Bridesmaids: Can I Choose Married Friends?

Q:

I have a very close married friend who I would like to include in the wedding. I already have a Maid of Honor, and while I recognize that I could have a Matron of Honor as well, I really wanted to only recognize my Maid of Honor in that way. Can I have my married friend as a bridesmaid in the wedding?

A:

Yes, absolutely! The idea that a bride needs to be surrounded by unmarried women is ancient history, and unless all your closest friends do happen to be unwed, it might as well stay that way. There's no reason you can't ask a married friend to be a maid. You can refer to her as a bridesmaid in your programs, and everywhere else too -- no need for a bridesmatron title. Think of it this way: Being a bridesmaid is more like being a "Ms." than a "Miss."