History of The Bridal Party
The role of the bridal party has changed and evolved over the years. Back then, bridesmaids and groomsmen played a bigger role in weddings rather than just help planning, being there for emotional support, and being part of the special day! Read more to find out their responsibilities!
Why a Bridal Party?
In ancient Roman times there was a law that required witnesses to be present at the wedding, ten witnesses to be exact; five bridesmaids and five groomsmen. During this time the bridal party dressed like the bride and groom in order to confuse the evil spirits or jealous guests so neither one could harm the newlywed.
Photographer: Frances Photography
Groomsmen
In an Anglo-Saxon tradition, the groomsmen, also known as the bride’s knights, would fight off angry people that didn’t agree the wedding and would try to steal the bride away. The groomsmen were also in charge of the bride’s safety during her transportation to the wedding and then to the groom’s home.
Photographer: J.Mo Studio
Best Man
The role of the best man originated from the Germanic Goths in the 16th century. He was the best swordsman out of all the other groomsmen. During the wedding, the best man would stand next to the bride at all times, even during the ceremony, to ensure that the bride didn’t try to run away or that anyone else try to harm or steal the bride.
Photographer: Savannah Chandler
Matron of Honor
In ancient Roman weddings, the matron of honor, an older and married version of the maid of honor and also known as a senior maid, would stand would stand by the bride on her wedding day to constantly make sure the bride looked absolutely stunning at all times. The matron of honor also joined the right hands of the couple during the ceremony. In order for one to be a matron of honor, they had to be married only once and they couldn’t be a widow.
Photographer: Emily Sacco
Bridesmaids
The bridesmaids would assist the bride in decorating for the wedding and anything else the bride needed help with. In the medieval times, the bridesmaids would would shower the bride with gifts before the wedding as a dowry if the bride’s father didn’t approve of the husband and provide a sufficient amount of money for the dowry.
Photographer: Guillermo Benetton
Fun Fact
During Anglo-Saxon times, instead of a bouquet, brides would throw shoes at the bridesmaids to see which one of them would marry next. Whoever caught the shoe would then throw the shoe at the groomsmen, and the first guy they hit would be the lucky fellow to marry the bridesmaid. Imagine if the bride or bridesmaid had terrible aim? That could go on forever! Or even yet, what if they had a hard throw? The shoe could hurt someone! Luckily a bouquet is used in today’s’ weddings. It does less harm than a shoe!
Photographer: Jewels Photography
In today’s weddings, the bridal party is used to incorporate close relatives and/or friends in the ceremony; to show that the relationship and the person is special to you. Some couples choose not to incorporate a bridal party in the wedding. That is perfectly fine as well! Whether the couple is leaning more towards having a bridal party or not having one will not matter as long as the couple is happy and comfortable with their decision. It’s all about personal preferences; there isn’t a law unlike back then!
