When I got married my wedding party was a little different from most. My “maid” of honor was a man. My closest friend was a man I had known since grade school. We had been inseparable for nearly 15 years and we had promised each other that nothing would change that. So I knew exactly who would be standing behind me when I said, “I do!”

This originally caused some conflict with my soon to be mother in law. Immediately after my fiancée and I announced our engagement she began pulling out fashion and bridal magazines, pointing out full length pink taffeta gowns and frilly garments that none of my friends would like. Finally after about an hour of this parade of media I stood up and said, “Those are great, but I don’t think Dave will look very good in pink taffeta.”

She was flabbergasted. She yelled at me. All I can remember is her statement that men could not be bridesmaids. After she calmed down I explained my friendship with Dave to her. I told her that he was the closest thing I had to a sibling and that I thought it would be a good idea for my fiancées sister to be his “best man.” Knowing that I wanted their family involved in the wedding helped to calm her down, but I think she would have come around when she saw the attire available for such weddings.

I took my mother in law shopping with us to pick out the formal wear for the event. I choose to rent tuxedos for the entire wedding party and picked cummerbunds that would match my flowers. The way my niece, our flower girl, looked in her little skirt tux cinched the deal. Everyone was happy and the wedding party looked amazing.

If you have found yourself in a situation where either the bride or groom wishes to have an assortment of coed attendants, don’t fret. This is not an uncommon situation. The key to making this work is the style you dress your attendants in and the manner by which they walk down the aisle.

Don’t Embarrass Anyone

Be sure to find clothing that will not make anyone stand out. They are your attendants because you care about each other, don’t embarrass them or you may end up embarrassing yourself. Also when you determine the order by which your attendants walk down the aisle do not mix the couples. You should order the walk in single file. First a bridal attendant should enter and then a groom’s attendant until they are all in the appropriate places. This split pattern will make the walk in look spectacular, rather than making anyone look like a spectacle.

Choose Your Friends

Remember who your friends are when choosing your wedding party. Don’t make someone fell left out just because of gender. It is your wedding. You should have the people with you that support you the most. If you want a coed wedding and your fiancée is agreeable don’t let anyone change your mind. You will be very glad you made this decision and your guests will compliment your very modern idea!