The tradition behind bridesmaids wearing matching dresses is a bit unsettling. Weddings come with a plethora of customs that often leave us scratching our heads. What’s the deal with a matron of honor? Why does a little kid have to carry the wedding rings? And what’s with throwing rice? Sure, if you’ve walked down the aisle yourself, you probably have the answers at your fingertips. But for those of us who haven’t had a traditional wedding or even wanted one, we can’t help but wonder, “Why do people go through all of this?”
It’s a well-known fact that the bridesmaid role isn’t exactly a walk in the park. You might have dreamed about being a bridesmaid when you were younger, but once you faced the reality of footing the bill for an expensive dress you’ll likely never wear again, plus shoes and accessories, your perspective probably shifted to, “This is kind of a hassle. And it costs a fortune.”
As for the infamous bridesmaid dress, we’re finally reaching a point where brides are choosing styles that can be worn again, but that certainly wasn’t the case for the six weddings I participated in. Sure, they looked nice at the time, but who actually wears taffeta after the big day? The answer is: not many.
The Chilling Historical Context
The historical reasons behind bridesmaids wearing similar attire is actually a little chilling. The tradition seems to trace back to Roman law, which mandated that ten witnesses attend a wedding to ward off evil spirits that were thought to crash ceremonies. According to sources like The Dessy Group, bridesmaids and ushers would don identical outfits to the couple so that malevolent spirits wouldn’t know who was actually getting married. Essentially, the bridal party was tasked with distracting these demons long enough for the couple to say their vows.
So, it seems the wedding party has always been in a bit of a tight spot. It’s just part of the tradition. If you want to learn more about the ins and outs of home insemination and the process, check out this other blog post on privacy policies. Also, for insights on your fertility journey, this resource is a great option. And for those diving into pregnancy topics, Progyny’s blog is an excellent source to explore.
In summary, the bridesmaid experience may not be the glamorous role many envision, and the historical context behind it is quite fascinating, albeit a bit daunting. If you’re considering the various aspects of weddings and related traditions, it’s worth delving deeper into the meanings behind them.