So a female friend of the bride is typically called a
bridesmaid or
bridesmatron (or
maid of honor or
matron of honor). I guess you could also use
brideswoman (or
woman of honor) if you want to avoid the whole does-maid-mean-unmarried? issue. I've heard the term a
bridesman (or
man of honor) for a male friend of the bride. And if you don't want to specify the gender of the person in question, you could use
bridesperson (or
person of honor). A male friend of the groom is typically a
groomsman (or
best man). A female friend is sometimes called a
groomswoman (or
best woman), although I guess you could also go with
groomsmaid or
groomsmatron (or
best maid or
best matron). And again, avoiding the gender of the friend, you can have a
groomsperson (or
best person).
But what if there's a member of the wedding party who is a friend of both the bride and groom? What do you call that person?
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posted by ErWenn
on Mar 1, 2013 -
22 answers
How can I tactfully let my bridesmaids know I'm happy to help them pick up the tab? I'm getting married this summer, and have asked seven close friends to be bridesmaids. They're all wonderful, good friends, and they all like each other and me and everything is harmonious, except that there is a SERIOUSLY WIDE income disparity among them (everything from full-time student working part-time at a coffee shop to a stay-at-home wife of a zillionaire). I am definitely on the higher side of the spectrum, but it is very important to me that I be mindful of my friends' bank balances.
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posted by anonymous
on Feb 11, 2013 -
24 answers
What are some creative ways of including or honoring special family and friends in a wedding, beyond the typical bridal party?
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posted by logic vs love
on Jun 14, 2012 -
17 answers
I absolutely hate the idea of choosing people to stand by my side at the altar. I have friends from all different stages of life whom I care for very much (childhood, high school, college, grad school, work, etc.) and I loathe the idea of "picking" some and not others. What do I do?
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posted by murfed13
on Jan 11, 2012 -
28 answers
I'm having a hard time asking two close friends to be bridesmaids because I feel like I'm imposing. Advice/anecdotes requested.
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posted by juniperesque
on Jul 19, 2011 -
19 answers
Where can we find bridesmaid dresses that are pretty and will be appropriate for a plus size bridesmaid, a regular size bridesmaid, and a 6 months pregnant bridesmaid?
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posted by treehorn+bunny
on May 8, 2011 -
17 answers
A friend and I have agreed to be in a third friend's wedding this fall. Lately the bride-to-be has been suggesting some potentially expensive pre-wedding activities. My friend and I are concerned with what we're expected to pay for as bridesmaids.
My questions are:
Is footing the bill for the bachelorette party or bridal shower the responsibility of the bridal party if the bride (or her sorta wealthy future mother-in-law) plans it?
Is it gauche for us to approach the bride and ask her what her expectations are after agreeing to be in the wedding?
posted by redbed
on May 29, 2007 -
9 answers
(I am posting this for my girlfriend) My brother is getting married and his fiance asked me to be a bridesmaid. Her sister is the matron of honor, and she will be having 7 bridesmaids total. I just received word that her mother and sister have booked a country club for the bridal shower and the cost will be divided among the bridesmaids (around $100 each). Am I wrong to think that the matron of honor should have consulted us to find out what we were comfortable contributing before making plans?
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posted by ghastlyfop
on Apr 3, 2007 -
50 answers
I'm looking for advice for what to give my (5) bridesmaids. They're smart, cool women in their thirties (and of a variety of shapes and sizes), and I'm not sure that many of the typical gifts I see on some sites (super-froofy jewelry, pastel totes, etc.) would be appropriate/appreciated.
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posted by mollymolo
on Jan 17, 2007 -
31 answers
I'm maid of honor in my sister's wedding in a month. The dress we ordered to match the other bridesmaid's dresses doesn't fit AT ALL.
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posted by LittleMissCranky
on Mar 30, 2005 -
9 answers
My fiancée is having a get-together for her bridesmaids next weekend. I've been tasked with preparing food and drinks for the occasion. [more inside]
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posted by jmevius
on Jun 11, 2004 -
13 answers
