Listing Bridesmaids: A Guide To Wedding Program Etiquette

There are many ways to list bridesmaids in a wedding program, and ultimately, the choice is yours. Some brides opt for alphabetical order, while others prefer to list their bridesmaids in the order of entrance or by height. If you're unsure, alphabetical order is a simple and fair way to do it. However, listing them in the order of entrance can help guests identify each bridesmaid as they walk down the aisle. You can also include a one- or two-word description of each person's relationship to the couple, which can be a fun conversation starter for guests.

List bridesmaids in the order of entrance

The wedding processional marks the start of the ceremony and is a highly anticipated moment. The order of the wedding party in the wedding program is usually the same as the order of entrance. Here are some suggestions for listing bridesmaids in the order of entrance:

List bridesmaids in the same order as groomsmen

In a traditional wedding ceremony, the processional begins with the mother of the bride, followed by the groom, best man, and then the rest of the wedding party. The bridesmaids and groomsmen walk down the aisle in pairs, with the groomsman on the right and the bridesmaid on the left. This means that the bridesmaids can be listed in the same order as their paired groomsmen.

List bridesmaids in the order they walk down the aisle

The bridesmaids can be listed in the order they walk down the aisle, either solo or in pairs. This way, guests can easily identify each bridesmaid as she enters. This is a common approach and can be helpful for guests who are unfamiliar with the bridal party.

List bridesmaids by their relationship to the bride

Another option is to list the bridesmaids based on their relationship to the bride. For example, the program could include a brief description of each bridesmaid's connection to the bride, such as "Lesley Callaghan - bride's college roommate" or "Ashley Grennan - bride's cousin". This approach adds a personal touch and helps guests understand the bride's choice of attendants.

List bridesmaids alphabetically

If the order of entrance is unknown or uncertain until the rehearsal, listing the bridesmaids alphabetically can be a safe option. This approach ensures fairness and avoids the implication of importance or hierarchy among the bridesmaids. It also simplifies the task of arranging the bridal party in the program.

Remember, there is no single correct way to list bridesmaids in the wedding program. The key is to choose an order that feels comfortable and meaningful to you. You can also consider pairing married couples together in the processional and listing them accordingly in the program. Ultimately, the choice should reflect your preferences and the dynamics of your bridal party.

Bridesmaids listed alphabetically

When it comes to listing bridesmaids in a wedding program, there are a few different ways to go about it. While some people prefer to list them in the order they will be walking down the aisle, others opt for a different approach: listing them alphabetically. Here are some reasons why listing bridesmaids alphabetically in your wedding program can be a great choice:

Simplicity and Ease

Alphabetical listing is undoubtedly straightforward and simple. It eliminates the stress of deciding the order of entrance or height arrangement, especially if you have a large bridal party. It is also easier to organise and finalise the program ahead of time, without having to wait for the rehearsal to determine the order of entrance or height.

Fairness and Equality

Listing bridesmaids alphabetically treats everyone equally and fairly. It avoids any potential hierarchy or favouritism, conveying the message that each bridesmaid is important and valued equally. This approach can be especially meaningful if you have a diverse group of bridesmaids with different relationships to you.

Guest Perspective

From a guest's perspective, an alphabetical list can be helpful. It provides a clear and consistent reference for guests to identify each bridesmaid, regardless of their relationship to the bride or their position in the procession. This is particularly useful for guests who may not be familiar with the bridal party.

Flexibility and Creativity

Alphabetical listing allows for flexibility in other aspects of the bridal party's presentation. For example, couples who are married to each other can still walk down the aisle together, maintaining symmetry and aesthetic appeal without disrupting the alphabetical order. It also frees you from the constraints of height or heel size, allowing you to focus on other aspects of the bridal party's appearance, such as dress styles or colour schemes.

Sample Alphabetical Listing

Bridesmaids:

• Ashley Grennan
• Bride's cousin
• Brianna Keller
• Family friend of the bride and groom
• [Name]
• [Relationship to Bride and Groom]

Remember, the choice of how to list your bridesmaids ultimately depends on your preference and what feels right for your wedding. Whether you choose alphabetical order, order of entrance, or another unique arrangement, your bridesmaids will surely feel honoured to be a part of your special day.

Bridesmaids listed by height

There are a few different ways to list bridesmaids in a wedding program. One option is to list them in the order that they will be standing at the altar, with the bridesmaids lined up from shortest to tallest or tallest to shortest. This option ensures that the program reflects the actual wedding setup and makes it easy for guests to identify each bridesmaid.

Another option is to list the bridesmaids in alphabetical order, which can be helpful for guests who may not be familiar with the bridal party. This option avoids any potential confusion or uncertainty about the order in which the bridesmaids will be standing or walking down the aisle.

A third option is to list the bridesmaids in the order that they will be walking down the aisle. This allows guests to easily follow along and identify each bridesmaid as she enters. This option may require some last-minute adjustments if the bridal party lineup is not finalised until the rehearsal.

Finally, you may choose to list the bridesmaids based on their relationship to the bride or the length of their relationship with the couple. For example, you could list the maid of honour first, followed by the bride's sister, cousin, and then other friends or family members. This option adds a personal touch to the program and helps guests understand the connections within the bridal party.

• [Name of Bridesmaid 1], [Height]
• [Name of Bridesmaid 2], [Height]
• [Name of Bridesmaid 3], [Height]
• [Name of Bridesmaid 4], [Height]
• [Name of Bridesmaid 5], [Height]

For example:

• Anna Smith, 5'7"
• Emily Johnson, 5'4"
• Sophia Davis, 5'9"
• Sarah Miller, 5'6"
• Grace Wilson, 5'2"

Remember to measure the bridesmaids' heights beforehand, and consider the height of their shoes if they will be wearing different types of heels. This will ensure that the listing is accurate and reflects the actual heights on the day of the wedding.

Bridesmaids listed by age

There are several ways to list bridesmaids in a wedding program, and the final decision is up to the couple. Here is a guide to listing bridesmaids by age in a wedding program:

Listing Bridesmaids by Age

If you have a mix of ages among your bridesmaids, you can list them in order of age, from oldest to youngest or vice versa. This is a fair way to order the bridesmaids, and it avoids any potential tension caused by ranking them by importance. It also provides clarity for guests who may be unfamiliar with the bridal party.

Maid of Honour

Begin by listing the maid of honour, who is the bride's right-hand woman and typically a sister or close relative.

Bridesmaids

Then, list the bridesmaids in order of age. For example, if you have three bridesmaids, aged 25, 30, and 28, the order would be: 30-year-old, 28-year-old, and 25-year-old.

Groomsmen

For consistency, the groomsmen can be listed in the same manner, with the best man, who is the groom's equivalent of the maid of honour, listed first, followed by the groomsmen in order of age.

Additional Tips

• If you have a large number of bridesmaids, consider grouping them in pairs or threes to streamline the processional and balance the symmetry.
• It is not necessary to include the ages of the bridal party in the program, as simply listing their names in the chosen order is sufficient.
• Remember, there is no right or wrong way to list your bridal party, and ultimately, it is your decision. Choose the method that feels most comfortable and meaningful to you.

By following this guide, you can create a clear and organised wedding program that introduces your bridal party to your guests in a respectful and elegant manner.

Bridesmaids listed by length of relationship with bride

There are many ways to list your bridesmaids in your wedding program, and the way you choose to do so is entirely up to you. However, if you want to list your bridesmaids in order of the length of your relationship with them, here is a suggested format:

Maid/Matron of Honour

Begin with your Maid or Matron of Honour, as she is the bride's right-hand woman. The maid of honour is usually a close friend or relative of the bride, so it makes sense to start with her.

Bridesmaids

Following the maid of honour, list your bridesmaids in order of the length of your relationship. For example, you could have:

• Sister of the bride (if she is not the maid of honour)
• Childhood friend of the bride
• College roommate of the bride
• Cousin of the bride

You can also include a brief description of each bridesmaid's relationship to the bride, such as "Bride's sister" or "Bride's college roommate". This can be a nice touch, as it gives guests a little more insight into the bridal party.

Groomsmen

The groomsmen can be listed in a similar fashion, with the Best Man first, followed by the groomsmen in order of the length of their relationship with the groom.

Remember, the bridal party is made up of the people the couple wants to be first in line to see them get married. So, if you feel that someone is a "must-have" in your bridal party, be sure to include them, regardless of how long you've known them. Ultimately, it's your wedding, and you can choose to list your bridal party in any order you like!

Frequently asked questions