Do I have to have bridesmaids? Where did the tradition of having bridesmaids come from? What are the duties of bridesmaids? How many bridesmaids should I have? Does there have to be an equal number of bridesmaids as groomsmen? Find out the answers to these interesting questions below, along with some other interesting facts regarding the bridal party!
There are many theories behind the tradition of why a bride has bridesmaids. One theory dates back to biblical times. For example, when Jacob married both Leah and Rachel, both brides had their own 'maid' assisting them on their wedding days.
Another theory was that during ancient Roman times, it was a law that there had to be no less than 10 "witnesses" to the sacred marriage ceremony. Also during this time period, bridesmaids were required to dress exactly as the bride. This was to confuse evil spirits wishing to do harm to the bride, as well as to confuse any jealous exes or admirers. During this time period, it was also custom for the bride to walk from her village to village of her groom-to-be. The bridesmaids, again dressed as similar to the bride as possible, would gather around the bride to protect the bride as they walked from their village to the groom's village.
During the Victorian Era, bridesmaids carried what we see as a more 'traditional' responsibility. The bridesmaids were tasked with helping make the party favors, organize the flowers for the wedding, and accompany the bride down the marriage aisle.
Today, many of the same traditions of old still ring true for today's ceremonies. Along with these old traditions, some brides will also ask family members to be a part of the bridal party so that they have a 'role' in the wedding and feel included. For other brides, depending on how extravagant the wedding and reception will be, the extra help comes in handy. However, there are also some brides who feel that the old traditions no longer apply to them, and simply don't have any bridesmaids, and that's fine too.
The long and the short of it is there is no right or wrong answer to how many maids should a bride have. This really is up to the bride. There does not have be an equal number of bridesmaids or groomsmen. This choice is entirely up to the bride and groom.
Things to consider when getting ready to ask friends to be in the bridal party can include, but are not limited to, the following items:
1. How much will it cost you, as the bride/groom?
2. Will you, as the bride and groom pay for the dress/accessories/etc. for each bridesmaid?
3. Will the bridesmaids be required to pay for her dress/accessories/etc.?
4. Will you be having a destination wedding, or a home-town wedding? This can, and will, play a big part on the budget, whether it is for you, as the bride/groom, and/or for the attendants.
I hope you enjoyed this little bit of interesting knowledge regarding the bridesmaids. stay tuned for next week's blog post... Bridal Bouquets
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