groomsmaid
Female wedding attendant
A groomsmaid is a female attendant who stands with the groom at a wedding, the counterpart to a bridesmaid standing with the bride.
The role emerged as wedding parties became less rigidly gendered—a groom might ask a close female friend or sister to be part of his party rather than the bride's: My best friend since childhood was my groomsmaid.
Groom's primary attendant
- matron of honorMarried principal wedding attendant
- bridesmenMale wedding attendants
- attendantOne who assists others
- flower girlYouth strewing petals at weddings
ring bearer · usher · wedding party · processional · bouquet · boutonniere · aisle · altar
Trusted female friend
- allySupportive partner
- friendshipBond of mutual affection
- loyaltyFaithful commitment to another
- solidarityUnity among allies
encouragement · emotional support · preparation · getting ready · dress fitting · speech · toast · helper
Departing from established norms
- mixed-genderComprising multiple genders
- equalitySame status for all
- inclusivityPractice of welcoming all
- nonbinaryOutside male-female categories
progressive · modern · unconventional · LGBTQ+ · acceptance · fluidity · genderqueer · nonconformity
Arranging for future events
- organizingSystematically putting in order
- dress shoppingSeeking attire to purchase
- suit fittingSizing a formal garment
- hostingReceiving guests socially
coordinating · decorating · timeline · errands · troubleshooting · setup · cleanup · photography
best man
Groom's primary attendant
- matron of honorMarried principal wedding attendant
- bridesmenMale wedding attendants
- attendantOne who assists others
flower girl · ring bearer · usher · wedding party · processional · bouquet · boutonniere · aisle · altar · vows
confidante
Trusted female friend
- allySupportive partner
- friendshipBond of mutual affection
- loyaltyFaithful commitment to another
solidarity · encouragement · emotional support · preparation · getting ready · dress fitting · speech · toast · helper · companion
nontraditional
Departing from established norms
- mixed-genderComprising multiple genders
- equalitySame status for all
- inclusivityPractice of welcoming all
nonbinary · progressive · modern · unconventional · LGBTQ+ · acceptance · fluidity · genderqueer · nonconformity · open-mindedness
planning
Arranging for future events
- organizingSystematically putting in order
- dress shoppingSeeking attire to purchase
- suit fittingSizing a formal garment
hosting · coordinating · decorating · timeline · errands · troubleshooting · setup · cleanup · photography · emergency kit