Photo: Sasithon Photography/Courtesy of Lover.ly.When it comes to bridesmaids, the old rules no longer apply. They can wear mismatched gowns, you can have more bridesmaids than groomsmen, bridal parties can include men. As weddings become less traditional and more personal, having mixed-gender bridal parties just makes sense. After all, the idea that all of your close friends are the same sex as you is, well, a little silly and probably not true. If you're considering having a mixed-gender bridal party and aren't sure how to make it work for you, read on for our tips.
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Attire
When it comes to formalwear, we recommend you style each side of the aisle. Instead of one half in pink dresses and the other half in pink ties, simply group together each side in its own color scheme: gray suits with gray dresses, or groomswomen in a corsage (if they prefer) that matches the men's ties. Having one color represent each side and choosing slightly different suits or gowns across the aisle will signify which party a person belongs to, and help guests identify who's who.
When it comes to formalwear, we recommend you style each side of the aisle. Instead of one half in pink dresses and the other half in pink ties, simply group together each side in its own color scheme: gray suits with gray dresses, or groomswomen in a corsage (if they prefer) that matches the men's ties. Having one color represent each side and choosing slightly different suits or gowns across the aisle will signify which party a person belongs to, and help guests identify who's who.
Getting Down The Aisle
The traditional route is to have different-sex couples walk down the aisle together; with mixed groups, however, it's just as easy to have each person walk alone or in same-sex pairs.
The traditional route is to have different-sex couples walk down the aisle together; with mixed groups, however, it's just as easy to have each person walk alone or in same-sex pairs.
Photo: Kristen Wood on Wedding Chicks/Courtesy of Lover.ly.The Pre-Wedding Parties
When it comes to the bachelorette party or a pre-wedding brunch, we think there's always room for one more! If you and your partner want to cater to a mixed-gender crowd, opt for a nontraditional bachelor or bachelorette party. Or, just make it a coed affair. You could also give your friends the option to just come to one portion of your party (hello, dinner and cocktails), but skip the rowdier antics later (i.e., half-naked dancers). And, if you and your partner are close with each other's friends, consider inviting them to whichever events they'd enjoy. For example, the men in either party could skip pre-wedding manis and go get an old-fashioned shave if they prefer.
When it comes to the bachelorette party or a pre-wedding brunch, we think there's always room for one more! If you and your partner want to cater to a mixed-gender crowd, opt for a nontraditional bachelor or bachelorette party. Or, just make it a coed affair. You could also give your friends the option to just come to one portion of your party (hello, dinner and cocktails), but skip the rowdier antics later (i.e., half-naked dancers). And, if you and your partner are close with each other's friends, consider inviting them to whichever events they'd enjoy. For example, the men in either party could skip pre-wedding manis and go get an old-fashioned shave if they prefer.
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The Bridal Party Gifts
If you or your partner were thinking of gifting necklaces to bridesmaids but are worried about what to give bridesmen, don't stress. There's no rule that says gifts have to match. We suggest giving nice gifts that are just slightly similar (a watch, for instance, if you give the girls necklaces). You could also give everyone standing up for you and your partner the same gift; everyone appreciates a bottle of bubbly and a cool set of drinking glasses, a cozy blanket, or a foodie-friendly gift basket.
If you or your partner were thinking of gifting necklaces to bridesmaids but are worried about what to give bridesmen, don't stress. There's no rule that says gifts have to match. We suggest giving nice gifts that are just slightly similar (a watch, for instance, if you give the girls necklaces). You could also give everyone standing up for you and your partner the same gift; everyone appreciates a bottle of bubbly and a cool set of drinking glasses, a cozy blanket, or a foodie-friendly gift basket.
What To Call Them
Groomsmaids, bridesmen, man of honor, best woman, or something else entirely. Choose a term you (and they) are comfortable with and don't over-think it.
Groomsmaids, bridesmen, man of honor, best woman, or something else entirely. Choose a term you (and they) are comfortable with and don't over-think it.
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