Male Bridesmaids: Unconventional But A Great Idea!

The idea of gender-specific roles in wedding parties is becoming increasingly outdated, and it is now widely accepted for brides to have male friends or family members as bridesmaids. This evolution in wedding traditions allows couples to choose their wedding party based on their closest relationships, regardless of gender. A male bridesmaid can add a fun and dynamic element to the wedding party, and different personalities and perspectives can contribute to a richer and more diverse celebration. While some may question the idea due to traditional expectations, weddings are personal expressions of love and should authentically reflect the couple's relationship and values. Including a male friend as a bridesmaid is a beautiful way to symbolize a unique bond and showcase the diversity of the couple's friendships.

The role of a male bridesmaid or 'bridesman'

A "bridesman" is a male who is chosen to be one of the bride's bridesmaids. If your best friend is a man, you can choose to have him as a "bridesman" instead of choosing your female best friends. The most important thing to consider when choosing your bridal party is who has been a loyal friend, not just who will look good in a dress.

The role of a male bridesmaid or bridesman is to assist the bride in the planning process, attend pre-wedding events, and stand beside the bride on the big day. The bridesman is expected to play an active role before, during, and after the wedding. This may include helping with wedding projects, offering emotional support to the bride, attending the bridal shower and bachelorette party, and being there for photo opportunities.

When it comes to attire, the key is to complement the bridesmaid dresses. The bridesman can either wear the same suit as the groomsmen with a unique accessory, such as a tie, vest, or boutonniere, or he can wear a different-colored suit to stand out.

Including a male bridesmaid or bridesman in your wedding party is a personal choice that can add depth and meaning to your wedding festivities. It is a way to celebrate friendship, diversity, and the uniqueness of your relationships. It is also a wonderful way to honor your close relationship with a male friend or family member.

Choosing a bridesman outfit

It is absolutely okay to have male bridesmaids, or "bridesmen", at your wedding. In fact, it is becoming more and more common for brides to include close male friends or family members in their bridal party. This shift reflects the evolving nature of wedding customs and the importance of honouring meaningful relationships.

Now, let's get into the details of choosing a bridesman outfit. Here are some tips to help you create a stylish and cohesive look for your male bridesmaid:

• Complement the Bridesmaids: The key to dressing your bridesman is to complement the bridesmaids' dresses. You can decide if you want the bridesman to stand out from the groomsmen or match their style. Consider using accessories such as ties, vests, or boutonnieres to coordinate with the bridesmaids' colours or themes.
• Differentiate from the Groomsmen: To set your bridesman apart from the groomsmen, consider choosing a different suit colour or style. For example, if the groomsmen are wearing navy suits, you could opt for grey suits for the bridesman. This will help create a visually appealing contrast in your wedding photos.
• Accessories: Accessories are a great way to add a stylish touch to your bridesman's outfit and coordinate with the bridesmaids. For example, if the bridesmaids are wearing pink dresses, your bridesman could wear a matching pocket square, tie, or boutonniere.
• Footwear: Don't forget to consider footwear! While your bridesman may not need to wear stilettos, adding a bit of flair to their shoes can enhance the overall look. Consider neutral-toned converse, oxfords, or dress shoes that complement the colour scheme.
• Flowers or Boutonniere: While the bridesmaids may carry bouquets, your bridesman can rock a stylish boutonniere that matches the colour palette of the bridal party. This is an easy way to include your bridesman in the floral theme without making them carry a bouquet.
• Cohesion and Differentiation: Overall, aim for a cohesive look with your bridal party while also differentiating your bridesman from the groomsmen. This can be achieved through colour coordination, accessories, and unique suit styles.

Responsibilities of a male bridesman

It is becoming increasingly common for brides to have male friends or relatives in their bridal party, challenging traditional gender roles and showcasing their personal preferences and values. A male bridesmaid, also known as a bridesman, bride's attendant, or man of honour, plays a significant role in supporting and assisting the bride before, during, and after the wedding.

Pre-Wedding

• Help with various wedding-related tasks, such as attending dress fittings, shopping for wedding decorations or supplies, and assisting with DIY projects.
• Offer advice and opinions when needed, especially from a male perspective.
• Organise and participate in pre-wedding events, such as bridal showers or bachelorette parties.
• Be a great friend, a gentleman, and an extension of the host for the guests.
• Act as a messenger between the bridesmaids and groomsmen.
• Be the bodyguard at the bachelorette party.
• Help with the heavy lifting for the wedding set-up and breakdown.

On the Wedding Day

• Assist the bride in getting ready, ensuring her dress and accessories are in order, and handling any last-minute emergencies or requests.
• Walk down the aisle with the bridesmaids or accompany the bride down the aisle.
• Be included in any photo opportunities with the bride and bridesmaids.
• Interact with the other guests and get the dancing started at the reception.
• Give a speech during the reception, similar to the role of a maid of honour.

Post-Wedding

Attend the morning-after brunch and support the bride in the post-wedding blues.

The role of a bridesman is to provide emotional support and be a sounding board for the bride, just like a bridesmaid would. It is important to keep an open line of communication with the bridesman about what is expected of them so that they feel comfortable and can fully enjoy the experience.

Benefits of having a male bridesman

There are many benefits to having a male bridesman. Firstly, weddings are personal celebrations of love and commitment, and including a male friend as a bridesman is a wonderful way to honour your close relationship and symbolise the unique bond you share. If your best friend is male, there's no reason why they shouldn't stand beside you on your special day.

Secondly, having a male bridesman can add a fun and dynamic element to your wedding party. Different personalities and perspectives contribute to the richness of your celebration, and a male bridesman can bring a unique energy and flair to the festivities. Embracing diversity in your wedding party can make the experience even more memorable and meaningful.

Thirdly, a male bridesman can offer practical support and assistance. They can be necessary muscle, a bouncer at your reception, a bodyguard at your bachelorette party, or a fill-in boyfriend for one of your bridesmaids. During the planning process, they can help with heavy lifting, offer a male perspective on gifts for the groom or groomsmen, and be a great messenger between bridesmaids and groomsmen.

Lastly, a male bridesman can provide emotional support to the bride. Just like your bridesmaids, you've chosen your bridesman because of the friendship you share. They can be a sounding board and help ensure the bride gets to the aisle with her sanity intact. They can also be the bride's right-hand person, providing comfort and guidance through any wedding planning stress, family drama, bridal party conflict, or day-of jitters.

Planning a gender-inclusive wedding

Weddings are a celebration of love and commitment, and in modern times, couples have the freedom to plan their weddings in a way that reflects their unique values, beliefs, and relationships. More and more couples are choosing to break free from rigid traditions and embrace diversity and inclusion in their wedding planning, including having gender-inclusive wedding parties.

Choosing Your Wedding Party

When it comes to choosing your wedding party, the most important factor should be the strength of your relationships, not the gender of the individuals. If your best friend happens to be a man, there's no reason why they shouldn't stand by your side on your special day. Including a male friend or family member as a bridesmaid is a wonderful way to honor your close bond and showcase the diversity of your friendships.

Communicating Your Decision

Some people may question your decision to have a male bridesmaid due to traditional expectations or societal norms. It's essential to communicate openly and honestly with your partner, families, and wedding party members about your choice. Sharing your reasons and motivations can help others understand and appreciate the significance of including your male friend in a special role. Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to wedding etiquette; the most important thing is to create a celebration that is authentic to you as a couple.

Roles and Responsibilities

The roles and responsibilities of a male bridesmaid, often referred to as a "bridesman" or "man of honor," are similar to those of a traditional bridesmaid. They are expected to assist the bride in the planning process, attend pre-wedding events and parties, provide emotional support, and stand by the bride's side on the big day. The bridesman can also take on additional duties such as running errands, being a bodyguard at the bachelorette party, and offering a male perspective on wedding decisions.

Attire

When it comes to attire, the key is to ensure that the bridesman's outfit complements the bridesmaids' dresses. The bridesman can either match the groomsmen with a unique accessory or wear a different-colored suit to stand out. Consider using coordinating neckties or bowties that match the bridesmaids' dresses.

Pre-Wedding Events

In terms of pre-wedding events, it's important to consider the comfort level of your bridesman. While some male bridesmaids may be happy to join all events, others may prefer to opt-out of certain activities, such as a lingerie-themed bridal shower. For activities like bachelor and bachelorette parties, plan something that everyone will enjoy and consider hosting a joint event with your entire wedding party.

On the Wedding Day

On the day of the wedding, the bridesman should be included in photo opportunities and play an active role in the reception by interacting with guests and getting the dancing started. They can also be given the honor of giving a speech, where they can share their well wishes for the couple and touch on their relationship with the bride.

Post-Wedding Activities

Finally, don't forget to include your bridesman in any post-wedding activities, such as a morning-after brunch. This is a perfect opportunity to wrap up the celebration and create lasting memories with your closest companions.

By including a male bridesmaid in your wedding, you are not only challenging outdated gender norms but also creating a more inclusive and meaningful celebration that reflects your true self. Embrace this opportunity to celebrate your unique relationships and create lasting memories with the people you love.

Frequently asked questions