This custom, imported from Anglo-Saxon culture actually has very ancient origins.
Their figure was already present in ancient Egypt. At that time it was believed that evil spirits, attracted by the happiness of the bride and groom-to-be, tried to undermine the success of the wedding. So, the bridesmaids would dress in clothes similar to the bride’s to deceive such spirits by protecting her and ensuring a happy day for the couple.
Such a tradition continued over the centuries. In the Victorian era even the groom’s friends dressed in clothes similar to his, creating confusion in souvenir photos making it difficult to distinguish the real married couple.
Of course, with the passing of centuries such superstitions have faded away but the figure of the bridesmaid has not, in fact it has taken on a key role.
First question: how many bridesmaids can you choose?
There is no exact number, the important thing is that they are even and no more than eight, twelve in royal weddings. You can choose them among your sisters, close friends or childhood friends, close relatives.
One of the maids of honour can also be the best woman and according to English tradition should be single and meet her prince charming right during the wedding.
A very important rule is that the bridesmaids should be dressed in matching dresses. It is preferable that the bride communicates the colour and style to be followed for their dresses, staying in line with the theme of the event. On the other hand, it is almost always the bride who gives the bridesmaids the dress. Of course, don’t pester your bridesmaids, let them choose the cut, pattern, length and neckline following their physical characteristics.
All right, but what is the role of bridesmaids in the wedding?
It is to assist the bride in the wedding preparations and during the big day.
The months leading up to your wedding will be some of the most beautiful and exciting of your life, but also full of anxieties, fears, stress, with hysterical crying the order of the day. Therefore, who better to support you than your best friend/damsel? Confide to them your thoughts, your doubts about your future husband or more simply about the shape of the bouquet.
The bridesmaids will accompany you in choosing the perfect dress, the right hairstyle that will bring out your features, the floral arrangement for the ceremony and the ideal serving dish.
They will also have the privilege of organizing your bachelorette party: a weekend in a European capital, a day at a spa among an intimate few, a dinner dance with mom and aunts attached. If you have entrusted them with such an important task, they surely cannot disappoint you.
And when the fateful day has arrived your bridesmaids will have to be the first to enter the bride’s room, helping you put on that wonderful gown, adjusting your veil as you get into the car next to your daddy ready to wipe away your tears while deftly avoiding mascara mixing with the blush.
The reception has begun and in addition to enjoying that wonderful meal, rejoicing and having fun with you they will also have to make sure that there are no hiccups during the reception by keeping in touch with the various vendors.
And when the day is over, you can finally hug and say goodbye with an epochal, liberating married-woman cry.
Their presence is definitely an added value to make your wedding day even more special and unforgettable.
