If you are one of those brides that feel that the role of the “maid of honour” or “bridesmaid” is best given to your closest male friend or your brother, take heart. This is a steadily increasing trend. While there is no formal rule that says only girls can be part of the bride’s entourage, [...]

If you are one of those brides that feel that the role of the “maid of honour” or “bridesmaid” is best given to your closest male friend or your brother, take heart. This is a steadily increasing trend. While there is no formal rule that says only girls can be part of the bride’s entourage, it has become somewhat socially expected. So, break the social norms to ensure that your day is perfect for you and that those most special to you are involved. Some tips if you decide to include men in the bridal party:

• Mention in your speeches how special your bridesmen or Man of Honour is to you and how much you appreciated his / their participation
• He / they should wear suits (as groomsmen usually do). However, you can set him / them apart by adding to their outfits an item that reflects you, as the bride. This can be a special boutonniere, waistcoat or tie.
• He / they should organise a bridal shower for men and women so that there are no awkward moments in which they are the only men in a group of excited girls. Be sensitive to the presence of guys and avoid talking only about ex-boyfriends and shoes.