Best Man: Can A Woman Take This Role?

It is becoming increasingly common for brides and grooms to break with tradition and opt for a best woman instead of a best man. While some people may raise an eyebrow, it is generally accepted that gender boundaries are blurring and that people are keen to have an individual, bespoke wedding. The bride or groom may feel that their best friend is female, so why should they choose a male best man? In addition, it is now commonplace for there to be more than one best man, so why not include a woman in the bridal party? The best woman can wear a female tuxedo or suit, or a dress that matches the colour code of the groomsmen.

Bridesmaids and groomsmen outfits

Having a female best man is not a widely accepted practice, as seen in the sources. However, it is not uncommon, and there are ways to make it work. One way is to have the "best woman" wear a dress that matches the colour of the groomsmen's suits or ties/vests. She can also carry a small bouquet that matches the guys' boutonnieres. Another option is to have her wear a suit, although this is less common and may not be considered appropriate by some.

Now, let's talk about bridesmaids and groomsmen outfits. When it comes to coordinating bridesmaids and groomsmen outfits, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is essential to choose your wedding colours and overall theme. These colours will be used throughout your wedding day, from decorations to outfits, so it's important to spend some time on this decision. You can choose 3-5 colours for your wedding palette and then select 1-2 primary colours that will be used for the bridesmaids' dresses and groomsmen's accessories like ties, pocket squares, and even socks!

Another way to coordinate the outfits is to choose a common element that will remain the same between the two sides of the wedding party. For example, the bridesmaid dress colour could match the design of the groomsmen's ties, or vice versa. You can also play around with different shades of the same colour or mix and match colours and textures to create a unique look.

When it comes to the groomsmen's suits, black, navy blue, and grey are the most popular colours as they are easy to coordinate with bridesmaid dresses. If you want to be more creative, you can choose other colours like cream, white, red, or beige. Tan suits are perfect for a beach wedding!

For the bridesmaids, it's a good idea to offer them a range of dress styles in the same colour or a mix of colours that complement each other. This way, they can feel comfortable and choose a style that suits their body type.

Bachelorette party planning

Planning a bachelorette party can be a lot of work, but it's worth it to see the bride-to-be enjoying her special day. Here is a step-by-step guide to planning an unforgettable bachelorette party:

Have a Brainstorming Session:

Start by talking to the bride about her vision for the party. Discuss possible themes, destinations, timing, and the guest list. It's important to have this conversation early on, preferably shortly after the wedding date and location are finalized. This will give you a good understanding of the bride's expectations and help you create a plan that aligns with her wishes.

Finalize the Guest List:

Typically, the maid of honor, bridesmaids, and close friends are invited to the bachelorette party. However, the bride may also want to include family members or other special people in her life. Remember, anyone invited to the bachelorette party should also be invited to the wedding.

Discuss the Budget:

Understanding the budget is crucial for planning a successful bachelorette party. Send out a survey or a Google Form to all the invited guests to gather information about their budgets, availability, and willingness to help with the planning process. This will help you make informed decisions about the location, activities, and other expenses.

Choose a Date and Location:

Collaborate with the bride and guests to choose a date and location that works for everyone. Consider sending out a Doodle poll to find dates that align with everyone's schedules. Finalizing the location early is important, as it impacts travel arrangements and accommodation bookings.

Pick a Theme and Plan Activities:

Selecting a theme will guide your decoration choices and activity planning. Themes can be based on the bride's interests, such as a spa-themed bachelorette or a party inspired by her favorite music artist. Plan a mix of activities that the bride will enjoy, whether it's a night out, a private class, outdoor adventures, or simply relaxing by the pool.

Arrange Group Meals:

If you're planning on dining out with a large group, it's a good idea to contact the restaurant in advance. Discuss options for a limited menu with set prices or inform them that the bill will be split evenly among the group. This will make it easier to manage payments on the day of the event.

Send Save-the-Dates and Collect RSVPs:

Once you have a confirmed guest list and key details in place, send out official bachelorette party invitations. This can be done virtually or through paper invitations. Allow enough time for responses, especially if the party involves travel, so you can finalize numbers for accommodation and activity bookings.

Book Travel, Accommodations, and Activities:

With the guest count and RSVPs confirmed, it's time to finalize the major details. Book flights, hotels or rental homes, and any activities that require reservations. For destination bachelorette parties, consider renting a group house, which can be more cost-effective and provide a communal space for the group.

Purchase Decorations and Swag:

About two months before the party, start gathering decorations, favors, games, and party swag. Matching t-shirts, decorative banners, customized drinkware, and photo props are all popular choices. Don't forget to include some icebreakers or bachelorette party games to keep the fun going!

Confirm and Share the Itinerary:

About a month before the party, send out a detailed itinerary to the guests. Include information such as the address of the accommodation, transportation arrangements, and any specific items they need to pack. Creating a group chat can also be helpful for staying connected and sharing last-minute updates.

Pack and Travel:

As the host, plan to arrive at the party location a few hours before the bride and guests to set up decorations and ensure everything is in order. Don't forget to bring the bachelorette favors, decor, and any special surprises for the bride!

Celebrate and Enjoy:

It's finally time to let loose and celebrate! Enjoy the activities, create memorable moments, and cherish this special time with the bride and her favorite people.

Regroup and Say Thanks:

After the bachelorette party, take some time to thank everyone who helped with the planning and attending. It's a thoughtful gesture to send handwritten notes or small gifts to express your appreciation. Don't forget to follow up on any outstanding expenses and payments as well.

Getting ready together

For the bride, this often includes her bridal party, which may include bridesmaids, a maid of honour, and/or a man of honour. The mother of the bride is also often present, as well as the wedding planner and photographer. The bride's pre-wedding activities might include decorating the getting-ready space, ordering food and drinks, and creating a fun playlist. The bride's crew will also be on hand to help with any wardrobe malfunctions and to keep the bride calm and relaxed.

The groom will also want to ensure he has a fun and supportive crew with him as he gets ready. This might include groomsmen, groomsmaids, a best man, and/or a best woman. The father of the groom is often present, as well as the wedding planner and photographer. The groom's crew might partake in activities such as golf, basketball, or a trip to the barbershop before getting dressed and primped.

If the groom has chosen a woman as his best (wo)man, she can be included in the pre-wedding activities of both the bride and the groom. She can get ready with the bride and her bridesmaids, helping to decorate the space, order food and drinks, and create a fun playlist. She can also be on hand to calm the bride's nerves and help with any wardrobe malfunctions. At the same time, as the groom's best (wo)man, she can also be there to support him as he gets ready, helping to ensure he is relaxed and on time. She can also be included in any pre-wedding activities, such as a round of golf or a trip to the barbershop.

There are many ways to include a female best (wo)man in the pre-wedding activities, and her presence will no doubt add to the fun and excitement of the day.

Titles and labels

It is becoming increasingly common for brides and grooms to break with tradition and opt for a best woman or "groom's woman" instead of a best man. The equivalent exists in the opposite direction, with the title "man of honour".

Some brides and grooms choose to avoid gendered labels altogether, instead opting for gender-neutral titles such as "honour attendant" or "attendant".

If you're concerned about picture symmetry, it's worth noting that female best men often wear suits or dresses that match the colour scheme of the groomsmen. Alternatively, they can wear a dress that matches the bridesmaids.

If you're worried about what your guests will think, it's worth remembering that it's your wedding and you can choose whoever you like to be in your wedding party. One source notes that "anyone that gives you a hard time is stuck in the stone age".

Picture symmetry

Symmetry is a powerful tool in photography, and when used effectively, it can make your photos stand out. Here are some tips and techniques to create stunning symmetrical pictures:

Find Symmetrical Subjects:

Look for subjects that have natural symmetry, such as buildings, landscapes, or objects with reflective surfaces. Architectural structures like bridges, tunnels, and buildings with columns or windows often provide strong vertical and horizontal lines that can be emphasised in your composition.

Use Leading Lines:

Leading lines are an essential compositional element in photography, and they can also enhance the sense of symmetry in your images. Look for roads, paths, fences, or other linear elements that lead the viewer's eye towards the centre of your frame, creating a balanced and harmonious composition.

Centre Your Subject:

To create a strong sense of symmetry, position your camera so that the symmetrical subject is centred in the frame. This will create a sense of balance and order in your image, making the symmetry more pronounced.

Use a Wide-Angle Lens:

A wide-angle lens can help you capture more of the scene, emphasising the symmetry by including more of the symmetrical elements in your frame. This is especially useful for architecture or landscape photography, where you want to showcase the grandeur and scale of the location.

Experiment with Reflections:

Reflections in water or mirrors can create stunning symmetrical images. Look for calm waters, such as lakes or rivers, early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the wind is minimal, to capture pristine reflections. You can also use reflective surfaces like mirrors, windows, or even puddles to create unique symmetrical compositions.

Post-Processing Techniques:

If you're using photo editing software, you can enhance the symmetry in your images by using tools like the crop and transform functions to fine-tune your composition. You can also use the mirror effect to create symmetrical images from non-symmetrical subjects. Play around with different editing techniques to see what works best for your image.

Remember, while symmetry can create powerful and captivating images, it's important to use it intentionally and thoughtfully. Not all photos need to be symmetrical, and sometimes breaking the rules can lead to interesting and unique compositions. Trust your creative instincts, and don't be afraid to experiment!

Frequently asked questions