Have you noticed that when it comes down to choosing your bride, things are not as simple as they seem? Some know from the start who their bridesmaid will be, while others are debating with themselves as to who should stand in that major role. Brides often choose their best friend or a close family member to fill these shoes. But if she has a ring on her finger, you might ask yourself – can a married woman be a bridesmaid?
There’s no rule against married bridesmaids in modern UK weddings. Traditions have evolved, and what matters most is choosing people who support and celebrate your love story. When it comes to bridesmaids’ rules for married women, modern etiquette is quite flexible.
Our Big Day Productions team of photographers has captured countless weddings where married bridesmaids stood proudly in the bridal party, adding warmth and wisdom to the day. Read on to learn why having a married woman as a bridesmaid presents no obstacle.
Considerations and Etiquette Tips
We had a client who shared how her married bridesmaid organised a surprise unity candle ritual at their Peak District wedding. It turned out to be pure magic on film. And while there’s no issue with having married bridesmaids, we’d like to run a few thoughtful steps by you to ensure harmony.
- Whatever the case, titles matter. So it’s best to call her ‘matron of honour’ if leading, or simply ‘bridesmaid.’ You may want to discuss with her what feels right.
- Think about the dress and style. Mismatched dresses flatter different body types, so you will want to opt for mix-and-match palettes for inclusivity.
- Create family balance and involve spouses or kids subtly, like family photos post-ceremony.
Bridesmaids Traditions Through History
We’ve photographed bridesmaids of all life stages at events like a recent intimate ceremony at Hever Castle, where a married mum-of-two shone as chief bridesmaid. Therefore, if we look back at old wedding etiquette, it suggests that bridesmaids should be unmarried, with a married woman serving as matron of honour. This mostly stemmed from historical superstitions and roles. However, today, it’s all about personal choice.
- Historically, bridesmaids were single women, often used to confuse evil spirits or rival brides. Usually, married women become matrons through their experience.
- Creating inclusive bridal parties means that modern couples now prioritise close relationships over marital status.
- Geographically speaking, no legal restrictions exist in the UK for having a married bridesmaid. All you need to do is focus on your vision for your Cotswolds barn or a grand London wedding.
The Benefits of Having Married Bridesmaids
It’s safe to say that married bridesmaids bring some strong qualities to your bridal party. Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Life experience and calm advice during planning stress are rare. You can simply be sure that your married bridesmaids will be there to coordinate outfits or handle those family dynamics.
- They are reliable and often more organised. How? Because they juggle their own commitments while providing you with their full support.
- You will want to take advantage of their emotional depth. Use their wedding insights to personalise moments, such as vow tweaks or reception surprises.
Our Packages Support Your Bridal Party
Big Day Productions‘ wedding photography and videography packages shine here. Our premium option covers bridal prep through to first dance, with two shooters for full coverage. This setup means no moment’s missed, like a married bridesmaid adjusting the bride’s veil, adding emotional value far beyond basic snaps.
| Package Feature | Benefit for Bridal Party |
| Dual photographers | One focuses on bridesmaids’ preparation; the other on key moments. |
| Videographer sync | Captures laughter and tears in 4K, edited into a cinematic story. |
| Unlimited edits | Hundreds of images, no rush—perfect for group shots at venues like Blenheim Palace. |
Real Client Stories from Our Weddings
Testimonials show how we support diverse bridal parties and moments, including heartfelt readings at a Lake District elopement to lively dances on Brighton beach. Our photographers and videographers collaborate closely to ensure perfect coverage without disruption. Here are some real client stories from weddings we’ve had the honour to capture across the UK.
Henry Folds said, “Big Day Productions, we’re simply fantastic and produced such a lovely wedding video that my wife and I will cherish. Emmanuel was our videographer, and he was great. He made us feel very at ease, and captured some wonderful clips which are stunning in the finished wedding video. I couldn’t recommend Big Day Productions more!”
N French left the following review: “Wow, we were so pleased with our final video from Big Day Productions. Andrius was brilliant the whole day, capturing everything so perfectly – lots of parts we had forgotten about in the busyness of the day, so it was amazing to relive it all. The quality of the video is cinema-worthy. We also loved that we could have the 5-minute highlight reel to share with friends and family, and also the feature-length film, which we can watch back year after year. Thank you so much for capturing our day so perfectly – memories to last a lifetime!”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the difference between a maid of honour and a matron of honour?
Maid is typically for unmarried, matron for married, but many skip titles altogether for simplicity.
2. Should married bridesmaids wear different dresses?
Not necessary. Uniform styles work if flattering, or mix for individuality.
3. How do you handle costs for married bridesmaids with families?
Discuss expectations early; cover dresses if possible, but share the costs fairly.
4. Can children of married bridesmaids join the party?
Yes, as flower bearers or pageboys, adding family charm.
5. Is this common in UK celebrity weddings?
Absolutely, modern royals and stars often include married pals for genuine support.
Conclusion
So, can a married woman be a bridesmaid? Yes! At Big Day Productions, we love how this mix creates dynamic photos. We want you to think candid laughs during prep at a Surrey countryside estate, where our photographers and videographers team up seamlessly. Our full-day packages capture these genuine interactions, with videographers filming heartfelt chats while photographers nail those key portraits, delivering incredible value through edited highlight reels.
Ready to plan your dream wedding with a bridal party that feels just right? We’d love to chat about capturing your day. At Big Day Productions, our team is here to make your vision shine, so get in touch today.
