more traditions
Why have bridesmaids?
In the olden days of marriage, a bride-to-be was captured by the
bridegroom. Therefore, a maiden was guarded by her family to
prevent the capture. Later, this drama became sort of a game at
country weddings. The bridegroom would come for his bride and be
confronted by many maidens all dressed exactly alike. He was to
find his true love among the maidens and whisk her away to the
church.
This tradition continued through the Victorian era. In fact,
during Victorian wedding ceremonies, the brides' maidens often
wore white dresses and short veils resembling the bride's attire.
Why have groomsmen and ushers?
Back when 'marriage by capture' was hip, a young man often
brought along several of his strong-armed friends to help fend
off his bride-to-be's brothers. These burly men were the first
groomsmen and ushers.
Why so many attendants?
Long ago, it was believed that 10 witnesses had to be present for
a wedding ceremony to take place. Why? To outsmart the demons, of
course. The thinking was this: If several maidens were dressed
like the bride and several men were dressed like the bridegroom,
the spirits would be confused, making them unable to harm the
actual bride and groom.
Why have a ring bearer?
This young, small attendant (usually a relative of the bride) is
an American adaptation of the English pageboy who still carries
the bride's train in formal weddings at Westminster Abbey in
London, England.
[email protected]
In the olden days of marriage, a bride-to-be was captured by the
bridegroom. Therefore, a maiden was guarded by her family to
prevent the capture. Later, this drama became sort of a game at
country weddings. The bridegroom would come for his bride and be
confronted by many maidens all dressed exactly alike. He was to
find his true love among the maidens and whisk her away to the
church.
This tradition continued through the Victorian era. In fact,
during Victorian wedding ceremonies, the brides' maidens often
wore white dresses and short veils resembling the bride's attire.
Why have groomsmen and ushers?
Back when 'marriage by capture' was hip, a young man often
brought along several of his strong-armed friends to help fend
off his bride-to-be's brothers. These burly men were the first
groomsmen and ushers.
Why so many attendants?
Long ago, it was believed that 10 witnesses had to be present for
a wedding ceremony to take place. Why? To outsmart the demons, of
course. The thinking was this: If several maidens were dressed
like the bride and several men were dressed like the bridegroom,
the spirits would be confused, making them unable to harm the
actual bride and groom.
Why have a ring bearer?
This young, small attendant (usually a relative of the bride) is
an American adaptation of the English pageboy who still carries
the bride's train in formal weddings at Westminster Abbey in
London, England.
[email protected]
