Groomsmen Or Bridesmen: What Do Male Attendants Carry?

The role of a male bridesmaid, or bridesman, is becoming increasingly common as gender norms evolve and weddings become more personalised. A bridesman is chosen by the bride to be a member of the bridal party and is usually a close friend or relative. While there is no rulebook for their responsibilities, they often take on similar duties to a bridesmaid, such as offering emotional support, helping with wedding planning, and participating in pre-wedding events. When it comes to attire, a bridesman can either blend in with the groomsmen or stand out with accessories that complement the bridesmaids' colour palette. As for what they carry, while a male bridesmaid may be reluctant to carry a bouquet, it is ultimately up to the individual and the bride's preference. Some alternatives include a boutonniere, a ring pillow, or even the bride's bouquet.

Flowers or a bouquet

If you want to stick to tradition, flowers or a bouquet are a great option for male bridesmaids to carry. The flowers can be chosen to match the bridal party's colour scheme or theme, and the bouquet can be designed to complement the female bridesmaids' arrangements. Male bridesmaids can also opt for a single stem or a smaller posy if they prefer not to carry a full bouquet.

However, there are no hard and fast rules, and male bridesmaids can choose to carry something other than flowers if it suits the wedding style. Some alternatives to consider are decorative chalkboard signs, boutonnieres, or even nothing at all. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and comfort.

Boutonnière

A boutonnière is a small flower, or a collection of flowers, that is attached to the lapel of a suit jacket. They are usually worn at formal events, such as weddings, homecomings and proms.

When it comes to male bridesmaids, also known as bridesmen, they can choose to wear a boutonnière that matches the flowers carried by the bridesmaids, or the groomsmen's boutonnières. This is a great way to ensure the bridal party looks cohesive and balanced, without the bridesman having to carry flowers.

If the bridesman does feel comfortable carrying flowers, he can choose to carry a bouquet that matches the bridesmaids' flowers. Alternatively, he could carry a single flower that complements the bridesmaids' bouquets.

When it comes to the type of flower, the options are endless. Traditional choices include roses, baby's breath, lilies and daisies. For a more modern or rustic wedding, dried flowers, succulents, and greenery such as eucalyptus, can be used. The colour of the flowers can be chosen to complement the wedding colour scheme or the bridesmaids' dresses.

The boutonnière is typically attached to the lapel with a pin, but can also be slipped into the pocket of a jacket, or attached to a wrist or ankle corsage.

Posy

One option is to provide bouquet alternatives, such as a different type of floral arrangement or a non-floral accessory. Another possibility is to combine roles and ask the male bridesmaid to act as the ring bearer as well. This way, he can still participate in the wedding procession and carry the rings instead of flowers.

The decision to include male bridesmaids in the wedding party is a modern approach that allows couples to include their closest friends and family members, regardless of gender. It is essential to communicate with the male bridesmaid and ensure they are comfortable with any responsibilities and expectations, including their preference for carrying a posy or an alternative option.

When including a male bridesmaid, it is also important to consider their attire. While they can dress similarly to the groomsmen, adding an accessory in the bridesmaid's colour palette, such as a tie or pocket square, can help them stand out and complement the bridal party's overall look.

In summary, while carrying a posy is not mandatory for male bridesmaids, it is an option to consider with their input. Alternative options, such as bouquet alternatives or combining roles with the ring bearer, can also be explored to ensure the male bridesmaid feels comfortable and included in the wedding party.

Ring

While it is not a requirement, male bridesmaids, or bridesmen, are becoming more common in modern weddings. The role of a bridesman is to support the bride, helping her to plan the celebrations and ensure they go smoothly.

A male bridesmaid may be asked to carry the wedding rings, either on a cushion or in a box, down the aisle during the ceremony. This is a role traditionally given to a younger member of the wedding party, such as a pageboy or flower girl, but there is no reason why a male bridesmaid couldn't take on this duty.

If you are considering asking a male bridesmaid to carry the rings, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to choose someone who is reliable and trustworthy, as they will be responsible for one of the most important parts of the wedding. Secondly, you may want to provide them with a stylish ring pillow or box that coordinates with the wedding theme and their outfit. Finally, be sure to communicate your expectations clearly, including when and where they should enter and exit the ceremony, and what they should do with the rings after the exchange.

Including a male bridesmaid in your wedding party is a great way to honour a close male friend or family member and create a more inclusive celebration. By carrying the rings, they can play a significant role in the ceremony and feel truly valued.

Nothing

There are many options for what a male bridesmaid can carry, and one of those options is nothing! If the male bridesmaid chooses to carry nothing, here are some things to consider:

Firstly, it is important to remember that the role of a male bridesmaid is to support the bride and be a good friend. This means that he should feel comfortable and not be forced to carry anything if he does not want to. Carrying nothing can also help him to be more mobile and agile, especially if he is tasked with running last-minute errands or providing extra muscle for heavy lifting.

Additionally, opting to carry nothing can create a more cohesive and balanced look with the groomsmen, especially if he chooses to wear a matching boutonniere. This can be a great option if the male bridesmaid wants to blend in with the rest of the wedding party and not stand out too much.

Furthermore, carrying nothing can be a more practical option, especially if the male bridesmaid is already tasked with other responsibilities, such as planning the bachelorette party or acting as a bodyguard for the bride. It can also be a more cost-effective option, as there is no need to purchase or rent a bouquet or other props.

Finally, choosing to carry nothing can be a more inclusive option, especially if the male bridesmaid feels uncomfortable carrying a posy or bouquet. This can be a good way to ensure that he feels included and valued as a member of the bridal party without pushing him outside of his comfort zone.

Frequently asked questions