The Bride's Entourage: Bridesmaids' Tradition Explained

The tradition of bridesmaids has evolved over time, with bridesmaids today acting as a support system for the bride and chief bridesmaid, or maid of honour. Historically, bridesmaids were not friends or relatives of the bride but servants or slaves who attended to her every need. The origin of the Western bridesmaid tradition likely arose from a combination of factors, including socioeconomic class, family size, and religion. One of the most well-known origin stories comes from the Biblical story of Jacob and his two wives, Leah and Rachel, who were escorted to the wedding by their servants. In ancient Rome, bridesmaids wore identical outfits to the bride to confuse evil spirits and jealous suitors.

Bridesmaids as protection from evil spirits

The tradition of having bridesmaids at weddings is believed to have originated from the need to protect the bride from evil spirits. Brides were thought to be particularly vulnerable to the influence of evil spirits on their wedding day, so measures were taken to ward them off.

In ancient times, the bride and all the bridesmaids wore identical outfits and veiled their faces heavily. This was done to confuse jealous suitors and evil spirits, so they wouldn't know who the bride was and kidnap her. The belief was that evil spirits would descend upon weddings, so dressing the bridesmaids like the bride acted as a form of protection.

In ancient Rome, bridesmaids carried fragrant herbs and even garlic, which were believed to ward off evil spirits (and perhaps to mask their body odour, as bathing was not a daily occurrence). This tradition evolved, and brides and bridesmaids later began carrying floral bouquets, inspired by Queen Victoria, who carried a small bouquet of her favourite flowers on her wedding day.

In China during the feudal era, brides were susceptible to kidnapping by rival clans and hooligans. Bridesmaids dressed like the bride to lower the risk of her being identified and taken. As legal protections for marriage were established, the role of the bridesmaid became more symbolic.

Bridesmaids as decoys

The tradition of bridesmaids is believed to have originated from the need to protect the bride from evil spirits, jealous suitors, and bandits. In ancient times, bridesmaids dressed identically to the bride, including veiling their faces, to act as decoys and confuse any potential threats. This practice was also common in ancient Rome, where it was believed that weddings attracted evil spirits. By having multiple people dressed as the bride, the chances of the actual bride being identified and harmed were reduced.

In feudal China, bridesmaids also served as a protective measure. Brides were vulnerable to kidnapping by rival clans or hooligans, so having bridesmaids dressed like the bride lowered the risk of her being identified and abducted. This practice became unnecessary as legal protections for marriage were established, and the role of the bridesmaid evolved to take on a more symbolic meaning.

Today, while the primary purpose of bridesmaids is to support the bride and add to the joy of the wedding, the tradition still retains a sense of protection and assistance for the bride. Bridesmaids often help with wedding preparations and provide emotional support, ensuring that the bride's needs are met throughout the entire process.

The origin of the chief bridesmaid

The role of the chief bridesmaid, or maid of honour, is steeped in tradition. The term "maid of honour" originally referred to the female attendant of a queen, and it is easy to see the parallels between this and the role of a modern-day chief bridesmaid.

In the past, the maid of honour was considered the bride's "favourite", and was expected to be at her beck and call in the lead-up to the wedding. She was also responsible for carrying the monetary portion of the bride's dowry, which put her at great risk of thieves.

Today, the role of the chief bridesmaid is still incredibly important. She is the bride's right-hand woman, providing practical and emotional support and helping with the logistics of the wedding. She is often in charge of planning pre-wedding events, such as the bridal shower and bachelorette party. On the day of the wedding, she might help the bride get dressed and manage her veil, bouquet, or train.

The chief bridesmaid is typically the bride's closest friend or sister, and she is chosen based on qualities such as reliability, trustworthiness, and calmness in a crisis. She is an integral part of the wedding day, providing support and ensuring that everything runs smoothly.

The evolution of bridesmaids' attire

The attire of bridesmaids has evolved significantly over the years, from matching the bride's gown to the ruffles of the '80s, and now to more style-conscious options. Here is a breakdown of the evolution of bridesmaids' attire:

Ancient Rome to the Victorian Era

In Ancient Rome, it was believed that dressing the bridal party exactly like the bride and groom would protect them from evil spirits, confusing the spirits so they couldn't identify the newlyweds. During the Victorian era, influenced by Queen Victoria's wedding to Prince Albert, all-white bridal parties became customary, with the bride and her attendants dressed in white. The bridesmaids' dresses were designed by Queen Victoria herself, featuring simple silk designs with tulle skirts and white roses.

Late 19th Century to Early 20th Century

By the end of the 19th century, brides began experimenting with colourful bridesmaids' dresses, and the all-white bridal party gradually became less common. White, green, and rose were popular colours in America, while grey, lilac, and violet were common in England. In the early 20th century, it became customary for bridesmaid dresses to contrast with the bride's, ensuring the focus remained on her.

The 1920s to 1950s

While the 1920s saw some bridesmaids dressed in all white, the 1930s brought glamour and ruffles, with full-skirt styles and satin fabrics. The economic downturn of the Great Depression didn't spare bridal fashion, with Hollywood glamour and satin bridesmaids' dresses becoming popular. The 1940s introduced high-waisted gowns with structured shoulders, and by the 1950s, full-skirt styles, sweetheart necks, and cap sleeve gowns were in vogue.

The 1960s to Present

The 1960s ushered in a modern, shorter look for bridesmaids, with high neck collars and sleeveless dresses. Today, bridesmaids' attire has evolved to reflect individual styles and budgets. Brides may choose a fashion-forward look for their bridal party or allow each bridesmaid to select a dress that suits their personal taste and financial situation. Mixing and matching silhouettes and colours while maintaining a cohesive look for the bridal party is a popular trend. Softer, more fluid fabrics like chiffon, tulle, stretch crepe, and liquid sateen are favoured over stiff, structured fabrics. Longer hemlines, sequin embellishments, and jumpsuits have also gained popularity for a chic, relaxed vibe.

The role of bridesmaids today

Today, bridesmaids are members of the bride's party at some traditional Western wedding ceremonies. Bridesmaids are usually close friends or relatives of the bride and are there to support and honour the bride. Bridesmaids are often asked to assist the bride with planning the wedding and reception, as well as any pre-wedding events, such as a bridal shower or bachelorette party. However, these activities are optional, and bridesmaids are only required to attend the wedding ceremony and assist the bride on the day.

The number of bridesmaids in a wedding party is dependent on several variables, including the bride's preferences, the size of her family, and the number of attendants the couple would like to have. Many modern couples do not have bridesmaids or groomsmen, eliminating the associated expenses and logistics.

The chief bridesmaid, or maid of honour, is typically the bride's closest friend or sister. Her duties include providing practical and emotional support to the bride, as well as leading the rest of the bridal party in planning any pre-wedding events. On the day of the wedding, she may assist the bride with dressing and help her manage her veil, bouquet, or train. She may also be entrusted with the groom's wedding ring until the ceremony.

The other bridesmaids act as a support team for the maid of honour and help with any pre-wedding tasks. They also form the bride's entourage, providing emotional and logistical support.

At the wedding, the bridesmaids' main duty is to stand by the bride's side. They may also be asked to sign the marriage license as legal witnesses and offer a toast to the newlyweds at the reception.

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