Why Have Bridesmaids And Groomsmen?

Bridessection_sign Bridesmaids and groomsmen are an integral part of wedding traditions, offering support, companionship and honour to the soon-to-be-wed couple. The roles have evolved over time, from ancient Roman rituals to modern-day weddings, and while the specific duties may vary, the underlying purpose remains the same: to stand by the bride and groom's side and ensure their special day is as perfect as possible. The wedding party is typically comprised of the couple's closest friends and family, forming an exclusive entourage that not only adds to the festivities but also provides practical and emotional assistance. From planning events and decorating venues to providing moral support and even protection, the bridesmaids and groomsmen are the couple's very own wedding dream team.

Emotional support

Bridesmaids are there to provide emotional support to the bride and maid of honour at all times. This includes assisting with pre-wedding jitters and nerves, as well as being there for any emotional moments during the planning and on the big day. They are the bride's support team, helping with any tasks and offering a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on.

The maid of honour, or matron of honour if married, has a particularly important role in providing emotional support to the bride. She is the bride's right-hand woman and is responsible for practical and emotional support. This can include helping the bride get dressed, managing her veil and train, and providing emotional reassurance. The maid of honour is also often responsible for the bridal shower and bachelorette party, which can be an emotional and stressful time for the bride, so her support is invaluable.

Groomsmen, similarly, act as a support system for the best man and the groom. They are there to offer a friendly ear, to calm nerves, and to provide reassurance and encouragement. The best man, in particular, has a vital role in supporting the groom, ensuring he arrives at the ceremony on time, and providing assistance with any last-minute jitters.

The presence of bridesmaids and groomsmen is a long-standing tradition, dating back to ancient Rome, where they served to protect the couple, especially the bride, from evil spirits and potential kidnappers. While their duties have evolved, the core purpose of providing emotional and practical support remains. Today, they are there to honour their special relationships with the couple and to ensure the bride and groom have a memorable and enjoyable wedding day, free from stress and worry.

Planning and paying for pre-wedding events

The engagement party is usually hosted and paid for by the bride's parents, although sometimes each family hosts a separate party, with the bride's family traditionally going first. The rehearsal dinner is organized and paid for by the groom's parents and is held the day before the wedding.

Bridesmaids and groomsmen are also expected to pay for their own attire and accessories, including alterations and fittings. The couple may choose to contribute, especially if the outfits are unlikely to be worn again. The couple traditionally covers the cost of bridesmaids' flowers, accommodation for out-of-town attendants, and transportation for the wedding party.

In addition to financial contributions, bridesmaids and groomsmen offer emotional and logistical support to the couple. They assist with wedding planning, decorations, errands, and addressing thank-you cards. They also play a crucial role in supporting the maid of honor and best man, who have more extensive responsibilities.

Running errands

Bridesmaids are often asked to run errands during the planning process, at pre-ceremony events, and on the day of the wedding. This could include gathering items for the bachelorette party, making last-minute dry cleaning runs, or picking up flowers. They are also responsible for purchasing their own gowns and accessories, and attending all fittings.

Groomsmen also have a long list of responsibilities, including running errands for the group. This could include picking up items for the bachelor party, collecting boutonnieres, or making sure all groomsmen have their attire ready. They also have the important role of supporting the best man and the groom, and are often involved in planning pre-wedding events and the ceremony itself.

In addition to running errands, bridesmaids and groomsmen have other important duties. Bridesmaids are there to provide emotional support to the bride, assist with decorating, and keep a record of gifts. They also help the maid of honour with her duties, such as planning the bridal shower and bachelorette party. Groomsmen, meanwhile, arrive early to the ceremony to greet and usher guests to their seats, distribute wedding programs, and escort bridesmaids down the aisle.

The role of bridesmaids and groomsmen has evolved over time, and today they are primarily there to honour the couple and provide support and companionship. While their responsibilities are less serious than in ancient times, they still play a crucial role in making the wedding day a success.

Protection from evil spirits

The role of bridesmaids and groomsmen dates back to ancient Rome, where they served a very different purpose to the one they do today. Bridesmaids and groomsmen were originally used to protect the newlyweds from evil spirits.

The ancient Romans were a superstitious bunch and believed that evil spirits would kidnap the bride on her wedding day. To protect the bride and groom, ten bridesmaids and ten groomsmen would dress identically to the bride and groom, respectively. The idea was that if all the women and men were dressed the same, evil spirits would not be able to identify the bride and groom and, therefore, could not target them.

In ancient China, bridesmaids were also used for protection. As the bride travelled many miles to her new husband's village, she was vulnerable to attack by thieves and rival suitors. The bridesmaids would dress like the bride, acting as decoys to confuse and distract any potential attackers.

Today, bridesmaids and groomsmen are there to provide emotional and logistical support to the bride and groom. They are also there to honour the special relationship between the couple and their closest friends and family.

Honouring special relationships

The wedding party is a way of honouring these special relationships and showing gratitude for the support and love that these friends and family members have provided throughout the couple's relationship and individual lives. They are often the people who have been there from the beginning, as siblings, cousins, childhood friends, college roommates, or caring co-workers.

The couple's closest friends and family are chosen to stand by their side as they make their wedding vows, and to provide emotional and logistical support throughout the planning and execution of the wedding. This support can include helping with wedding preparations, planning and paying for pre-wedding events, and providing practical and emotional support on the wedding day itself.

The presence of bridesmaids and groomsmen at a wedding is a way of acknowledging the importance of these relationships and the role they have played in the couple's lives. It is a way of honouring and celebrating the love and support of those closest to the couple, who have been there through thick and thin.

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