If you’ve ever been curious about wedding traditions, you’re not alone. What exactly is a matron of honor, and why do little children get tasked with carrying the rings? And what’s with the throwing of rice? While many of these customs have explanations that make sense to those familiar with them, for others, they raise eyebrows.
One thing is clear: being a bridesmaid is often seen as the least glamorous role in a wedding party. You may have daydreamed about this role as a child, but reality hits hard when you’re faced with the hefty expenses of an elaborate dress, matching shoes, and accessories—all for an outfit you’re unlikely to wear again. Suddenly, your childhood fantasy morphs into a realization: “This isn’t fun, and it’s super pricey!”
The notorious bridesmaid dress has evolved over the years, and thankfully, some brides now opt for styles that can be worn again. However, I can vouch for the six weddings I participated in, where “wearable again” was merely a dream. Seriously, who is ever going to don a taffeta gown for a night out? The answer is a resounding “No.”
Interestingly, there’s a historical context behind the tradition of bridesmaids wearing similar attire that’s rather unsettling. According to The Dessy Group, the custom traces back to Roman law that mandated ten witnesses at weddings to outsmart evil spirits believed to crash the festivities. To confuse these spirits, bridesmaids and ushers donned outfits identical to the bride and groom, acting as decoys to intercept any curses aimed at the couple. So, in essence, the bridal party was tasked with distracting malevolent forces long enough for the couple to exchange vows. Quite the burden, isn’t it?
See? The wedding party has always had its share of challenges—it’s simply a part of the tradition.
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In summary, while the role of a bridesmaid may seem romantic at first glance, it often comes with significant costs and historical implications that remind us of its challenging nature.