We had a lot of fun last week playing two truths and a lie, so we thought we’d continue this tradition for a few more weeks. Does that sound okay? Great!! Since it was National Best Friend Day this past Tuesday (June 8th), we figured the timing was perfect to talk all things bridesmaids this time around. Remember, we’ll be outlining three details about the origins of the bridesmaid tradition, and you’ll need to determine which two are truths and which one is a lie. Keep in mind that a lot of modern-day wedding rituals do have pretty weird beginnings… Just sayin!
👯♀️ Bridesmaids have carried floral bouquets since the birth of the tradition
👯♀️ A bride used to need 10 bridesmaids to witness her marriage in order for it to be legally binding
👯♀️ Bridesmaids dressed alike – and like the bride – to confuse evil spirits and rival suitors and make it altogether impossible to bring misfortune to the bride on her day
Bridesmaids are such a special part of the wedding, to us, but at the end of the day, as long as a bride has her favorite people present (and paying attention) on the day she says ‘I do,’ that’s all that matters. We needed to say that first, because these days, bridesmaids and bridal parties don’t have to stick to any rules. The couple gets to decide who of their closest friends, family members, colleagues, etc. will be intimately involved in their wedding, how and when they’re asked, what they’ll wear, and what they’ll be responsible for on the big day and all that comes before.
During ancient Roman times, yes, 10 witnesses were required to make the marriage officially sanctioned. Of course, that number is pretty arbitrary nowadays; brides can have as many or as little maids as they’d like – witnesses (plural) are still customary for marriage in every state, but if a bride opts not to have bridesmaids or a even a single Maid/Matron of Honor, that’s totally okay! Witnesses can be parents, siblings, friends: whoever is entrusted with the privilege of watching the couple sign their marriage certificate (and potentially even when the couple applies for their marriage license) just needs to show up and be supportive of the seriously-special occasion.
Superstitions have been part of wedding history for centuries, after all, what bride (and groom for that matter!) doesn’t want to keep all the [good] luck on her side on her best day ever? But going back to that ‘truth…’ Yes, the tradition of bridesmaids all wearing ensembles that matched – and looked like the bride – came about to essentially bemuse the spirits and ill-intentioned celestial entities hovering around the ceremony and celebration. Rival suitors, those who may have been turned away from the bride at some point, were a problem, too. So, if they showed up, and had close to a dozen beautiful distractions in their midst, they’d be thrown off the [bride’s] scent. Long story short, bridesmaids have been showing up for their bestie brides for ages!
If you said ‘bridesmaids have carried floral bouquets since the birth of the tradition’ was the lie, then you’d be 100p on track. During the Victorian Era, bridesmaids actually carried herbs, garlic, and grains in their bouquets as a means of warding off those evil spirits… A bride needed to make it to the altar unscathed by any bad juju, so if her girls needed to take one for the team with a bouquet that was more function than fun, then it was what it was.
Thankfully, these days, bridesmaids aren’t beholden to lackluster looks for their flowers, their fashion, and more. Brides and their squads have sooo much choice, and it’s a wonderful thing!! Whether you’ll be getting married with just a few by your side or subscribing to “the more, the merrier” mantra, you’ll want to make sure the whole experience has moments of greatness straight on through your ‘I dos.’ Peep our Style Me Pretty Shop and the section we’ve reserved just for you and your crew. From festive cups and glasses to makeup bags and sleep masks, these gifts are sure to say “I don’t just want you at my wedding, I need you at my wedding.” Hits a little different than it did back then, but it’s a welcome change, for sure.