Married Bridesmaids: What's Their Official Title?

In Western tradition, a woman can take on several roles in the party of the bride: she can be a bridesmaid, which means she is one of the attendants, a maid of honour if she is the principal unmarried bridesmaid with more duties, or a matron of honour if she is the principal bridesmaid and married. The definition of a 'maid' in the Merriam-Webster dictionary is an unmarried girl or woman especially when young, so it is logical that the young women attending a bride on her wedding day are called bridesmaids. However, this tradition has evolved, and a married woman can still be called a bridesmaid. The term 'matron of honour' is often used when the attendant is married, or a mature woman.

The term 'matron of honour' is used for a married maid of honour

In Western tradition, the principal bridesmaid—the bride's chief attendant and typically her closest friend or sister—is called the "maid of honour" if she is unmarried, and the "matron of honour" if she is married. The term "matron of honour" is also used in the United Kingdom when the attendant is a mature woman, regardless of her marital status.

In North America, a wedding party may include several bridesmaids, but the "maid of honour" is the title and position held by the bride's closest friend or sister. In modern weddings, some brides opt to choose a male friend or brother as their head attendant, using the title "best man" or "man of honour".

While the term "bridesmatron" has been suggested for a married bridesmaid, it is not commonly used, as it is considered antiquated and unflattering. Instead, a married woman attending the bride is simply called a "bridesmaid".

Bridesmaids are typically young, unmarried women

Historically, bridesmaids were selected from a pool of unwed young women who were of marriageable age. The principal bridesmaid, or chief bridesmaid, is sometimes referred to as the 'maid of honour' if she is unmarried, and the 'matron of honour' if she is married.

In some cultures, such as Victorian Britain, it was customary for bridesmaids to be young girls rather than grown women. They would carry flowers during the procession and pose with the married couple in photographs.

While the tradition of bridesmaids being unmarried women has changed over time, the term 'bridesmatron' to refer to a married bridesmaid is considered antiquated and rarely used. Instead, a married woman in the bridal party is usually still called a bridesmaid.

The male equivalent of a bridesmaid is a groomsman

Bridesmaids are members of the bride's party at some traditional Western wedding ceremonies. A bridesmaid is usually a young woman and often a close friend or relative of the bride. She assists the bride on the day of the wedding and in the lead-up to it.

In modern times, there are no strict rules stating that the wedding party must be divided by gender. It is becoming more common for brides and grooms to invite their favourite men, women, and non-binary people to stand by their side as they say "I do". Bridesmen, groomswomen, men of honour, and best people can all be part of the wedding party.

The term 'bridesmatron' is antiquated and not commonly used

The term "bridesmatron" is antiquated and not commonly used. While it is technically accurate—with "matron" being defined as a married woman—the term is considered outdated and has negative associations with age.

In modern times, a married bridesmaid is simply referred to as a bridesmaid, regardless of her marital status. The only distinction in terminology is for the principal bridesmaid, who is called the "matron of honour" if she is married, or the "maid of honour" if she is unmarried.

The tradition of only including unmarried women in the bridal party is no longer observed. Today, it is common for brides to choose their closest friends or family members to be bridesmaids, regardless of whether they are married or not.

Some married women may still prefer to be called a maid of honour instead of a matron of honour", due to the more youthful connotations of the word "maid". However, the term "bridesmatron" is generally avoided.

The term 'bridesmaid' is now marital-status-neutral

Bridesmaids are members of the bride's party at some Western traditional wedding ceremonies. Traditionally, bridesmaids were chosen from unwed young women of marriageable age. However, times have changed, and the term "bridesmaid" is now marital-status-neutral.

In Western tradition, there are several positions that a woman can take in the party of the bride: she can be a bridesmaid, which means she is any of the attendants; a maid of honour, if she is the principal unmarried bridesmaid with more duties; or a matron of honour if she is the principal bridesmaid and married. A maid or matron of honour is different from a bridesmaid. In North America, a wedding party might include several bridesmaids, but the "maid of honour" is the title and position held by the bride's chief attendant, typically her closest friend or sister.

The term "matron of honour" is used to refer to a married maid of honour, but there is no equivalent term for a married bridesmaid. The word "bridesmatron" has been suggested, but it is antiquated and rarely used. Therefore, a married woman can still be called a bridesmaid.

In the United Kingdom, the term "maid of honour" originally referred to the female attendant of a queen. The term "bridesmaid" is usually used for all bridal attendants in the UK. However, when the attendant is married, or is a mature woman, the term "matron of honour" is often used.

Frequently asked questions