A bridesmaid is usually a girl or a woman that accompanies a bride on her wedding day. Not all brides have bridesmaids, sometimes they walk down the aisle by themselves.

Often a close friend or relative like your sister.

Some brides only have flower girls at their wedding.

They are there to assist and support the bride with things she may need prior to, during, and after the wedding.

In these days of equality, males can also be bridesmaids. They are often referred to as bridesman. Usually, they would wear a buttonhole rather than carry a bouquet.

A bridesman is the male equivalent of a bridesmaid and is usually chosen by the bride to be part of the bridal party.