Bridesmaids are members of the bride's party at some traditional Western wedding ceremonies. The male equivalent is known as a groomsman or usher. The principal bridesmaid may be called the chief bridesmaid, or the maid of honour if she is unmarried, or the matron of honour if she is married. The term bridesmatron has been suggested for married bridesmaids, but it is antiquated and rarely used. In some cultures, it is customary for bridesmaids to be young girls rather than grown women. Today, the bride chooses how many bridesmaids to have, and some modern couples opt to not have any bridesmaids or groomsmen at all.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Principal bridesmaid | Chief bridesmaid, maid of honour (if unmarried) or matron of honour (if married) |
Other bridesmaids | No specific title |
Male equivalent | Groomsman or usher (in British English) |
Younger bridesmaid | Junior bridesmaid |
Honour attendants
In some cultures, bridesmaids may be small girls rather than grown women. For example, in Norway, the Netherlands, France, and Victorian Britain, it is or has been customary for bridesmaids to be young girls who carry flowers during the wedding procession and pose with the married couple in bridal photos. In modern English-speaking countries, this role is separate from that of the bridesmaid, and the child performing it is known as a flower girl.
The principal honour attendant, if one is designated, may be called the chief bridesmaid, maid of honour, or matron of honour. The chief bridesmaid is typically the bride's closest friend or sister and has additional responsibilities, such as leading the rest of the bridal party in planning any pre-wedding events and providing practical and emotional support to the bride on the wedding day.
The male equivalent of an honour attendant is the groomsman, also known as an usher in British English. In modern times, some brides opt to choose a male friend or brother as their head attendant, using the title 'best man' or 'man of honour'.
Bridesmaids: The Movie Duration and More
You may want to see also
Honoured guests
Bridesmaids are members of the bride's party at some traditional Western wedding ceremonies. They are usually close friends or relatives of the bride, and their main duty is to attend to the bride on the day of the wedding.
In the past, bridesmaids were chosen from unmarried young women of marriageable age. The principal bridesmaid, if designated, may be called the chief bridesmaid, the maid of honour (if she is unmarried), or the matron of honour (if she is married).
Today, the term "bridesmaid" is generally used for all bridal attendants, regardless of their marital status. However, some people prefer to use the term "matron of honour" for a married attendant, while others may use the term "best woman".
In some cultures, it is customary for bridesmaids to be young girls rather than adults, and they may have roles such as carrying flowers during the wedding procession.
The duties and costs associated with being a bridesmaid have evolved over time. While traditional bridesmaids had their expenses covered by the bride's family, modern bridesmaids often bear their own costs and may even contribute financially to pre-wedding events.
So, if you are wondering what to call your married bridesmaids, the simple answer is that they can still be referred to as "bridesmaids". However, if you want to distinguish between married and unmarried attendants, you can use the terms "maid of honour" or "matron of honour" accordingly. Ultimately, the choice of terminology depends on personal preference and the specific wedding traditions being followed.
J. Crew's Exit from the Bridesmaid Dress Market
You may want to see also
Bridal attendants
A bridal attendant, or bridesmaid, is a woman who attends to the bride on her wedding day. Bridesmaids are usually close friends or relatives of the bride, and it is common for the bride to have more than one. The chief bridesmaid may be called the maid of honour if she is unmarried, or the matron of honour if she is married. The bride may also choose to have a male friend or family member as her head attendant, who would be called the 'man of honour'.
In Western tradition, there are several positions that a woman can take in the party of the bride. She can be a bridesmaid, a maid of honour, or a matron of honour. A maid or matron of honour is the bride's chief attendant and is usually her closest friend or sister. The term 'bridesmaid' is normally used for all bridal attendants in the UK, but when the attendant is married, or a mature woman, the term 'matron of honour' is often used.
The duties of a bridesmaid include assisting the bride on the day of the wedding and helping with the planning of the wedding and reception. They may also be asked to participate in planning wedding-related events, such as a bridal shower or bachelorette party. However, these activities are optional, and bridesmaids are not obliged to take part in them.
In some cultures, it is customary for bridesmaids to be young girls rather than grown women. For example, in Norway, the Netherlands, France, and Victorian Britain, bridesmaids are often small children who carry flowers during the wedding procession and pose with the married couple in bridal photos. In modern English-speaking countries, this role is separate from that of the bridesmaid and the child is known as a flower girl.
Jewelry Guide for Bridesmaids: What to Wear?
You may want to see also
Wedding attendants
The wedding party on the side of the bride is made up of several roles, including bridesmaids, maid of honour, and matron of honour.
The bride's attendants are there to support the bride on the day of the wedding and in the lead-up to the event. The chief bridesmaid or principal bridesmaid is often called the maid of honour. She may also be referred to as the matron of honour if she is married. The maid of honour is typically the bride's closest friend or sister.
The bride chooses how many bridesmaids she has. They are usually close friends or relatives of the bride. Bridesmaids are not required to be unmarried, despite the traditional definition of a "maid" as "an unmarried girl or woman, especially when young". The term "bridesmatron" has been suggested for married bridesmaids, but it has not caught on due to its antiquated connotations.
In some cultures, bridesmaids are young girls rather than grown women. In modern English-speaking countries, young children who perform a role in the wedding procession are known as flower girls.
The male equivalent of a bridesmaid is a groomsman or usher. In North American weddings, the best man is the groom's chief attendant, and the role is often filled by a close friend or relative.
Bridesmaids' Alcoholic Antics: A Gif Guide
You may want to see also
Bride tribe
The bride tribe is all about celebrating the bride and her closest friends and family. It's an honour to be asked to be part of a bride's tribe, and it comes with a lot of responsibilities and privileges.
The bride tribe is a modern take on the traditional bridal party, reflecting the changing nature of weddings and the role of bridesmaids. The term 'bride tribe' reflects the idea that the bridal party is a group of strong, independent women who support and celebrate each other. It also conveys a sense of fun and adventure, which is often a key part of the lead-up to a wedding.
A bride tribe can include a range of people, such as the bride's sister, best friend, or female relatives. The size of the tribe is usually determined by the bride's preferences and can vary depending on the wedding's size and the bride's family dynamics.
The duties of the bride tribe can include helping the bride plan the wedding, attending pre-wedding events like bridal showers and bachelorette parties, and providing practical and emotional support on the wedding day. They may also be involved in wedding traditions such as carrying flowers, posing for bridal photos, and signing the marriage license as legal witnesses.
Being part of a bride tribe also comes with financial commitments, as bridesmaids are often expected to cover their travel expenses, accommodation, and the cost of their dresses. However, the bride may choose to gift her tribe members as a token of gratitude for their support and financial contribution.
The bride tribe is a special part of the wedding experience, creating lasting memories and strengthening the bond between the bride and her chosen companions. It's a chance for the bride to be surrounded by her favourite people and for them to celebrate this important milestone together.
Who Pays for Bridesmaids' Plane Tickets?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There is no collective term, but they are members of the bride's party.
The principal bridesmaid is also known as the chief bridesmaid or the maid/matron of honour.
The male equivalent of a bridesmaid is a groomsman or usher.
A junior bridesmaid is a girl who is too young to get married but is included in the bridal party.
A married bridesmaid is still called a bridesmaid.