When planning a wedding, couples often want to include their closest friends and family members in their big day. Traditionally, this means assembling a bridal party, but in some cases, couples may also choose to include a house party. While both groups play important roles in the wedding celebration, they serve different purposes and have distinct responsibilities. Understanding the difference between a bridal party and a house party can help you decide how to honor the special people in your life.

What Is a Bridal Party?

The bridal party refers to the group of individuals who are most closely involved in the wedding. This typically includes the maid or matron of honor, bridesmaids, best man, and groomsmen. Some couples may also include junior bridesmaids, ushers, or even flower girls and ring bearers as part of the bridal party. These individuals are selected by the bride and groom for their close relationship with the couple and are expected to play significant roles in the wedding festivities.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Pre-Wedding Events: Members of the bridal party often help plan and participate in pre-wedding events such as the bridal shower, bachelorette or bachelor parties, and the rehearsal dinner. They support the bride and groom in the lead-up to the wedding day, offering emotional support and helping with various tasks.

• Wedding Day Duties: On the wedding day, the bridal party has specific roles. Bridesmaids and groomsmen typically walk down the aisle, stand at the altar with the couple, and may be involved in special moments like giving toasts or assisting with the reception. The maid of honor and best man have additional responsibilities, such as holding the rings, arranging the bride’s train, or delivering speeches.

• Attire: The bridal party usually wears coordinated or matching outfits selected by the couple, often following a specific color scheme or theme that complements the overall wedding design.

What Is a House Party?

The house party is a Southern wedding tradition that allows couples to include more friends and family members in the wedding without assigning them the formal duties of the bridal party. The house party is made up of individuals who are special to the couple but may not be bridesmaids or groomsmen. These members play a role in the wedding, but their responsibilities are generally more flexible and less involved.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Wedding Day Assistance: Members of the house party are often assigned specific tasks during the wedding day, such as greeting guests, handing out programs, managing the guest book, or helping with the reception. They might also assist with the ceremony by performing readings, lighting candles, or guiding guests to their seats.

• Attire: While the house party’s attire is usually coordinated with the wedding’s color scheme, it is typically less formal than that of the bridal party. Members of the house party might wear dresses or suits that complement the wedding theme, but they are not required to match the bridal party’s outfits.

• Recognition: The house party is often recognized in the wedding program or during the reception. While they may not be as central to the ceremony as the bridal party, they are still honored as important participants in the celebration.

Key Differences Between a Bridal Party and a House Party

1. Roles and Responsibilities:

• The bridal party is more closely involved in both the pre-wedding events and the wedding day itself. They have defined roles, such as walking down the aisle, standing at the altar, and assisting the couple throughout the event.

• The house party has a more flexible role, primarily assisting with specific tasks on the wedding day. They may be involved in the ceremony in a less formal capacity and do not have the same level of responsibility as the bridal party.

2. Involvement in the Ceremony:

• Members of the bridal party typically play a central role in the ceremony, standing alongside the couple at the altar.

• The house party generally does not stand at the altar but may participate in other ways, such as handing out programs or performing readings.

3. Attire:

• The bridal party wears matching or coordinated outfits chosen by the couple, often following a specific theme.

• The house party’s attire is usually more flexible, coordinated with the wedding’s color scheme but not required to match the bridal party.

4. Recognition:

• The bridal party receives significant recognition throughout the wedding events and ceremony, often being highlighted during toasts, photos, and special moments.

• The house party is acknowledged as an important part of the celebration, though they may not receive the same level of recognition as the bridal party.

Choosing the Right Approach for Your Wedding

Deciding whether to have a bridal party, a house party, or both depends on your preferences, the size of your wedding, and the people you want to include. The bridal party is ideal for those closest to you who are ready to take on significant roles and responsibilities, while the house party allows you to honor additional friends and family members in a meaningful but less formal way.

At Michelle Leo Events, we’re here to help you navigate these decisions and create a wedding that reflects your unique vision. Whether you’re assembling a traditional bridal party, a house party, or something entirely different, our team is ready to assist with every detail. If you have any questions or need guidance, don’t hesitate to contact us!