Groomsmen: The Male Bridesmaids And Their Duties

The men who walk down the aisle with the bridesmaids are known as bridesmen. While traditional wedding parties were divided by gender, with women supporting the bride and men supporting the groom, modern weddings are more inclusive. Bridesmen are usually close male friends or relatives chosen by the bride to be part of the bridal party.

There are several ways in which bridesmaids and bridesmen can walk down the aisle. They can walk down the aisle in pairs, one by one, or with a groomsman.

They can be called bridesmen or groomsmen

The men who walk down the aisle with the bridesmaids are usually called groomsmen. However, in modern times, gender-inclusive wedding roles are becoming more common, and it is not unusual for brides to have a male attendant in their bridal party, known as a bridesman.

A bridesman is the male equivalent of a bridesmaid and is often a close male friend or relative chosen by the bride to stand by her side at the altar. The bridesman's attire can be coordinated with the bridal party, such as by wearing an accessory that matches the colour scheme or the bridesmaids' dresses.

When it comes to the wedding processional, there are several options for including a bridesman. One option is to have the groomsmen enter first, followed by the bridesmaids and bridesman walking down the aisle in pairs. Alternatively, the groomsmen and bridesmaids can walk down the aisle individually, or the bridesman can walk with one of the bridesmaids. In a Christian wedding, the groomsmen traditionally walk before or alongside the bridesmaids, while in a Catholic wedding, they walk in pairs, splitting off at the end of the aisle.

Ultimately, the decision on how to include a bridesman in the processional can be made by the couple, taking into consideration their preferences and the level of comfort of the bridesman.

They can walk down the aisle with a groomsman

There are many ways to include male bridesmaids in your wedding ceremony. Here are some suggestions for how they can walk down the aisle with a groomsman:

The Groomsmen Enter First

The groomsmen enter and stand at the front, either by walking around the sides of the ceremony or entering from the side. The bridesmaids then walk down the aisle one by one and meet the groomsmen at the front. This is a common option and ensures that each bridesmaid has their moment to shine.

Individual Entrances

Another option is to have all the groomsmen and bridesmaids walk down the aisle one by one, either entering from the side or walking towards the side. This ensures that each member of the wedding party is photographed and has an equal role in the ceremony.

Paired Entrances

The groomsmen and bridesmaids, including the male bridesmaids, can enter in pairs and split off at the front. They don't have to link arms or hold hands; they can simply walk next to each other. This option allows for clear photos of each pair and is a great way to showcase the wedding party.

Meeting Halfway

In this option, the groomsmen enter and stand in reverse order at the front. As the bridesmaids walk down the aisle, the next groomsman in line meets the first bridesmaid and they walk to the front together. This pattern continues until the groom is the only one left at the front. This option works well when there are seats or pews for the wedding party to sit in.

Creative Entrances

If you want to add a creative twist to your ceremony, you can consider having a dancing entrance or something else that reflects your personality and the wedding theme. The most important thing is to do what feels natural for you and your wedding party.

Ultimately, the way your wedding party enters the ceremony is flexible, and you can choose an option that suits your preferences and the dynamics of your group. These suggestions can be adapted to fit your vision for your special day.

They can walk down the aisle with a bridesmaid

There are many different ways to include male bridesmaids in your wedding ceremony. Firstly, it is becoming more and more common to have a mix of genders in the wedding party, so you should feel encouraged to include your closest friends and family members, regardless of their gender.

One option for including male bridesmaids is to have them walk down the aisle with a bridesmaid. They can either walk side by side or link arms, depending on what feels most comfortable for those involved. This option can work well if you have an uneven number of bridesmaids and groomsmen, or if you simply want to mix things up.

If you're worried about what your family or guests might think, it's worth noting that many people who have chosen to have male bridesmaids report that it wasn't weird at all and that any initial concerns were quickly forgotten. In fact, some people have shared that including their male friends and family members in their bridal party made their wedding day even more special and memorable.

• Have the groomsmen enter from the side and stand at the altar with the groom before the processional begins. Then, have the male bridesmaids walk down the aisle with the female bridesmaids, either paired up or one by one.
• Have the groomsmen enter first and stand at the front, followed by the male and female bridesmaids walking down the aisle one by one.
• Have the groomsmen enter and stand in reverse order at the front of the venue. As the bridesmaids walk down the aisle, the next groomsman in line meets the first bridesmaid and they walk to the front together.
• Have all members of the bridal party, including the male bridesmaids, walk down the aisle individually.
• Get creative and have a dancing entrance where the bridal party dances down the aisle instead of the traditional walk.

Remember, it's your wedding, so feel free to get creative and choose an option that feels right for you and your bridal party. You can also mix and match these ideas to create a unique processional that suits your needs.

They can walk down the aisle alone

There are several ways to organise a wedding ceremony so that male bridesmaids can walk down the aisle alone. Here are some suggestions:

The Groom First

The groom walks down the aisle first with their parents and stands at the front. The groomsmen and bridesmaids then walk down the aisle in pairs, splitting off at the front. This option allows for clear photos of each bridal party member/pair walking down the aisle together.

Groomsmen First

The groomsmen enter first, walking around the sides of the ceremony and standing at the front. Then, the bridesmaids walk down the aisle one by one.

Groomsmen and Bridesmaids Alternate

The groomsmen walk down the aisle one by one, followed by the bridesmaids, also walking one by one.

Groomsmen Last

This option is more common in churches. The groomsmen enter and stand in reverse order at the front of the church, with the groom at the end of the line. As the bridesmaids walk down the aisle, the next groomsman in line meets the first bridesmaid about 75% of the way down the aisle. They link arms and walk to the front, often bowing before going into the pews. This pattern continues until the groom is the only one left at the front.

Everyone Individually

The groomsmen and bridesmaids all walk down the aisle one by one.

They can be included in pre-wedding activities

A "bridesman" is a male member of the bridal party, often a relative or close friend, chosen by the bride. Bridesmen can be included in pre-wedding activities such as the bachelorette party, bridal shower, and other celebrations. It is important to ensure that the bridesman feels comfortable and welcomed at these events, which may traditionally have been women-only.

The bride should communicate openly with her bridesman, sharing why she wants him to take on this role and being receptive to any concerns he may have. The bridesman can be included in joint events with the groom's party, such as a co-ed shower or a joint bachelor-bachelorette outing. He can also participate in activities such as shopping for accessories that match the bridesmaids' dresses, and helping with wedding projects that utilise his unique skills and abilities.

In addition to pre-wedding activities, the bridesman can be involved in the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner, running last-minute errands on the morning of the wedding, and being present for photo opportunities with the bride and bridesmaids.

Frequently asked questions