Gender-Neutral and Inclusive Wedding Terms

Pride Month is a meaningful time to celebrate the contributions and acknowledge the challenges of the LGBTQ+ community. As society becomes more inclusive, wedding ceremonies are evolving to reflect the rich diversity of love and partnerships. A key aspect of this shift is the adoption of gender-neutral wedding terms, designed to celebrate and include all couples. These terms aren’t just for LGBTQ+ individuals — they offer a thoughtful way to ensure everyone feels valued and comfortable, no matter their gender, pronouns, or presentation. Many of these terms are far from new or unfamiliar; they often stem from language you already know, making them both accessible and meaningful.

Gender-neutral language: a definition

There’s a lot more diversity than just male and female, bride and groom, husband and wife, Mr and Mrs. Gender-neutral language simply means avoiding using these common binary terms, and using more inclusive options instead, like ‘partner’ or ‘couple’.

Mx

A gender-neutral alternative to the gender-specific titles of ‘Mr’, ‘Miss’, ‘Mrs’ and ‘Ms’, pronounced ‘mix’. This is useful for non-binary and gender-fluid individuals, and also in situations where the gender identity of a person either isn’t specified, or doesn’t need to be specified. It can also be applied to contexts outside of weddings and marriage. After all, gender-inclusive language isn’t limited to relationship talk alone, but can and should be used in all areas of modern life.

Nearlywed/Marrier/To-Be-Wed

These are excellent gender-neutral alternatives to ‘bride’ or ‘groom,’ perfect for describing those who are engaged and planning their wedding day. Whether singular or plural, these terms work seamlessly on everything from save-the-dates and invitations to engagement parties and pre-wedding photo shoots.

Newlywed(s)

The counterpart to newlyweds, used to describe newly married individuals after the wedding. It’s a widely used and familiar gender-neutral term that can replace ‘wife’ and ‘husband’.

Fiancé

A gender-neutral term to refer to the person you’re engaged to marry. This version removes the gender distinctions associated with the traditional spellings of “fiancé” (for a male) and “fiancée” (for a female), making it an inclusive and versatile alternative to bride and groom.

Spouse

Spouse is like newlywed, but can refer to married individuals regardless of their gender or the time frame. A popular inclusive term both within and outside of the LGBTQ+ community.

Partner, couple, significant other, other half

These familiar and versatile terms are perfect for referring to someone in a relationship without specifying gender or sexual orientation. They’re suitable for any stage of a relationship, not just weddings or marriage, making them excellent alternatives to traditional terms like ‘bride’ and ‘groom,’ ‘husband’ and ‘wife,’ or even ‘boyfriend’ and ‘girlfriend.’

Partner A & Partner B

A gender-neutral alternative to ‘bride’ and ‘groom’ in situations where a couple needs to put down each of their names (such as on vendor intake forms and contracts).

Best Person/Person of Honour

You might be familiar with terms like ‘Best Woman’ or ‘Man of Honour’ for non-traditional wedding party roles. For a more inclusive option, consider using ‘Best Person’ or ‘Person of Honour.’ As the couple, it’s thoughtful to check with your closest friends and ask which term they’d prefer for their role in your wedding and then honour their choice. After all, these special members of your wedding party deserve to feel valued, supported, and respected.

Wedding Attendants/Wedding Party Members

These non-gendered alternatives to traditional terms like ‘bridesmaids’ and ‘groomsmen’ — or even the more modern but still gendered ‘bridesmates’ and ‘groomsmaids’ — offer an inclusive option that allows couples greater flexibility in choosing their wedding party. Since these individuals play such an important role in your celebration, using inclusive language ensures everyone feels equally valued and respected.

Ring Bearer & Flower Child/Flower Person

The traditional ‘ring bearer’ is already naturally gender-neutral. ‘Flower child’ or ‘flower person’ are both inclusive and non-gendered alternatives to the traditionally gendered ‘flower girl’. Both give the couple more freedom over which children to include in their wedding proceedings. They also let the children themselves identify as whichever gender they wish.

Primary Bouquet/Main Bouquet

An inclusive alternative to bridal bouquet, carried by one of the nearlyweds. If both nearylweds are carrying bouquets, use Partner A and Partner B terminology to refer to whose are whose.

Bachelorx

‘Bachelorx’ falls within the same group as ‘bachelor’ and ‘bachelorette’, pronounced ‘bachelor-ex’. It describes a person who is unmarried and has never been married. The suffix ‘x’ eliminates the gendered associations and makes the term more inclusive. Similarly, call any pre-wedding party with wedding attendants a bachelorx or bach party, instead of bachelor or bachelorette party.

Wedding Shower

A non-gendered way of referring to the pre-wedding event where family and friends can shower the couple with presents from their gift list in anticipation of the big day.

Wedding Suite

A non-gendered alternative to the traditional bridal suite. This is the room (or rooms) in the wedding venue where the wedding party can get ready and prepare for the ceremony.

Wedding Outfit/Wedding Gown/Wedding Boutique

A gender-neutral term for the attire worn by either partner on their wedding day, whether it’s a gown, suit, or another outfit. Likewise, opting for ‘wedding boutique’ instead of ‘bridal boutique’ removes gendered language, creating a more inclusive experience for wedding outfit shopping.

Celebrant

An inclusive and non-gendered term for a person who performs and officiates a wedding ceremony, regardless of their religious, spiritual or secular background.

Head Table/Table #1

A non-gendered, non-patriarchal and apolitical alternative to the King’s Table (the focal-point table where the couple sits with their closest family and wedding party members).

Swap out gendered language for these inclusive alternatives to celebrate and respect all couples and individuals, regardless of their gender or sexuality. It’s a great way to recognise the diversity of love and partnerships around us. Of course, if gendered language feels authentic to the couple or individual, there’s nothing wrong with using it! But in broad descriptions, it’s important not to make generalisations and assumptions which might exclude members of the LGBTQ+ community.