The Bridesmaids' Role And Significance Explained

Bridesmaids are members of the bride's party at some traditional Western wedding ceremonies. They are usually the bride's closest friends or family members, and their main role is to support the bride in the lead-up to and on the day of the wedding. Bridesmaids are often involved in planning the wedding and pre-wedding events, such as the bridal shower and bachelorette party, and they may also help with practical tasks, such as addressing invitations or keeping a record of gifts. On the wedding day, bridesmaids typically walk down the aisle and stand at the altar with the bride, and they may be called upon to provide emotional and practical support, such as helping the bride with her dress, veil, or bouquet. The number of bridesmaids in a wedding party can vary depending on the bride's preferences, family size, and the number of attendants the groom would like to have.

Who are bridesmaids?

Bridesmaids are members of the bride's party at some traditional Western wedding ceremonies. They are usually the bride's closest friends and/or family members, and they play a significant role in the planning process and on the wedding day.

Bridesmaids are typically young women, often chosen from unmarried women of marriageable age. In modern times, the bride can choose how many bridesmaids she would like to have, and they may be of any age or marital status. The chief bridesmaid may be called the maid of honour if she is unmarried, or the matron of honour if she is married.

Bridesmaids have a long list of responsibilities, including planning and attending pre-wedding parties, helping with wedding planning, and providing practical and emotional support to the bride. They are also expected to pay for certain expenses, such as their attire, travel, and accommodation. On the wedding day, bridesmaids participate in the ceremony, assist the bride with her outfit and veil, and act as a point of contact for guests and vendors.

The role of the bridesmaid is to be a good friend to the bride and provide support and assistance throughout the wedding planning process and on the big day.

What are their duties?

Bridesmaids are members of the wedding party, and they are usually the most important people in the to-be-wed's circle of loved ones, such as best friends or relatives. They are there to support the bride and help with wedding planning.

Pre-Wedding Duties:

Bridesmaids are expected to plan and attend pre-wedding parties, including the bridal shower and the bachelorette party. They also need to book their travel and hotel reservations and attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. It is also customary to give an engagement gift and a wedding gift from the registry.

On the Wedding Day:

On the day of the wedding, bridesmaids should get ready with the bride, helping her to stay calm and ensuring she has eaten and is hydrated. They also need to participate in the ceremony, be available for wedding photos, and be model guests.

Post-Wedding:

After the wedding, bridesmaids often help to gather personal items and gifts and participate in post-wedding events like a next-day brunch. They may also need to organise any miscellaneous items or leftover wedding items and settle any outstanding payments.

What do they wear?

Bridesmaids are members of the bride's party at some traditional Western wedding ceremonies. They are usually the bride's closest friends or relatives, and their main role is to support the bride on her wedding day.

Bridesmaids' attire is often chosen by the couple, who will give guidelines on what to wear. This could be a specific colour, length, material, or style. For example, the bride may want her bridesmaids to wear a particular colour to complement her wedding dress, or to create visually cohesive photos. In some cases, the bride may allow her bridesmaids to choose their own dresses, within certain parameters. This can be a more comfortable option for the bridal party, allowing them to select a dress that flatters their body type and suits their personal style.

Bridesmaids' dresses are usually chosen at least seven to eight months before the wedding, to allow time for ordering and alterations. The bride may also provide accessories such as shoes, jewellery, or bouquets to add a cohesive look to the bridal party.

On the morning of the wedding, it has become a trend for bridesmaids to wear robes, which can be personalised and later worn again.

How much does it cost to be a bridesmaid?

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour and a wonderful way to support a friend or family member on their wedding day. However, it can also be a big financial commitment. The cost of being a bridesmaid varies depending on the bride and the wedding, but it typically includes the bridesmaid dress, travel to and from the wedding, hair, makeup, accessories, and pre-wedding events like the bridal shower and bachelorette party. Here is a breakdown of the potential costs:

The Bridesmaid Dress

The average bridesmaid spends $130 to $208 on a dress, which may need alterations costing $30 to $100. Some brides may allow their bridesmaids to choose their own dresses within a specified colour scheme, which can help reduce costs.

Accessories

Nearly 80% of bridesmaids purchase new shoes to wear with their dress, and over 60% buy additional accessories like jewellery and hairpieces. On average, bridesmaids spend around $120 on these accessories. However, it is possible to save money by wearing shoes you already own or borrowing accessories.

Hair and Makeup

Sometimes the bride will cover the cost of professional hair and makeup for her bridesmaids. If not, bridesmaids can expect to pay around $72 for hair and $60 for makeup.

Travel and Accommodation

Travel costs will depend on the location of the wedding. If the wedding is in a different city or country, bridesmaids will need to factor in airfare, train tickets, or petrol, as well as accommodation costs. The average cost of travel and accommodation for a bridesmaid is around $320.

Pre-Wedding Events

Bridesmaids are usually expected to attend and help plan pre-wedding events like the bridal shower and bachelorette party. These events can be costly, especially if they involve travel. According to The Knot, about a third of bachelorette party-goers spend over $1000 on the event.

Gifts

In addition to all these expenses, bridesmaids are also expected to purchase a wedding gift for the couple. On average, a bridesmaid spends around $125 on a gift, usually something from the couple's registry.

Total Cost

The cost of being a bridesmaid can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances, but on average, it costs around $1200 per wedding and can quickly increase to over $1800. The most expensive place to be a bridesmaid is the West and Southwest, where costs can reach $1360, while the Midwest is the cheapest at $1100.

What is the origin of the tradition?

The tradition of bridesmaids has evolved over time, with the role of these wedding attendants assuming different meanings and responsibilities across various historical and cultural contexts. While the specific origins of the tradition are uncertain, several factors have likely influenced its development, including socioeconomic class, family size, socialisation standards, and religion.

One of the most well-known origin stories is derived from the Biblical narrative of Jacob and his two wives, Leah and Rachel, found in the Book of Genesis. In this account, Leah and Rachel were each accompanied by their own maids as they joined Jacob in marriage. However, these maids, unlike modern bridesmaids, were not social peers but rather servants or slaves, marking a distinct difference from the modern understanding of bridesmaids as the bride's close friends or relatives.

In ancient Rome, bridesmaids played a crucial role in protecting the bride from evil spirits or bandits who might wish to harm her. They achieved this by dressing identically to the bride, creating confusion among potential evildoers. This practice was also believed to safeguard the couple from jealous suitors and ill intent, ensuring their protection during the wedding day. The Romans also introduced the concept of a matron of honour, who served as a moral role model for the bride, embodying fidelity and obedience.

In China during the feudal era, bridesmaids took on a protective role of a different nature. Brides were vulnerable to kidnapping by rival clans or hooligans, so bridesmaids dressed like the bride to reduce the risk of her being identified and abducted. As legal protections for marriage were established, the role of bridesmaids evolved from physical protection to a more symbolic presence.

The Victorian era introduced the custom of white attire for both male groomsmen and female bridesmaids, a trend popularised by Queen Victoria, who wore a long white wedding dress, with her bridesmaids matching the colour of her gown.

Over time, the role of bridesmaids has continued to adapt and transform, reflecting the changing social dynamics and expectations surrounding weddings and the role of women in society.

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