Choosing your wedding squad

For some couples, tradition is important. But for others, bucking the trend and going modern is their vibe. Enter the wedding squad!

Traditionally, a wedding has the wedding party: Four bridesmaids, four groomsmen. Each one is in matching looks, uniformed and chic – a classic for a reason! However, it’s 2025 now, and there’s a new gang in town. Your wedding squad! From your best friends to your sister-in-law, who fits where (and how do you choose!)?

Wait, what is a wedding squad?

A wedding squad is those you want with you on your wedding, extending past just the bridesmaids and groomsmen. You know, the important people who you wish to have next to you! Sometimes there might not be enough room on the altar for your five best girlfriends and your cousin, mother-in-law or half-sister. But these people are still important, right? Well, enter – the wedding squad! 

Each member of this coveted club can have something to do on the day so that they feel a bit more involved. A little bit more of a peek behind the scenes and a way for you to spend just a little bit more time with them.

Who do you want beside you on the day?

This is the big question. You’ll more than likely know who your bridesmaids are (or if you need a little help there), but who else do you want to be there with you? Perhaps you’re looking to include your future in-laws. From mothers to sisters, these ladies are about to be your family as well. Whilst they might not be able to penetrate the bond you have with your bridesmaids, they can be included in the festivities as well.

Perhaps your family spends every Christmas with your interstate cousins, and you want them to be involved—your wedding squad is about making it work. And having all your nearest and dearest with you.

How to make those not in the wedding party feel included

The to-do list for weddings can feel endless, so why not get your squad to help you out? It can make them feel included but leave some of the last-minute tasks out of your hands. But which tasks would you grant to the squad?

The flowers. No, not selecting them! That’s best left to you and your fiance. But who’s going to make sure they’re the right ones on the day? Who’s going to organise meeting the florist or picking up the flowers? That’s where the wedding squad steps in!

While your wedding party is getting prim and proper (and perhaps filling up your champagne glass) you need other reliable people. These are the people who can make sure the little bits and pieces are done. Place settings are in the right spot so that those two who once dated are sat far away from each other? That’s the Squad’s job.

How to differentiate wedding party and wedding squad?

There’s a few ways to differentiate between who’s in your party and who makes it into your wedding squad. Wedding parties are definitely more traditional. Coordinated looks, getting ready together, being part of the hair and makeup – these are all traditions that are normally reserved for the wedding party.

Greeting guests when they arrive, making sure the table decorations are on point or perhaps making sure that a certain Aunty doesn’t have a few too many Chardonnays? These are tasks that can be given to your wedding squad. Also, your wedding squad won’t be in the matching attire, but perhaps they can have a little nod to your connection. Maybe a pop of the theme colour. 

When worlds collide

The best thing about having a wedding party and a wedding squad is that for the Hen’s Night, both are created equal! Although your bridesmaids might have to make the bookings, the night out is for everyone. 

That’s the thing about a wedding squad, they’re with you every step of the way. They might not be standing directly next to you at the altar, but there’s still a presence. 

Still not sure who’s made the party and who’s made the squad? Reddit user ChairmanMrrow puts it bluntly, “who would I call first in an emergency where I needed lots of emotional support with a dose of reality?” Sometimes it really is just as simple as asking yourself “who’s your emergency contact?”