Male Bridal Attendant-down the aisle?

Question

We have having a maid of honor, best man, grooman, and "bridesman" (my brother). First-should I just call him a bridal attendant?

Second, since my only "bridesmaid" is a male...how do I go about the walking down the aisle thing? Would it be weird to have everyone walk down the aisle (including groomsman) separately? Is there any good reason the guys shouldn't walk down the aisle by themselves? I'll probably have the best man up front with my husband-to-be in case tries to run away (haha!)

Also-how long did it take you to get used to saying "my husband" AND to having a new last name?? I think it is going to be really really weird.

No, there are not any females I want in my wedding. We are having a destination wedding, so we are only inviting our 2 best friends (the one each of us has had since we were like 4) and then our brothers.

He is going to be standing on my side, so I don't agree that eh would be a groosman.

Also, we're not traditional in any sense....if that helps at all.

Answer 1

Attendants:
When a person of the opposite sex is chosen to fill the position of maid of honor or best man, he or she should be called "the bride’s honor attendant" or "the groom’s honor attendant." When a person of the opposite sex is chosen to fill the role of groomsman or bridesmaid, then all of the attendants are called "the bride’s attendants (rather than bridesmaids) and "the groom’s attendants" (rather than groomsmen).

When a woman stands on the groom’s side, she might wear a dress in the same color as the male attendant’s tuxedos or suits and of the same formality as the bridesmaids’ dresses. She should wear a corsage rather than a boutonnière. A man who stands on the bride’s side should dress the same as the other men in the wedding party. He should wear a boutonnière, not carry a bouquet. If he fills the position of the maid of honor, then the bridesmaid standing next to him should hold the bride’s bouquet during the ceremony and she should help the bride with her train if necessary.

A female groom’s attendant will dress with the ladies, but she will appear in the photos along with the groom’s male attendants. Similarly, a male bride’s attendant will dress with the men, but he will appear in the photos along with the bride’s female attendants. Be sure that your photographer is aware of the situation so that the person is included in the correct photos.

Walking Alone:
If the wedding party is less than 10 people total, each can walk separately. Otherwise, there is no rule that male-male and female-female pairs connot walk together in suport of the marrying couple.

Name Change:
You'll adapt to the "weirdness" quite fast - but you will continue to slip and say "boyfriend" for years and years. But that's OK - husbands can be "boyfriends" too.

Answer 2

He's just known as a Bridal Attendant. Typically the groom, best man and groomsmen don't walk down the aisle in a procession, that's solely the bridal party. He would walk in the bridal party procession in front of the Honor Attendant just like a female in the same role would; he would also stand on the bride's side. When the party is leaving the alter area, it's tradition to have groomsmen escort the ladies, with the Maid of Honor and Best Man walking together, but you could simply have him turn and walk back up the aisle next to whatever groomsmen he's equal number with. You don't have to have the gentlemen offer their arms to the ladies, they can simply walk side by side.

It didn't take me long to grow accustomed to saying "my husband" but for several months I had to stop and think about using my married surname when I was signing things. The only times I made the mistake of using my maiden name was not on legal documents, so it wasn't a big issue. I'm quite fond of having the MRS in front of my name and I get really pissed off when it's omitted or someone puts MS in front of it. I find it deeply insulting. It's like "um excuse me, I didn't wait until I was 24 to get married to have you idiots deny me my right to be a MRS!!"

Answer 3

I think "Bridesman" is exactly the right title (technically, "maid" is just another form of "woman", so same difference).

And, I think there's no reason why he shouldn't walk down the aisle ahead of you, just as you would have had a female attendant do. I don't think you should have him do what the others are doing, necessarily, as he is a bridal attendant, not a groomsman.

Good for you, for having those who really love you stand up for you!

Answer 4

It is your wedding an if you want to have a performing monkey, or a herd of goats walk down the aisle you just do it. The only right way to do it is the way that pleases you. And anyone who doesnt like it can go jump in the lake as it is not their special day. It doesnt take very long to get used to being Mrs ------ you just find it comes very natural. Have myself been married for 25 years and it is hard to remember when I this other person who used another name. I used to spend ages figuring out how I would sign my name and that is funny to think about now as my signature is so bad it has become a very lazy scrall.

Answer 5

it's takes a year to get used to the name change and all my newly married friends love to say the word husband, over and over again.

You can have a man on the bride's side. If you think he looks odd walking up alone then have him escort the flower girl. It's your wedding so you can do it anyway you like. Just have him stand on the bride's side and make sure he has a boutonniere that matches the other flowers and you are good.

Answer 6

What an awesome idea!! I think it will be fine to have everyone walk separately and "bridal attendant" is a good title.

I'm getting ready to get married as well and I have been divorced for 12 years and kept my first married name because of my daughters. So it will definitely be strange to get used to the name part!!

Answer 7

I'm not a wedding expert, but I think you have a couple of different options
1. Have your brother as a groomsman
2. Have each bridal attendant walk down separately, as you mentioned.
3. Add a bridesmaid or two. Do you have female friends? Family members? Co-workers?

Answer 8

He's technically not a "bride" anything - since he is male, he is a "groomsman" or a "male attendant" and they don't usually go down the aisle without a female on their arm!

It won't take very long for you to get accustomed to introducing your man as your husband. As far as the new last name, you mean you haven't been doodling it since the engagement? LOL

Answer 9

Best Person or Man of Honour. Here is a site that may help. As for getting used to the name it is easy for you the first two weeks as long as your mother-in-law is not around. Other then that you will automatically think everyone is addressing her. She will be amused as she too has gone through it.

Answer 10

you call him a bridal attendant,i say have all the guys men at the front and then your guy walk ahead of you.If changing your last name is werid hypen your last and his last or better yet say no to traditon and just and mrs. and keep your last name.