What is an Honorary Bridesmaid? Everything You Need to Know

When it comes to wedding planning, there are many traditions and customs that couples can choose to follow or modify. One such tradition is the bridal party, which typically includes bridesmaids and groomsmen who support the couple throughout the wedding planning process and on the big day. However, there is another type of bridal party member that has gained popularity in recent years: the honorary bridesmaid.

In this article we will share everything you need to know about honorary bridesmaids and their duties.

What is an Honorary Bridesmaid

An honorary bridesmaid is a member of the bridal party who is not included in the official bridesmaid lineup but still plays a significant role in the wedding.

They are often close friends or family members who the bride wishes to include in the wedding festivities but may not be able to commit to the responsibilities of a traditional bridesmaid.

While the duties of an honorary bridesmaid may vary depending on the bride’s preferences, they typically participate in all pre-wedding events such as bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and rehearsal dinners.

They may also help with wedding planning tasks, such as addressing invitations or creating wedding favors.

One of the significant benefits of having an honorary bridesmaid is that it allows the bride to include more of her loved ones in the wedding festivities without adding to the size of the bridal party.

It also provides an opportunity for the bride to honor a close friend or family member who may not be able to commit to the time and financial obligations of a traditional bridesmaid.

It is important to note that while an honorary bridesmaid is not an official member of the bridal party, they should still be included in all pre-wedding events and treated with the same respect and appreciation as the bridesmaids.

Reasons for Having an Honorary Bridesmaid

Geographical Limitations

One of the most common reasons for having an honorary bridesmaid is to include someone who is unable to attend the wedding due to geographical limitations.

For example, if the bride has a close friend or family member who lives in another country or state and cannot travel for the wedding, she may choose to honor them by making them an honorary bridesmaid.

This allows the bride to still recognize and include this important person in her special day, even if they cannot physically be there.

Family Dynamics

Family dynamics can also be a reason for having an honorary bridesmaid. For example, if the bride has a step-sister or step-mother that she wants to include in the bridal party, but does not want to give them the same responsibilities as her biological sisters or mother, she may choose to make them an honorary bridesmaid.

This allows the bride to acknowledge and include these important family members without causing any tension or conflict within the bridal party.

Special Relationships

Another reason for having an honorary bridesmaid is to recognize a special relationship with someone who may not fit the traditional bridesmaid role. For example, if the bride has a male friend or a close co-worker who she wants to include in the wedding party, but does not want to make them a groomsmen, she may choose to make them an honorary bridesmaid.

This allows the bride to recognize and include this special person in her wedding day in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to their relationship.

Having an honorary bridesmaid can be a great way to include important people in your wedding day, even if they do not fit the traditional bridesmaid role. Whether it’s due to geographical limitations, family dynamics, or a special relationship, an honorary bridesmaid can be a wonderful addition to any bridal party.

Who Can Be an Honorary Bridesmaid?

An honorary bridesmaid can be anyone the bride wants to honor on her big day. They are not limited to the bride’s immediate family or friends. The bride can choose anyone she wants to be an honorary bridesmaid, as long as they are willing to take on the responsibilities and duties that come with the role.

Commonly, honorary bridesmaids are chosen from among the bride’s relatives or close family friends who may not be able to participate as fully in the wedding planning process. They may be older relatives, such as a grandmother or aunt, who would be honored to have a special role in the wedding.

Additionally, the bride may choose to honor a close friend or mentor who has played an important role in her life. An honorary bridesmaid can also be a celebrity or public figure who the bride admires and wants to include in her special day.

Ultimately, the decision of who to choose as an honorary bridesmaid is up to the bride. It is a personal decision that should be made with careful consideration, as the he or she will be an important part of the wedding party and play a significant role in the celebration.

What is the difference between a Bridesmaid and an Honorary Bridesmaid?

When it comes to weddings, there are a lot of roles to fill, and sometimes it can be confusing to know who does what. Two roles that are often misunderstood are bridesmaids and honorary bridesmaids.

Here are the key differences between the two:

• A bridesmaid is a member of the wedding party, while an honorary bridesmaid is not.

• Bridesmaids have specific duties, such as helping the bride with wedding planning, attending pre-wedding events, and standing with the bride during the ceremony. Honorary bridesmaids, on the other hand, do not have any specific duties, but they are still invited to attend all pre-wedding events.

• Bridesmaids usually wear matching dresses, while honorary bridesmaids can wear whatever they like.

It’s important to note that just because someone is an honorary bridesmaid doesn’t mean they are any less important than a regular bridesmaid. In fact, many brides choose to include honorary bridesmaids because they want to include close friends or family members who live far away or who can’t commit to the responsibilities of being a bridesmaid.

To sum it up, the main difference between a bridesmaid and an honorary bridesmaid is their level of involvement in the wedding planning process. While bridesmaids have specific duties and responsibilities, honorary bridesmaids are simply there to support the bride and participate in pre-wedding events.

Roles and Responsibilities of an Honorary Bridesmaid

Pre-Wedding Duties

An honorary bridesmaid is an additional member of the bridal party, chosen by the bride, whose duties vary depending on the bride’s preferences. Typically, the s/he is not required to attend all pre-wedding events, but s/he may be invited to participate in some of them.

Here are some of the pre-wedding duties that an honorary bridesmaid may be asked to perform:

• Assist with planning and hosting an engagement or bachelorette party for the bride-to-be.
• Help with the bridal shower, if there is one.
• Attend the wedding dress shopping trip and offer opinions and support.
• Assist with wedding planning tasks, such as addressing invitations or assembling favors.

Wedding Day Duties

On the wedding day, the honorary bridesmaid is expected to attend the ceremony and reception, just like the other bridesmaids. However, his or her duties may be different from those of the other bridesmaids.

Here are some of the wedding day duties that they may be asked to perform:

• Walk down the aisle with the other bridesmaids.
• Sit in the front row during the ceremony.
• Be available to help the bride with any last-minute needs or requests.
• Participate in the bridal party photos.

Honorary Bridesmaids and Destination Weddings: What to know

If the wedding is a destination wedding, the honorary bridesmaid may have additional responsibilities. She may need to help the bride with travel arrangements, such as booking flights or finding accommodations.

The honorary bridesmaid may need to attend more pre-wedding events if they are all taking place during the destination wedding trip.

It’s important to note that while honorary bridesmaids are given a special role in the wedding party, they are not required to perform all of the same duties as the other bridesmaids.

The bride should communicate her expectations clearly with the honorary bridesmaid and ensure that she is comfortable with the role before asking her to participate.

What Are Honorary Bridesmaid Titles?

Honorary bridesmaids are members of the bridal party who are not obligated to perform the same duties as regular bridesmaids. Instead, they are given honorary titles to recognize their importance to the bride and groom.

Some common honorary bridesmaid titles include:

• Maid of Honor Emeritus
• Bridesman
• Man of Honor
• Flower Grandmother
• Junior Bridesmaid
• Ring Bearer

These titles can be given to anyone the bride and groom want to recognize, regardless of gender or age. For example, a bride might want to include her best male friend in the wedding party as a bridesman or a groom might want to honor his grandmother by giving her the title of Flower Grandmother.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of Bridesmaids?

Bridesmaids can be divided into two types: regular bridesmaids and honorary bridesmaids.

Regular bridesmaids are usually close friends or family members of the bride who have specific duties to fulfill such as helping the bride with wedding preparations, organizing the bridal shower, and standing next to the bride during the ceremony.

On the other hand, honorary bridesmaids are additional members of the bridal party chosen by the bride, who may or may not have specific duties to fulfill.

Creative ways to recognize your Honorary Bridesmaid?

If you want to recognize your honorary bridesmaid, here are some creative ways to do so:

• Give them a special title or badge that sets them apart from regular guests.
• Include them in pre-wedding events such as the bridal shower or bachelorette party.
• Ask them to give a speech or a toast during the reception.
• Gift them with a personalized item such as a piece of jewelry or a monogrammed robe.

Remember, the role of an honorary bridesmaid is flexible and can be customized to fit your needs. Be sure to communicate your expectations and responsibilities with them to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings.

Choosing an honorary bridesmaid is a great way to include someone special in your wedding day without putting pressure on them to fulfill traditional bridesmaid duties. It’s a growing trend that allows brides to honor close friends or family members who may not be able to commit to the responsibilities of a regular bridesmaid.

Remember, the duties of an honorary bridesmaid can vary depending on the bride’s preferences and the individual’s availability. However, it’s important to communicate clearly with them about what is expected of them so they can make an informed decision about their level of involvement.

If you’re considering having an honorary bridesmaid, make sure to choose someone who is supportive, reliable, and will add to the overall joy and celebration of your special day. And don’t forget to express your gratitude for their participation in a meaningful way, whether it’s with a heartfelt toast, a special gift, or simply a sincere thank you.