“Why Do Bridal Parties Have Bridesmaids & Groomsmen?”
The bridal party is a well-known tradition in the wedding world. Consisting of bridesmaids and groomsmen, why do these “parties” include the like?
Well, once upon a time a couple needed 10 witnesses to be wed – hence the friends that would gather around.
And, once up a time those bridesmaids and groomsmen would dress just like the bride and groom as to confuse any evil spirits from attacking the newfound marriage.
Now, it’s just a tradition that has evolved into something extra special and fun for the engaged two. They can gather their friends by their sides and have them help get through all of the hustle and bustle of planning – plus celebrating within all of the fun festivities.
Other Expert Answers
Bustle
“As our concept of relationships has changed over time, so have wedding traditions; yet having bridesmaids and groomsmen (or bridesmen and groomswomen, or simply wedding attendants, or whichever terms you prefer) is one of those ones that just keeps seeming to stick around.
In the modern wedding, of course, there are duties that attendants are supposed to carry out — but beyond helping to throw the bridal shower and/or bachelorette party, what’s the story behind their popularity? Interestingly, it appears that they go pretty far back into history, with multiple possible explanations for what the tradition of bridesmaids stems from.
For example, when people got married in Ancient Roman times, a wedding needed 10 witnesses to be considered legally binding; this is thought to have been sort of a proto-wedding party. Furthermore, the bridesmaids all had to dress just like the bride in order to confuse vengeful spirit presences who might try to harm or sabotage the newlyweds. Nothing says “Congratulations!” like acting as a decoy for evil things attempting to possess your bestie on her wedding day.” – Bustle
Love To Know
“Actually the bridal party began with an Anglo-Saxon tradition. In this tradition, friends of the groom were given the role of guardians or bodyguards of the bride. It was their duty to make certain that the bride made it safely to the wedding and later the groom’s home. She should arrive at both places with her dowry and herself intact. This is how the term bride’s knights originated. It evolved into bridesmen and later into groomsmen.
The matron of honor was once referred to as a senior maid. It was the senior maid’s responsibility to attend to the bride for several days before the wedding occurred. The senior maid was also by the bride’s side on her wedding day, ensuring that she looked as beautiful as possible. Other attendants, referred to as bridesmaids or brideswomen, had several duties. They might assist the bride in decorating for the wedding, and they typically helped her dress for the wedding, too.
In many cases, both bridesmaids and groomsmen dressed very similarly to the bridal couple. It was believed that this would confuse any evil spirits or even jealous suitors who might attend the wedding with the intent of doing harm to the bride or groom. This tradition continues today in a more modern form. Bridesmaids are typically chosen because of their close friendship and bonds of loyalty to the bride.” – Love to Know
Other Resources
- Important Things To Remember When Choosing Your Bridal Party
- [Q&A] Is It Okay To Have My Wedding Without A Bridal Party?
- Is It Customary To Have The Bridal Party Pay For Their Wedding Attire For Destination Weddings?
- Is The Bridal Party Responsible For Paying For Their Attire At A Destination Wedding?
Difference Between A Bachelorette Party And A Bridal Shower?