Is your best guy friend joining your bachelorette party? Your wonderful sister standing at the altar with you alongside your groomsmen? We love that couples are included their favorite people in their bridal party – no matter their gender!

Mixed-gender or coed bridal parties are becoming the norm & we are fully on board. It's hard to imagine my life without my own best guy friends, who are just as important to me as my ladies! If you, too, have male friendships you'd like to honor, putting them in your bridal party is a perfect way to let them know how special they are.

But, when you do that, it may be prudent to adopt some more modern ideas & language for your coed bridal party. As cool as your guy may be partying with your girls, you might put some extra thought into making sure the events aren't all about ‘the ladies'. The same goes for your best lady friend with your groomsmen. It's all about making your besties comfortable together, no matter who they are, no matter their gender. Your “‘I do' Crew”, “wedding party”, or “party people” will surely appreciate your thoughtfulness.

So, our friends at Be Inspired PR have rounded up their team of wedding industry experts to dish their best tips on how to do a mixed-gender wedding party right…

Avoid bridal-based terms.

“Forgo the use of “bridal” terms – bridal party, bridal suite, etc. and stick to more general terms to keep your group feeling included! Wedding party, getting ready suite, etc. are more modern terms that can be used interchangeably for anyone on your wedding day!” – AJ Williams, Founder & Creative Director, AJ Events

Ditch the old-fashioned gender roles.

“Yes, your Man-of-Honor can be the one bustling your wedding dress! Of course, your Best Lady can give the toast to the groom! Wedding day tasks & jobs traditionally done by certain genders – just like in real life – need to be forgotten. The people who love you & came to support you can be involved in whatever role you or they see fit.” – Claire Eliza, Editor-in-Chief of Bridal Musings

Don't feel pressured to use standard opposite-sex pairings.

“Especially for things like your processional and recessional, your wedding party entrance into the reception, or even for photographs, don't feel like you have to stick to traditional opposite-sex pairings. Instead, have members of the wedding party walk in by themselves, or choose their partner based on who they're closest to in the group! It'll feel more natural that way anyways – gender-neutral wedding party or not!” – AJ Williams, Founder & Creative Director, AJ Events

Photo by Melia Lucida

Ask your wedding party what they want.

“Sometimes we get so caught up in planning our ‘wedding vision' we forget to just ask our best friends what they want to wear & do on our wedding day. This is particularly key with a gender-neutral wedding party. They might have an incredible idea or inspiration for what to wear that fits into your wedding scheme. Maybe your gals actually want to wear suits. Maybe your guy friend doesn't want to dress super feminine to match your ladies. Rather than imposing your views on how a gender-neutral bridal party should be, ask what your friends are comfortable with. ” – Claire Eliza, Editor-in-Chief of Bridal Musings

Think beyond kids.

“If kids will not be in attendance on your wedding day, try trading in the usual Flower Girl for a Flower Man or Flower Woman! Filling this spot not only allows you to incorporate another important person into the ceremony but also brings a bit of added fun for whoever takes on this role.” – Ari Busch, Bridal Bliss

Simplify your style by working with your original ideas!

“When deciding to have a gender-neutral wedding party, there's no need to alter your original vision for your wedding party's fashion!

Love the idea of having your bridesmaids in blush pink chiffon gowns? Have your “best guy” or “man of honor” wear complementary accessories, such as a blush tie and a blush silk pocket square. Obsessed with the trend of having bridesmaids wear mix and match printed gowns? Select a suit for the guys in your group that will work well to complement all of the ladies' gowns, such as a neutral tan option. You could even choose something a little bolder, like a mauve or olive tone, depending on the shades found in the dresses.

Fashion possibilities are endless, so have fun with it and don't overthink it and your wedding party will all look seamlessly coordinated!” – Matt Ramirez, SVP of Marketing, Generation Tux

Host a Combined Bachelor & Bachelorette Party.

“You know that saying of ‘How to get the perfect bikini body: buy a bikini, put it on your body?'” The same goes for having a gender-neutral wedding party! Your attendants should be made up of those who supported, upheld, and have loved on you as a couple from the get-go. No matter the gender, make sure they're up there with you as you tie the knot.

You can even consider having a combined bachelor and bachelorette party where a group experience is had followed by a great meal together, so no one's feeling left out. As always, make sure everyone's comfortable beforehand, and have a great time!” – Ashley Lachney, Owner of Alston Mayger Events

Photo by Melia Lucida

Shopping for your wedding party outfits? Here are our favorite places to buy bridesmaid dresses & groomsmen outfits.

These tips were gathered by Be Inspired PR, a PR + Social Media Agency for wedding, wellness & lifestyle clients. With over 10+ years of experience, we’re here to take our clients to the next level! Find oodles of stylish wedding inspiration on their Instagram & Pinterest.