Best Man: Can A Woman Take This Role?

It is becoming increasingly common for brides and grooms to have mixed-gender wedding parties, with women acting as best men or groomsmen and men acting as bridesmen or men of honour. This shift towards gender-inclusive wedding parties reflects a move away from traditional gender norms and expectations. While some people may still prefer to stick to more conventional wedding party configurations, ultimately, it is the couple's decision and there are no hard and fast rules.

What should a female best man be called?

While there are no hard and fast rules about what to call a female best man, there are several options to choose from. The most common terms are "best woman" and "groomsmaid", with grooms-chick and best chick also being used. "Man of Honour" is the equivalent term for a male best woman.

Other options include:

• Best person
• Best lady
• Best maid
• Best matron
• Groom's attendant
• Groom's maid of honour

At the end of the day, it's your wedding, so you can do what you like!

Is it accepted to have a female best man?

It is generally accepted to have a female best man at a wedding. The female equivalent of a best man is often referred to as a "best woman", and the roles are largely the same. The best woman can plan the stag, help with wedding attire shopping, hold the wedding rings, and give a speech. She can also attend the stag do or opt for the hen party instead.

There are a few things to consider when choosing a female best man. Firstly, discuss it with your partner as early as possible to ensure they are comfortable with the idea and to avoid any jealousy. Secondly, decide what the best woman will wear—a suit, a dress matching the bridesmaids, or a dress matching the colour code of the groomsmen. Finally, consider what to call the best woman. While "best woman" is common, other options include "best person", "best lady", "best maid", "best matron", "groom's attendant", or "groom's maid of honour".

Ultimately, it is up to the couple to decide who they want in their wedding party, regardless of gender.

Can she come on the stag do?

Yes, a woman can attend a stag do if she is the best woman! This has gained the nickname "hag do" or "sten do". It is worth telling the other lads beforehand, but if they are all close friends, they probably won't be surprised to see her there.

With mixed-gender stag groups, you may need to consider some extra things before booking, such as whether all rooms are twin rooms and whether there are suitable sleeping arrangements for everyone. In general, however, the booking process shouldn't be much different.

If you're going to a strip club, it might be a good idea to mention this in advance and double-check how she feels about it. If she's coming on a stag do, she will probably expect this anyway.

How will the bride react?

This is a question that is best addressed as early as possible. While there is no reason for the bride-to-be to have a negative response, it is still a good idea to discuss the idea with her, especially as she will likely already know about the close relationship between the groom and his best friend.

Jealousy can be a factor when it comes to friends of the opposite gender, but having a female best man highlights their status as a close friend rather than a threat. It is important to note that if the female best man is an ex-partner, it may be best to choose someone else to avoid any potential issues.

In the end, it is the groom's decision to choose his best man, and the bride should respect that. By keeping an open line of communication and addressing any potential concerns early on, the bride and groom can ensure that everyone is on the same page and work together to make the wedding a memorable and enjoyable experience for all.

It is worth mentioning that some brides may have traditional views on wedding party roles and may prefer to have a symmetrical wedding party with distinct gender roles. In this case, the female best man could stand on the bride's side, or the couple could opt for a mixed-gender wedding party, with groomsmen and bridesmaids in the same attire, regardless of their gender. Ultimately, the decision of who stands where should be made by the couple and their wedding party, taking into consideration everyone's comfort and preferences.

What should the female best man wear?

When it comes to what a female best man should wear, there are a few options. It is ultimately up to the individual and what they feel comfortable wearing.

Firstly, a female best man could opt for a female tuxedo or suit, matching the style and colouring of the other groomsmen. Alternatively, if the female best man is close to the bride, she could wear a dress that matches the bridesmaids' dresses. A third option is for the female best man to wear a dress that matches the colour scheme of the groomsmen.

Some people prefer to keep the wedding party looking cohesive, so the female best man could wear a black dress to match the groomsmen's tuxedos. If the bridesmaids are wearing short dresses, the female best man could wear a long black dress. If the bridesmaids are wearing long dresses, she could wear a short black dress.

If the bridesmaids are wearing the same dress in different colours, the female best man could wear the same dress in a different colour. Alternatively, she could wear a blazer that matches the men's tuxedos over a simple gown.

If the groomsmen are wearing suits, the female best man could wear a suit in the same colour, or a dress in the same colour.

Frequently asked questions