What is the tradition behind bridesmaids?

Originally the bridesmaids would not just be dressed to look like each other, but to look like the bride herself. This custom goes back centuries to ancient Rome and China where the bride would have to travel many miles to the groom's village where she would be vulnerable to attack by highwaymen and rival suitors.

What was the original purpose of bridesmaids?

Bridesmaids protected the bride.

During the early history of bridesmaids, 'maids were tasked with not only attending to, but also protecting the bride from evil—whether that meant spirits or bandits.

Who traditionally should be a bridesmaid?

According to wedding etiquette choosing bridesmaids, it is best to start with your immediate family. This would include your siblings and then your cousins and so forth. If your family members are too young to serve as bridesmaids, you can ask them to be a junior bridesmaid or flower girl.

What's the purpose of bridesmaids and groomsmen?

In the modern tradition, bridesmaids and groomsmen are ultimately there for support and companionship. And the most prominent way that they do so is by giving a toast to honor the bride and groom.

Can married woman be a bridesmaid?

Can I have my married friend as a bridesmaid in the wedding? Yes, absolutely! The idea that a bride needs to be surrounded by unmarried women is ancient history, and unless all your closest friends do happen to be unwed, it might as well stay that way. There's no reason you can't ask a married friend to be a maid.

Interesting Facts: The Disturbing History of Wedding Traditions

Is it OK to not have bridesmaids?

As weddings become more and more personalized to each couple and nontraditional in many ways, many brides choose to not have any bridesmaids on the big day. Those pondering the decision to have no bridesmaids often wonder if weddings without bridal party members are okay to have. The answer is, yes!

What does the maid of honor pay for?

The maid of honour and the rest of the bridal party are expected to cover all wedding attire costs. This includes the dress (plus any necessary alterations), shoes, and any jewellery you'll be wearing the day of. Occasionally, the bride will gift her bridesmaids with whatever accessories she wants them to wear.

Who pays for the bridesmaids dresses?

Do bridesmaids give speeches?

Although they are traditional, some couples prefer no speeches and that is completely up to their discretion. If you're planning a wedding without speeches, guests will arrive at your reception, take a drink from the bar, and be seated.

Why did bridesmaids wear veils?

Being cursed by the "evil eye" was a real concern for ancient Greeks and Romans. Jealous and spiteful people, as well as evil spirits, may cast an evil eye towards a bride on her wedding day. To make sure the power of the evil eye didn't touch her, brides wore fabric veils.

Why do bridesmaids carry flowers?

Sending good wishes to a newly married couple has always been the proper thing to do. The ancient Romans thought so too and incorporated flowers into wedding ceremonies because they were known as symbols of fertility, fidelity, and new beginnings.

Why do bridesmaids wear white?

It's Actually Traditional…

You heard it right: traditionally, the bride would also have her bridesmaids wearing white in order to confuse any evil spirits, safely disguising the bride among the group.

Who pays for the bridesmaids hair and makeup?

The Bride Pays for All the Bridesmaid Hair and Makeup Costs

One of the two most common payment scenarios for bridesmaid hair and makeup is the bride covering all the costs.

Do bridesmaids get ready with bride?

This is one of the happiest days of your life so sharing this special moment with loved ones will always be treasured. Generally if you choose to have bridesmaids they will get ready with you along with of course, the Mother and Father of the bride and any sibilings.

Do bridesmaids give the bride a gift on the wedding day?

Being a bridesmaid comes with a lot of expenses, and you may find yourself shelling out more money than you can afford. It's still appropriate to give the bride a gift—even if it's something small or homemade.

Do bridesmaids have to be single?

Weddings no longer require that bridesmaids and groomsmen be single, but it is a good guide on what type of people you should choose for the bridal party. They do not have to be single, but typically bridesmaids and groomsmen are younger people who are able to drink and party.

How much should a bridesmaid expect to spend?

Wedding Wire estimates that the average cost of being a bridesmaid is $1200 for each wedding.

What does the bride pay for?

Traditionally, the bride and her family are responsible for paying for all wedding planning expenses, the bride's attire, all floral arrangements, transportation on the wedding day, photo and video fees, travel and lodgings for the officiant if he comes from out of town, lodging for the bridesmaids (if you have offered ...

What are the 4 things a bride needs for her wedding?

The tradition is based on an Old English rhyme that dates back to 19th-century Lancashire. It describes the items a bride should have on her wedding day: "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, a sixpence in your shoe."

Who throws the bridal shower?

Who throws a bridal shower? The bridal shower is usually hosted by the maid of honor, close friends, bridal attendants, or bridesmaids. No matter who is hosting, be sure to communicate clearly to make sure you aren't planning two separate showers.

Does the maid of honor hold the bride's bouquet?

The maid of honor should be responsible for holding both her own and the bride's bouquets during the ceremony—particularly during the exchange of the rings. The bridal bouquet can be pretty heavy, so enlist a fellow bridesmaid if you need to take a break from holding the bouquet during the ceremony.

Should the groom's sister be a bridesmaid?

Are you automatically expected to ask your fiancé's sister to be a bridesmaid? The short answer to whether or not you have to include anyone, even a family member, in your wedding party is no. This is your wedding, and you and your partner should do whatever feels right.

What is a quick wedding called?

Today the term "elopement" is colloquially used for any marriage performed in haste, with a limited public engagement period or without a public engagement period.

How do you refuse a bridesmaid?

Do bridesmaids stay with the bride the night before?

If you are a traditional bride, you may be staying apart from your groom the night before the wedding. However, that doesn't mean you need to spend the night alone. Make it a slumber party kind of night where you invite your bridesmaids to stay the night to keep you company.