If you’re having a wedding at an event center, you might have considered honorary bridesmaids. Learn more about this tradition to see if its right for you.

event center in McAllen, TX

If you’re having a wedding at an  event center in McAllen, TX , you might have considered honorary bridesmaids. But what are honorary bridesmaids? Do you need them? Keep reading to learn more. 

To begin, honorary bridesmaids are friends are family members that are important to the bride but are not super close to the bride or are unable to perform regular bridesmaid duties. Traditionally, honorary bridesmaids are mentioned in the wedding program, given a corsage, and sometimes given a special duty like doing a reading or singing a song. They are not expected to wear a bridesmaid dress. 

While it might seem like a special honor to be an honorary bridesmaid, some people might get offended if asked because they feel that they weren’t good enough to be a “real” bridesmaid. Here’s a list of who you should and shouldn’t ask to be an honorary bridesmaid in order to avoid offending someone: 

  • Friends –  Don’t ask a friend, because you’re pretty much telling them they didn’t make the bridesmaids cut.   
  • Aunt –  Do ask an aunt, as she will love the honor but will be happy that she doesn’t have to participate in most of the duties. 
  • Coworkers –  Don’t ask coworkers. Just invite them as guests. 
  • Cousins –  Only ask a cousin to be an honorary bridesmaid if there are no cousins in the “real” bridal party. 
  • New Sister-In-Law –  Only ask your new sister-in-law to be an honorary bridesmaid if you want to include her in some activities but not in others. If you’re not sure, talk to your fiancé. 

Some brides choose to further honor their honorary bridesmaids with gifts. While it’s not mandatory, getting honorary bridesmaids small gifts is a nice gesture that will be appreciated. Need some inspiration? Here are good honorary bridesmaid gifts: 

  • Jewelry –  Small, tasteful pieces of jewelry are always lovely. Consider getting them a necklace or a bracelet with their initials for a personal touch. 
  • A Night Out –  Treat her to a night out on the town or cook her a special dinner at your place for some quality time. 
  • Comfy Slippers –  Everyone loves slippers, and chances are she’ll get lots of use out of any pair you give her. 
  • Mini Spa Set –  Mini at-home spa kits have small price tags but big wow-factors. 
  • House Plant –  House plants continue to look beautiful long after a bouquet of flowers would die. 
  • Ring Holder –  Small but useful chachkas, ring holders are very thoughtful gifts. 
  • Gourmet Tea Set –  Luxury tea gift boxes are great for when you’re not sure what she’ll like, as they often come with a little something for everyone. 
  • Personalized Compact –  A personalized compact will be treasured and used for years to come. 
  • A Letter –  If you’re tight on budget, a thoughtful hand-written letter is a wonderful gift and will allow you to tell your honorary bridesmaid how much she means to you. 

This is everything you need to know about honorary bridesmaids. If you want more helpful wedding tips or information on  McAllen, TX event centers , Memorial Event Center is here to help. Call or visit us today.

Elegant event center in Edinburg, TX, featuring warm lighting, floral arrangements
By Memorial Event Center • October 5, 2026
Memorial Event Center helps create memorable celebrations with versatile spaces and thoughtful event support. Call (956) 720-4332 to plan your special day.
Elegant event center near Pharr, TX set up for successful parties and celebrations.
By Memorial Event Center • September 28, 2026
Plan a successful party with flexible spaces suited to your guests and activities. Memorial Event Center can help. Call (956) 720-4332 for event guidance.
Elegant event center near San Juan, TX designed for easy and memorable celebrations.
By Memorial Event Center • September 21, 2026
Make celebration planning easier with flexible spaces and thoughtful support from Memorial Event Center. Call (956) 720-4332 to discuss your special event.
Elegant gathering setup at an event center in Edinburg, TX.
By Memorial Event Center • September 14, 2026
Planning a gathering of any size? Memorial Event Center offers flexible spaces for memorable occasions. Call (956) 720-4332 for expert planning guidance.
Elegant party setup at an event center near Pharr, TX.
By Memorial Event Center • September 7, 2026
Great parties begin with the right setting. Memorial Event Center helps make planning easier from the start. Call (956) 720-4332 to plan your celebration today.
Elegant outdoor event center near San Juan, TX overlooking a scenic lake at sunset.
By Memorial Event Center • August 24, 2026
How to host unforgettable celebrations with Memorial Event Center. Call (956) 720-4332 to plan the perfect venue for weddings, parties, and special events.
event center in Edinburg, TX decorated for a birthday or milestone celebration near the beach
By Memorial Event Center • August 17, 2026
How to create unforgettable celebrations with Memorial Event Center. Call (956) 720-4332 to book a venue designed for memorable party experiences today.
outdoor event center near Pharr, TX with string lights and beautifully decorated reception tables.
By Memorial Event Center • August 10, 2026
How to create unforgettable celebrations with Memorial Event Center. Call (956) 720-4332 to book a venue designed for memorable party experiences today.
Elegant event center venue prepared for a special celebration in Edinburg, TX
By Memorial Event Center • July 27, 2026
Memorial Event Center offers versatile event spaces designed for memorable gatherings. Call (956) 720-4332 today to start planning your special occasion.
Elegant event center venue set up for a gathering near Pharr, TX
By Memorial Event Center • July 20, 2026
Discover how to plan memorable celebrations with Memorial Event Center. Flexible event spaces and exceptional service await. Call (956) 720-4332 today.