Ceremony
Wedding Party
The friends and family who stand with the couple at the ceremony — bridesmaids, groomsmen, attendants, and the maid/matron of honor and best man.
The wedding party traditionally includes 3-8 attendants per partner, plus a maid/matron of honor and best man. Modern couples blend genders freely (bridesman, groomswoman) and shrink the party for intimate weddings.
Attendants are typically responsible for: attending the rehearsal, signing the witness line on the marriage license (one each), giving a toast (honor attendants), and helping with day-of logistics. Make their responsibilities explicit when you ask them.
Related terms
Processional
The walk down the aisle at the start of the ceremony, in a set order of wedding party and couple.
Recessional
The exit from the ceremony, with the couple leaving first followed by the wedding party in reverse pair order.
First Look
A private moment where the couple sees each other in wedding attire before the ceremony, photographed by the wedding photographer.