Have you ever been part of a wedding ceremony as a bride or groom but couldn’t figure out what to call your female best friend standing by your side as your “best man?” It’s a common dilemma that many modern couples face, especially those who want to break away from traditional gender roles. While the term “best man” has been around for centuries and is steeped in tradition, it doesn’t always fit a non-male member of the wedding party. So, what do you call a female best man?
Fortunately, there are many alternatives to the traditional “best man” title for women. Some popular options include “best woman,” “man of honor,” “bride’s best man,” “honor attendant,” and “best sister.” While it may take some time to choose the perfect moniker, it’s important to select something that reflects your unique relationship with your best friend and your shared vision for the wedding day. After all, the wedding party should represent the couple’s values and beliefs as well as their closest friendships.
While some may view the question of what to call a female “best man” as trivial, it’s actually a significant reflection of the changing attitudes towards gender roles and inclusivity in modern society. By embracing a more diverse and inclusive wedding party, couples can create a more meaningful and memorable experience for themselves and their guests. So, whether you choose to call your best friend a “man of honor” or “best woman,” what’s important is that you honor the unique bond you share and celebrate it on your special day.
Terminologies for Female Equivalents of “Best Man”
Traditionally, a “best man” is a male friend or family member who is tasked with supporting and standing next to the groom on his wedding day. However, as the world evolves and gender roles become more fluid, the need for a female equivalent of this role has emerged. Here are some terminologies for the female counterparts of “best man”.
- Maid of Honor: This is the closest and most widely recognized term for the female equivalent of “best man”. The maid of honor is typically a close friend or family member of the bride and is tasked with supporting her throughout the wedding planning process as well as on the wedding day itself.
- Best Woman: With the rise of gender-neutral terminology, some couples have opted to forego the traditional gendered titles and instead assign a friend or family member of any gender to be their “best person” or “best woman”. This allows for a more inclusive wedding party, especially for those who don’t identify with traditional gender roles.
- Man of Honor: Similarly to the “best woman” option, some couples have chosen to assign a male friend or family member to be their “man of honor” instead of the traditional “best man” role. This can also work well for those who have close male friends but don’t want to assign a gendered title to the role.
Ultimately, the important thing is to choose someone who is meaningful to the couple and who can support and stand by them on their wedding day, regardless of their gender or the title they are assigned.
Historical significance of the “best man” tradition
The role of the best man has been a longstanding tradition in weddings. The earliest record of a best man dates back to ancient Germany where the groomsman was tasked with helping the groom kidnap his bride from a neighboring village. In medieval England, the best man was responsible for ensuring the groom arrived at the ceremony on time, protecting the couple from any potential attacks, and ensuring the safety and security of the wedding gifts.
As the tradition evolved, the best man became a more prominent figure in the wedding party, with responsibilities including planning the bachelor party, giving a speech at the reception, and serving as a witness to the marriage. Yet despite its significance, the role of the best man has been predominantly associated with men.
In recent years, however, there has been a shift towards more gender-neutral language and inclusivity in all aspects of life, including weddings. This has led to the rise of female best men or “best women.” The term “best woman” is a relatively new concept, but it denotes the same meaning as the traditional “best man.” It is important to note that the role and responsibilities are the same for both sexes and are not gender-specific.
With the rise of same-sex marriages, it has become increasingly common for a bride or groom to choose a same-sex best friend or sibling as their “best man.” This is a strong statement of acceptance and inclusion, and it sends a message of love and support to the LGBTQ+ community.
| Pros of having a female best man: | Cons of having a female best man: |
|---|---|
In conclusion, the best man tradition has come a long way from its ancient origins. The best man is still an integral part of the wedding party and represents a close friend or family member of the groom. As the world continues to evolve, so does the tradition of the best man. The rise of female best men and same-sex best friends showcases the importance of inclusivity and acceptance in our society. The most important thing is to choose the person who is right for the role, regardless of gender.
Modern reinterpretations of the traditional best man role
In recent years, couples have started to think outside the box when it comes to choosing their wedding party and the roles they play. This has led to modern reinterpretations of the traditional best man role, including:
- Best Woman: Instead of a male best man, some couples are opting for a female “best woman.” This is a great way to honor a close female friend or family member who would otherwise not have a role in the wedding party. The best woman can perform all the duties of a traditional best man, including planning the bachelor party and giving a speech at the reception.
- Co-Best Men: For those who can’t choose between two male friends or family members for the best man role, co-best men may be the answer. This allows both individuals to share the responsibilities of the best man role, such as planning the bachelor party and supporting the groom on the wedding day.
- Best Person: Another modern reinterpretation is to simply have a “best person” instead of a best man or maid of honor. This gender-neutral option allows the couple to choose the individual who is closest to them, regardless of their gender.
As society continues to progress and evolve, so too will the way that couples choose to celebrate their love. These modern reinterpretations of the traditional best man role are just a few examples of how weddings are changing to reflect the diversity and inclusivity of modern society.
Alternative wedding roles for women, besides the maid of honor
Traditionally, the maid of honor has been the go-to role for a bride’s closest female friend or family member. However, in modern times, there are many alternative wedding roles for women to choose from, giving brides more flexibility in choosing their bridal party.
Bridesman or Best Woman
- Instead of having a traditional male best man, a bride can opt for a “bridesman”. The bridesman can perform all the duties of a best man, such as planning the bachelor party and giving a speech at the wedding.
- Alternatively, a bride can have a “best woman” in the role of a traditional best man. A best woman can be a sister or close friend who is not afraid to break gender norms and take on traditionally male roles.
Bride’s Attendant
A bride’s attendant is a non-gender-specific role, which can be filled by any close friend or family member. This person can provide emotional support to the bride throughout the planning process and on the wedding day. The bride’s attendant can assist in tasks such as dress shopping, wedding planning, and day-of prep.
Honor Attendant
Similar to the role of a matron of honor, an honor attendant can be a married friend or family member who takes on a leadership role in the bride’s bridal party. The honor attendant can assist in wedding planning and be a point of contact for other bridesmaids or groomsmen.
| Matron of Honor | Honor Attendant |
|---|---|
| Traditionally reserved for a married woman | Non-gender-specific role |
| Leads the bridesmaids in planning the bridal shower and bachelorette party | Can assist in wedding planning and be a point of contact for other bridal party members |
The role of honor attendant can be a great alternative for a bride who wants a leadership role filled by someone who is not necessarily married.
Etiquette in Choosing a Female Best Man
Choosing a best man or maid of honor is one of the most important decisions that a couple makes when planning a wedding. However, with changing times and social norms, it’s no longer necessary to have a male best man or a female maid of honor – and in fact, more and more couples are choosing to mix up their bridal parties and include people of all genders. Therefore, it’s becoming increasingly common to have a female best man. But how can you make sure you’re making the right decision? Here are some etiquette guidelines to keep in mind.
- Choose someone who is important to you and your fiancé: First and foremost, your choice of a female best man should be someone who is meaningful to both of you. This could be a sibling, a childhood friend, or someone who has been there for you through thick and thin. Don’t worry about gender too much – what’s most important is that this person has a special place in your heart.
- Make sure they can handle the responsibility: Being a best man or maid of honor is a big job, and it’s not for everyone. Make sure that the person you’re considering is up for the task and is willing to take on the responsibilities that come with the role. These may include planning a bachelor or bachelorette party, giving a speech at the wedding reception, and helping with last-minute details leading up to the big day.
- Consult with family and friends: Although it’s ultimately your decision, it’s a good idea to consult with close family members and friends when choosing a female best man. They may have valuable insights or suggestions that you hadn’t considered, and their support can help ensure that the decision is well-received by everyone.
Of course, there are always questions about how to handle things like attire, names on the invitation, and other logistics. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:
When it comes to attire, your female best man can wear whatever she feels comfortable and confident in. This could be a suit or tuxedo like the rest of the groomsmen, or she could wear a dress or other outfit that is more traditionally feminine. It’s important to communicate your expectations and preferences to her so that she can choose something that works for everyone.
As for names on the invitation, you can simply use her first and last name like you would with a male best man. Alternatively, you could use the term “best person” to include all genders. This is a matter of personal preference.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Increased diversity in your bridal party | Some traditional family members or guests may not understand or be supportive |
| A chance to honor a valued female friend or family member | You may need to address logistical challenges (e.g. attire, accommodations, etc.) |
| More opportunities for fun and creative photo ops | It may require explaining or justifying your decision to some people |
Ultimately, choosing a female best man can be a wonderful way to show your flexibility, inclusivity, and commitment to doing things your own way. Keep these etiquette tips in mind as you make your decision, but remember that what matters most is that you choose someone who is special to you and who you know will do an excellent job on your big day.
Experiences of couples who have had female best men
Having a female best man is becoming increasingly common in modern weddings. Couples are opting for non-traditional roles in their wedding parties, and women being chosen as best men is becoming more widely accepted. Here are some experiences of couples who have had female best men:
- One couple had the sister of the groom as the best man, and she wore the same suit as the groomsmen. The bride said it was a great decision because the sister was already an important part of the couple’s lives, and she felt honored to have her by their side as the best man.
- Another couple had the groom’s best female friend as the best man. The groom said that it was a no-brainer to choose her because she had been there for him through thick and thin, and also because they had a shared love of sports and competition. The bride added that having a female best man brought a unique energy to the wedding party and made it more fun.
- A third couple had the bride’s sister as the best man. The bride said that her sister was the obvious choice because they were very close and had a great relationship. Because they were so close, she felt comfortable sharing intimate moments with her sister, such as getting ready on the day of the wedding.
Overall, having a female best man is a great way to break tradition and bring a unique perspective to your wedding. It’s important to choose someone who is already an important part of your life and who you feel comfortable with sharing special moments with.
Here is a table comparing traditional roles to non-traditional roles:
| Traditional Roles | Non-Traditional Roles |
|---|---|
| Best man (male) | Best man (female) |
| Maid of Honor (female) | Man of Honor (male) |
| Bridesmaids (female) | Bridemen (male) |
| Groomsmen (male) | Best Woman (female) |
As you can see, there are many options when it comes to wedding party roles. Don’t be afraid to break tradition and choose the people who are most important to you.
Cultural differences in the concept of a “best man”
The tradition of having a “best man” at a Western wedding has become popular around the world, although there are cultural differences in how the role is defined. In some cultures, the concept of having a “best man” does not exist at all. Here are some cultural differences related to the “best man”:
- Japan: The best man is referred to as the “shusho” or “kosho,” and is responsible for helping the groom prepare for the wedding and offering moral support.
- China: The best man is referred to as the “xiong di,” which translates to “brother of the groom.” The role is similar to that of a Western best man, but is often performed by the groom’s brother or close friend.
- India: In some regions of India, the groom’s brother or cousin serves as the “best man,” and is responsible for helping the groom with his wedding attire, preparing the wedding venue, and leading the groom’s party to the ceremony.
In some cultures, the concept of having a “best man” is changing or evolving. For example:
In the LGBTQ+ community, the role of the “best man” may be redefined to fit the needs and preferences of the couple. In some cases, a close female friend of the groom may serve as the “best woman,” “man of honor” or “groomswoman.”
| Culture | Best man’s role |
|---|---|
| Western | Help prepare the groom for the wedding, stand beside him during the ceremony, and give a speech at the reception |
| Japanese | Help prepare the groom for the wedding, offer moral support, and hand the bride a bouquet during the reception |
| Chinese | Help prepare the groom for the wedding, stand beside him during the ceremony, and lead the couple to their wedding suite |
| Indian | Help prepare the groom for the wedding, lead the groom’s procession to the ceremony, and symbolically ward off evil |
While the concept of having a “best man” is culturally diverse, the role remains an important part of weddings around the world. It’s a testament to friendship, loyalty, and the celebration of love.
Symbolism of the “Best Man” in Different Wedding Traditions
The role of the “best man” in a wedding ceremony is steeped in tradition and symbolism. It is a position of honor that recognizes one’s closest male friend or family member who will stand by the groom’s side throughout the wedding day. While the role of the best man is usually set in stone, it is worth noting that in recent years, some couples have chosen to break away from traditional gender norms by appointing a “female best man.”
- In Hindu weddings, the role of the “best man” is known as the “baraati.” The baraati is responsible for leading the groom’s wedding procession and keeping everyone in good spirits throughout the day.
- In Jewish weddings, the “best man” is called the “shoshbin.” The shoshbin is responsible for ensuring that the groom is well-prepared for the wedding day, both mentally and physically.
- In Chinese weddings, the role of the “best man” is known as the “xiongdi.” The xiongdi is tasked with protecting the groom from any evil spirits or bad luck on the wedding day.
Despite the varying job descriptions of the “best man” in different cultures, each role is intended to protect and support the groom on his wedding day.
If you are considering appointing a female best man, know that this is an increasingly common practice and one that can add a unique touch of personalization to your wedding day. While the term “female best man” may not have a tradition behind it, the symbolism of the role remains the same – to support and stand by the groom throughout his wedding day.
| Pros of having a female best man: | Cons of having a female best man: |
|---|---|
| Breaking gender norms and adding a personal touch to your wedding. | Potential backlash from more traditional family members or wedding guests. |
| Having someone who knows the groom well and can offer a unique perspective on the wedding day. | Potential confusion or awkwardness for guests who may not be familiar with non-traditional wedding roles. |
| Potentially easier to coordinate outfits and match the bridal party’s attire. | The potential for added stress or pressure on the female best man to prove herself in a traditionally male role. |
Ultimately, the decision to appoint a female best man should be based on what feels right for you as a couple and what will make your wedding day the most memorable and special to you.
Female celebrities who have served as their male friend’s best man
It is not uncommon for women to be a part of the groom’s wedding party as a groomsmaid or a groomswoman, but what do you call a female best man? The term “best woman” is often used, but some prefer “best lady” or “best person”.
Here are 9 female celebrities who have broken tradition and served as their male friend’s best man:
- Taylor Swift – The pop superstar was the best man at her childhood friend Britany Maack’s wedding in 2016.
- Emma Stone – The Oscar-winning actress was the best man at her brother’s wedding in 2010 and even wore a tuxedo for the occasion.
- Paris Hilton – The socialite served as best man at her brother Barron’s wedding in 2018.
- Erin Foster – The writer and actress was the best man at her father David Foster’s wedding to Katharine McPhee in 2019.
- Jessica Simpson – The singer and fashion designer was the best man at her assistant and longtime friend Lauren Zelman’s wedding in 2011.
- Jenna Bush Hager – The journalist and former first daughter was the best man at her twin sister Barbara’s wedding in 2018.
- Kate Bosworth – The actress was the best man at her friend Jacqui Getty’s wedding in 2016.
- Keke Palmer – The actress and singer was the best man at her friend and stylist Ryan Richman’s wedding in 2018.
- Sara Gilbert – The actress and talk show host was the best man at her friend and former Roseanne co-star Johnny Galecki’s wedding in 2018.
These women have shown that a female best man is just as capable of supporting their friend on their big day as any male best man. And who says bridesmaids can’t wear suits?
Gender-neutral Wedding Traditions for the LGBTQIA+ Community
The LGBTQIA+ community continues to pave new ground and challenge societal norms. With more and more inclusiveness in our society, it is fitting for wedding traditions to evolve to meet the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community. One such tradition that is evolving is the assignment of roles for the bride and groom. Gender-neutral wedding roles provide flexibility and inclusivity for the couple getting married.
- What do you call a female best man?
The role of a best man has been traditionally reserved for the groom’s closest male friend or family member. But with a gender-neutral approach, this role can be filled by a female or non-binary individual, referred to as a Best Person, Best Woman, or even Best Friend. Whatever the term used, the role is the same: to stand by the groom on their big day, plan bachelor festivities and offer support in all aspects of the wedding planning process.
- Why gender-neutral roles are important?
- How gender-neutral roles can be incorporated into different elements of the wedding?
- What are some challenges that couples may face when adopting gender-neutral wedding roles?
Gender-neutral roles provide a meaningful and personalized approach to marriage, which may not have been available to the LGBTQIA+ community in the past. Incorporating these roles into different aspects of the wedding is an excellent way to show support and inclusiveness for all involved. The roles can be incorporated through the wedding party, readings, vows, or even the wedding invitations.
Challenges may arise when adopting these roles. Family members and friends may struggle to understand or support these non-traditional roles. There may be pushback from those who hold on to traditional gender roles. However, it is essential to remember that the wedding is about the couple and their love, not about societal norms or family expectations.
- What does a gender-neutral wedding party look like?
| Gender-Neutral Wedding Party | Traditional Wedding Party |
|---|---|
| Best Person (Non-binary or female) | Best Man (male) |
| Best Person (Non-binary or female) | Groomsmen (male) |
| Groomsmaid (female) | Groomsmen (male) |
| Groomsmaid (female) | Bridesmaids (female) |
| Ring Person (non-binary, male, or female) | Ring Bearer (male) |
| Flower Person (non-binary, male, or female) | Flower Girl (female) |
A gender-neutral wedding party can consist of anyone the couple wishes to stand by their side on their special day. However, the chart above provides an excellent visual for the comparison between traditional and gender-neutral wedding party roles.
Ultimately, gender-neutral wedding traditions allow the couple to create a meaningful and personalized wedding experience that is truly reflective of who they are and what they stand for. It’s an opportunity to challenge societal norms and create a new path that reflects today’s world, which is evolving and accepting of all people, no matter their gender identity or expression.
What Do You Call a Female Best Man?
Q: What is a female best man called?
A: A female best man can be called a “best woman” or simply a “best friend.”
Q: Is it common for a woman to be a best man?
A: While it is not as common as having a male best man, it is becoming more socially acceptable for women to serve as the best man in a wedding.
Q: Can a female best man wear a suit?
A: Yes, a female best man can certainly wear a suit just like a male best man would.
Q: What are some other alternative terms for a female best man?
A: Other terms that can be used to refer to a female best man include “man of honor,” “grooms woman,” or “brother of the bride/groom.”
Q: Does the gender of the best man matter in the wedding ceremony?
A: While traditionally the best man is male, the gender of the person holding the title does not affect the meaning of the ceremony or the love between the couple getting married.
Q: How should a female best man be introduced at the wedding?
A: A female best man can be introduced just like a male best man would, with the title of “best man” or any alternative term chosen by the couple.
Q: Can a female best man give a best man speech?
A: Yes, a female best man can certainly give a best man speech at the wedding reception, just like any other member of the wedding party.
Closing Thoughts
Thank you for taking the time to read about what to call a female best man. As you can see, there are many acceptable ways to refer to someone in this role. Ultimately, it is up to the couple getting married to decide what title they would like their best man to hold. However, it is important to remember that gender should not be a barrier when it comes to celebrating love and friendship. Come back again for more interesting articles!