could have a man of honor wear the same outfit as the groomsmen or swap out an accessory (like a tie or shirt) to better match the rest of the bridesmaids. We love the look of a best woman in a dress similar to the bridesmaids in a darker hue, a dress that matches the color of the groomsmen’s suits, or in a suit of her own. Use bouquets and boutonnières to help coordinate everyone, as well, choosing colors or varieties that tie each portion of the wedding party together.

How Should Bridesmen and Groomswomen Process During the Ceremony?

Wedding party members, regardless of gender, should process down the aisle and be by the side of their close friend getting married. The way that they arrive is up to you. You could have wedding party members escort each other or walk individually down the aisle.