The Same-Sex Wedding Party Roles

Same-sex affairs often stray from the traditional ideas about attendants, their duties and what they’re called, but the basic idea is still the same. They are friends and family who are there to help and support the couple to plan (and execute) their big day.

A traditional straight wedding party usually consists of a maid and/or matron of honor, best man, bridesmaids and groomsmen, a ring bearer and a flower girl, as well as ushers and, then of course, the parents of the bride and groom. But these days, it’s not surprising for a straight groom’s best man to be his best female friend, or for the “bridesmaids” to be a mix of men and women, and so on.

Photo Credit: © DeAnda Photography

If you don’t want to go with the traditional monikers for your wedding, consider the following designations for your program to help identify the wedding party to guests.

For your “maid/matron of honor or best man” role, consider the title, Commander-in-Chief. Kind of awesome, right? Otherwise, stick to Man of honour or Best Maid/Matron depending on gender.

Photo Courtesy of Planning Forever

For your “bridesmaids and groomsmen”, the term “honour attendants” is often used at same-sex weddings.

The ring bearer and flower girl roles are often children and these terms haven’t changed much. If you’re concerned about avoiding gender terms, try flower child, or children instead.