The role of a bridesmaid has long been associated with various wedding traditions, many of which are puzzling. What exactly is a matron of honor? Why do children carry the wedding rings? And what’s with the rice throwing? While those who have been married might have these answers at the ready, those of us who haven’t participated in traditional weddings often find ourselves questioning the purpose behind these customs.
It’s widely accepted that bridesmaids are among the least fortunate guests at a wedding. Perhaps you once viewed the role with nostalgia, only to have your perspective shift dramatically when faced with the reality of purchasing an expensive dress you’ll never wear again, along with matching shoes and accessories. The sentiment quickly becomes, “This really isn’t worth it.”
Historically, bridesmaids have been required to wear similar dresses, a practice with somewhat unsettling origins. According to The Dessy Group, this tradition dates back to Roman law, which mandated ten witnesses at weddings to fend off evil spirits thought to lurk during ceremonies. To confuse these malevolent entities, bridesmaids and ushers donned outfits identical to those of the bride and groom, effectively acting as decoys to protect the couple from curses and distractions long enough for them to exchange vows.
So, as it turns out, the bridal party has always had a challenging role to play, grounded in a rather dark tradition.
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In summary, the bridesmaid experience has deep-rooted traditions that can often feel burdensome. While some elements of these customs may be charming, the financial and emotional toll on bridesmaids is often overlooked.