Modern weddings are beautifully varied, and wedding parties no longer fit into a single, traditional mould. One question that comes up more often than you might expect is: what do you call a man in the bridesmaids’ party, and how should he dress?
The short answer is that there is no single rule, but there is a right way to approach it.
What Is He Called?
A man standing on the bride’s side of the wedding party is most commonly referred to as a bridesman. You may also hear terms like man of honour if he holds a role traditionally associated with the maid of honour, or simply member of the bridal party.
The title itself matters far less than the intent. He is there to support the bride, stand with her, and be visually cohesive with the rest of the wedding party. From a style perspective, that last part is where the real consideration begins. For more on bridesman etiquette, including how to define the role and integrate him seamlessly, see this guide on Bridesman and Groomswoman Etiquette.
How Should He Be Dressed?
The key principle is cohesiveness, not duplication.
A bridesman should feel aligned with the bridesmaids while still looking appropriate, confident, and comfortable in formalwear. The goal is not to dress him like a groomsman, but also not to place him in something that feels like an afterthought.
Colour and Tone Come First
Rather than matching the groomsmen, his look should reference the bridesmaids’ colour palette. This might mean:
- A suit in a complementary shade to the bridesmaids’ dresses
- A tie, pocket square, or shirt that echoes their colour or texture
- Softer tones if the bridal party palette leans romantic or seasonal
This visual link signals that he belongs on the bride’s side without forcing an exact match. Explore practical tips on coordinating accessories like ties or pocket squares to bridesmaid colors in this overview on Everything You Need to Know About Having a Bridesman.
Suiting Over Uniformity
A well-fitted suit is almost always the right choice. Whether it’s a two-piece or three-piece, the suit should feel intentional and elevated, not like a rental pulled from the groomsmen’s lineup.
The cut and fabric matter just as much as the colour. A slightly softer construction, lighter cloth, or more relaxed silhouette can help distinguish his look from the groom’s party while keeping everything refined.
Accessories Do the Quiet Work
Accessories are where cohesion really comes together. A carefully chosen tie, boutonnière, or pocket square can tie his outfit back to the bridesmaids without overwhelming the look.
This is where restraint is important. The objective is harmony, not attention. When done well, the result feels effortless in photos and natural in person.
The Bigger Picture: Every Wedding Is Different
There is no universal formula for dressing a bridesman, and that’s exactly the point. Every wedding has its own tone, setting, and story. A coastal ceremony, a formal ballroom wedding, and a garden celebration will all call for different interpretations of the same role.
What matters most is that his outfit is:
- Thoughtfully considered
- Aligned with the bridal party
- Appropriate for the formality of the day
When those elements are in place, the title fades into the background and the overall look feels complete. For more on creating cohesive wedding attire across the party, see our weddings page.
Final Thought
A man in the bridesmaids’ party doesn’t need a rigid set of rules, but he does need intention. When his attire is chosen with the same care as the rest of the wedding party, the result is seamless, modern, and visually cohesive.
And in a wedding, that sense of cohesion is what makes everything look and feel right.
