Congratulations — you’re engaged! You’ve just entered that glorious, slightly overwhelming stage where every decision feels equally exciting and enormous. Before the venue tours and vendor contracts take over, you get to do one of the most fun things: choose the people who will stand beside you.
Just getting started with wedding planning? Before the details pile up, one of the best moves you can make is locking in your photographer early — venues book fast, but so do photographers. If you’re still exploring venues in the Atlanta area, I’ve put together some in-depth guides to help: How to Choose a Wedding Venue, Top 13 Boutique Hotels in Atlanta for Your Wedding, Hidden Gem Wedding Venues in Atlanta, & 6 Garden Party Wedding Venues in Atlanta are a few great places to start.
Now, back to your people!
The Problem With “Bridal Party”
The term “bridal party” has been around forever, but it doesn’t fit every couple. It centers the bride, which means it completely sidelines couples where there isn’t one. After photographing dozens of LGBTQ+ and non-traditional weddings over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how much it matters to couples that their wedding language actually reflects them — not a template someone else wrote.
So if you’re looking for something that fits better, here are some options.
Gender-Neutral Terms for the Whole Group
“Wedding party” and “wedding attendants” are the safe, easy defaults — and there’s nothing wrong with them. But if you want something with more personality, here’s what I’ve heard from real couples over the years:
- I Do Crew / Wedding Squad / Wedding Posse
- Dream Team / Inner Circle / In-Crowd
- Friends of Honor / Commitment Crew / Partners in Crime
- Mates / Wedding Pals / Party People
Some couples flip traditionally gendered terms on their head for fun — “Broomsmate” and “Gridesmate” (a bride/groom mashup) are two I’ve genuinely loved seeing on programs.
Nerdy, Fandom, and Pop Culture Inspired Names
Some of my favorite weddings have been the ones where couples bring their actual interests into the day. If your people are your fellowship, your coven, or your crew — name them accordingly:
- The Fellowship / Adventure Party / The Company
- Factions (Jedi and Sith, anyone?)
- Henchpeople / Accomplices / Co-Conspirators
- Minions / Rogue’s Gallery / Entourage
- The Cast / The Band / The Players
Your wedding should feel like you. The more specific it is, the better the photos — and the better the whole day.
Animal Group Names (Genuinely Underrated)
I have a soft spot for collective animal nouns. Some of them are accidentally perfect:
- Troop / Flock / Pack / Pod / Clan / Herd
- Coalition / Conspiracy / Hive
“Hive” works especially well if your people will be buzzing around helping coordinate on the day. And if you really want to commit, “a dazzle” (zebras) or “a flamboyance” (flamingos) would make for an extremely good wedding program.
Titles for Your Most Important Person
If you want to give one person a specific title, here’s how to think about it:
- Made of Honor — you know I’m here for a pun
- Best Man / Best Woman — straightforward swaps that still work well
- Best Person — the cleanest gender-neutral option
- Friend of Honor / Best Friend / Best Sibling — personal and warm
- Best [Their Name] — specific and sweet
Or Nothing at All
You don’t have to title anyone. Call them by their names, honor their pronouns, and go with what actually feels right for your group. Ask them directly — you might be surprised what they prefer.
Ready to Start Planning the Real Stuff?
If you’ve just gotten engaged and you’re starting to think about photography, the best time to reach out is earlier than you think — most couples book their photographer 12–18 months out, especially for popular venues and dates.
I specialize in documentary wedding photography for couples who want real moments over posed ones, and I work with couples of all backgrounds, identities, and celebration styles.
