The Role Of Bridesmaids In Amish Weddings Explained

Amish bridesmaids, known as newehockers, are dressed by the bride, who also makes her own wedding dress. Amish brides typically opt for a blue or purple dress, with blue being the more popular choice. The bride will also wear a white apron over her dress. The bridesmaids' dresses are usually plain and end at the calf. In Amish weddings, there is no best man or maid of honour, and there are two male and two female witnesses, known as navahockers or side-sitters.

Amish bridesmaids are called 'newehockers'

Amish bridesmaids are called "newehockers". The role of a bridesmaid in a wedding is to serve the bride and be by her side on her wedding day. In the Amish community, bridesmaids have a unique role and their presence is steeped in tradition and culture.

Amish brides typically make their own wedding dresses, and often the dresses of their bridesmaids. The bride's dress is usually a beautiful shade of blue or purple, with blue being the more common colour worn. The bridesmaids' dresses are usually plain and end at the calf. The bride's dress is also worn to church on Sundays after the wedding and is the dress the women are buried in when they die.

The wedding ceremony starts around 8:30 in the morning and lasts 3 to 3.5 hours. After a sermon, the bishop takes the couple aside while the congregation sings songs. He gives the couple advice, private instruction, and his blessing. Afterwards, the bride and groom give their vows at the front of the church.

Amish weddings are typically held on Tuesdays and Thursdays in November and December. The weddings have large guest lists, ranging from 200 to 500 people, including relatives, friends, and coworkers. The bride and groom's friends and family typically help with tasks such as caring for the guests' horses, serving food, being ushers, and clearing and cleaning the dishes.

The guests stay for two meals: supper and dinner. Food can include a wide range of Pennsylvania Dutch recipes, such as roast or "Amish Casserole" (a casserole of chicken and stuffing), mashed potatoes, creamed celery, coleslaw, and applesauce, dinner rolls, pears, doughnuts, and pies. While there isn't any dancing at an Amish wedding, there is plenty of visiting, games, and connection among families.

Amish bridesmaids wear blue or purple

Amish bridesmaids, known as "newehockers", usually wear blue or purple dresses, with blue being the more common colour choice. The bride typically makes her own wedding dress and those of her bridesmaids. The dresses are plain and end at the calf, in keeping with the Amish value of modesty. After the wedding, the bride's dress becomes her typical Sunday church attire and is also the dress she will be buried in when she dies.

The Amish wedding ceremony is similar to a typical church service. It starts around 8:30 in the morning and lasts for 3 to 3.5 hours. After a sermon, the bishop takes the couple aside to give them advice, private instruction, and his blessing. Afterward, the couple says their vows in front of the congregation.

Amish weddings are typically held on Tuesdays and Thursdays in November and December, with larger communities and those not driven by the agrarian calendar holding weddings in spring and summer. The guest list is usually large, ranging from 200 to 500 people, including relatives, friends, and coworkers. The bride and groom's friends and family help with tasks such as caring for the guests' horses, serving food, ushering, and clearing and cleaning dishes.

The wedding meal typically includes a variety of Pennsylvania Dutch recipes, such as roast or "Amish Casserole" (a casserole of chicken and stuffing), mashed potatoes, creamed celery, coleslaw, and applesauce, dinner rolls, pears, doughnuts, and pies. While there is no dancing, Amish weddings are filled with visiting, games, and connection among families.

Amish bridesmaids' dresses are often made by the bride

Amish bridesmaids, known as "newehockers", often have their dresses made by the bride. The bride typically makes her own wedding dress, which is usually blue or purple, with blue being the more popular choice. The bridesmaids' dresses are made in the same colour and style as the bride's, reflecting the practicality and simplicity valued in Amish culture.

The tradition of the bride making her bridesmaids' dresses stems from the importance of family and community in Amish life. Amish weddings are community events, with guest lists ranging from 200 to 500 people, including relatives, friends, and coworkers. The bride and groom's loved ones come together to help with various tasks, such as caring for guests' horses, serving food, ushering, and cleaning. This sense of collective responsibility extends to the wedding attire, with the bride taking on the task of creating the dresses for herself and her bridesmaids.

The Amish bride's choice of dress colour and style also carries cultural and religious significance. The absence of white wedding dresses in Amish weddings contrasts with mainstream wedding traditions. Instead, Amish brides opt for hues of blue and indigo, reflecting their interpretation of the Bible and their commitment to modesty and humility. The practicality of the Amish wedding dress means it is often worn again, particularly for church services, and it may even be the dress the bride is buried in when she dies.

The process of making the bridesmaids' dresses can be a collaborative effort within the Amish community. While the bride takes the lead in designing and sewing the dresses, she may receive assistance from other women in the community, especially those with experience in dressmaking. This collaborative approach ensures that the dresses are completed in time for the wedding and reflects the strong support network within Amish society.

The bride's decision to make the bridesmaids' dresses herself also contributes to the uniqueness and personal touch of Amish weddings. By crafting the dresses, the bride infuses her own creativity and skills into the wedding preparations. This hands-on approach to wedding attire sets Amish nuptials apart from modern weddings, where brides often purchase ready-made dresses or work with professional dressmakers.

Amish bridesmaids don't wear makeup

Amish bridesmaids, known as newehockers, do not wear makeup. This is because the Amish emphasise plainness in all areas of life, including appearance. They are known as the "Plain people".

Amish women generally do not wear makeup or cosmetics, and this extends to bridesmaids at weddings. The Amish believe that cosmetics draw attention to the individual, which can lead to pride. Instead, they value inner beauty, which comes from leading a Christian life.

During the adolescent period known as Rumspringa, Amish girls are not considered church members, and some may experiment with light makeup, although this is not common.

Amish brides typically make their own wedding dresses, usually in shades of blue or purple. The bride wears a white apron over her dress, and her bridesmaids' dresses are often made by the bride herself.

Amish weddings differ from mainstream English weddings in many ways. They are typically held on Tuesdays and Thursdays in November and December, with guest lists ranging from 200 to 500 people. The ceremony starts around 8:30 in the morning and lasts about three to three-and-a-half hours. After the bishop gives the couple advice and his blessing, they give their vows in front of the congregation. The guests then stay for two meals: supper and dinner. There is no dancing, but the day is filled with visiting, games, and connection among families.

Amish bridesmaids carry bouquets

Amish bridesmaids, known as "newehockers", carry bouquets as part of their wedding duties. While the specific customs and traditions of Amish weddings vary from community to community, there are some common practices regarding the role of bridesmaids and the use of bouquets.

In Amish weddings, the bridesmaids play a significant role in supporting the bride. They are chosen from among the bride's close friends or relatives, a departure from the historical practice of using domestic workers as bridesmaids. Today, Amish bridesmaids assist the bride before and during the wedding, offering practical and emotional support. They may help with tasks such as dressing the bride, managing her veil or prayer covering, and carrying her bouquet.

The inclusion of bouquets in Amish weddings reflects a blend of tradition and symbolism. In ancient times, bridesmaids carried fragrant herbs or even garlic in their bouquets to ward off evil spirits or bandits. This practice was rooted in the belief that weddings were targets for bad spirits and robbers due to the presence of dowries. The fragrant herbs also served to mask body odours, as bathing was not a daily occurrence. Over time, the focus shifted to colour and style, with bridesmaids carrying floral bouquets inspired by Queen Victoria, who carried her favourite flowers on her wedding day.

In Amish weddings, the bridesmaids' bouquets are likely to be made of local flowers or herbs rather than exotic blooms. Simplicity and practicality are valued in Amish culture, and the bouquets may be smaller and less ornate than those in non-Amish weddings. The flowers used in the bouquets could include wildflowers, dried flowers, or blooms grown in the bride's or bridesmaids' gardens.

Carrying bouquets is just one aspect of the Amish bridesmaids' role. They are also expected to assist with various wedding preparations, such as cooking, cleaning, and serving food. Their presence and support contribute to the joyous atmosphere of the wedding, which is centred around family and community. The bridesmaids' bouquets become a part of the overall aesthetic of the wedding, adding a touch of nature and colour to the celebration.

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