Weddings have changed dynamically over the decades – and that’s not a bad thing. Today we’re moving away from some traditions, we’re welcoming new ways to love and gather, and we’re also expanding how & who we celebrate with.
As these new trends and customs arise, there’s also been a shift in some of the typical wedding duties. For example, traditional customs like bridal parties and having a best man or maid of honor standing at the altar, often look much different today. Some couples are choosing to forgo the whole idea of a party of people standing with them at the altar – while others are creating an ‘I do crew’ unlike anything seen in weddings of the past generations.
With the gender-neutral movement happening and the need for inclusion, for many couples, it’s important to incorporate that into their wedding ceremony so that anyone identifying as nonbinary can also celebrate without reservation too.
It’s not uncommon today to see both men and women in bridal parties for either partner or serving as the ‘friend of honor’. After all, does it really make sense that only a girl can throw flower petals down the aisle before the bride walks out? Or that only a boy can carry the pillow with the ring attached? It’s silly to think these rules were ever put in place in the past and they certainly don’t have to apply to a modern wedding today.
If you’re thinking about a gender-neutral wedding party for your wedding, here are a few recommendations for language that is all-embracing.
Gender Neutral Wedding Party Names
- I Do Crew
- Adventure Crew
- Honor Attendant
- Bridal Posse
- Friends Of Honor
- Honor Guard
- Best Person
- Person of Honor
Regardless of who is attending or serving as part of your special team on the day of your wedding – the roles and responsibilities are still pretty much the same: To help the couple that’s tying the knot to have a smooth, seamless, and memorable day. Holding on to the bouquet (if there is one) helping with the long train of the dress, holding the ring, and giving a toast to honor the couple is all still likely to happen no matter who is standing there. So worrying over conforming to any set of rules on gender for these aspects of your wedding is no longer necessary.
Whether you’ve chosen to have both genders serve in your honor guard or you have gender-fluid individuals you want to honor on your big day, remember that your wedding is going to be beautiful – traditional or not – especially when there is love and honor for all present.
