History of Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

• The history of bridesmaids varies based on culture, religion and historical time period. The ancient Romans thought the bridesmaids' role was to be a sort of bridal infantry that protected the bride as she traveled to the groom's village. These early bridesmaids dressed in similar outfits and were charged with the duty to intervene if any thugs or vengeful suitors attempted to attack the bride or steal her dowry. Later, Roman law required ten witnesses to be present at a wedding in order to ward off demonic spirits who were believed to attend marriage ceremonies. To outsmart the evil spirits, the bridesmaids and ushers dressed in identical clothing as the bride and groom. In this way, the spirits would not know who was actually getting married. The historical role of groomsmen is a bit different. During the early "marriage by capture" era, close friends of the groom helped him ritually capture the bride and kidnap her from her family. The first groomsmen were virtually a small army, who fought off the angry relatives of the bride as the groom rode away with her. Whatever the origin, the modern day bridesmaids and groomsmen have become deeply embedded in wedding tradition.
  
  

Before the Wedding

• Modern day bridesmaids play a major role in helping a bride plan her wedding. Bridesmaids often help the bride pick out her wedding gown, color schemes, venues, florists and caterers. Bridesmaids are also responsible for purchasing their dresses, shoes, jewelry and any other wedding accessories requested by the bride. Bridesmaids plan, host and pay for the bride's shower and bachelorette party. Bridesmaids are also expected to keep a record of all the gifts received at those events and compile and maintain RSVP lists. They may also be asked to assist in addressing the envelopes for the wedding invitations or to help make party favors. Bridesmaids are also expected to attend the rehearsal ceremony and rehearsal dinner. The groomsmen seem to have a much easier job. Like the bridesmaids, they are also expected to purchase their wedding attire and attend all pre-wedding activities including the engagement party, couple's shower and rehearsal dinner. The groomsmen also plan and host the groom's bachelor party.
  
  

On the Wedding Day

• The hours before the wedding are a very busy time for a bridesmaid. On the day of the wedding, bridesmaids must be available to run last-minute errands, confirm flower delivery times, meet and greet the ceremony officiant and help the bride get into her wedding dress and get ready for the ceremony. This is all in addition to getting her own hair and make-up done and putting on her dress. Before the ceremony, groomsmen may perform usher duties, escorting wedding guests to their seats. Groomsmen should also be ready to serve as the main source of information and direct guests to the restrooms and reception hall. The best man is responsible for holding onto the ring and keeping it in a safe place.
  
  

During the Ceremony

• The bridesmaids and groomsmen walk down the aisle, leading the way for the bride. Bridesmaids and groomsmen are usually paired up or may, in some cases, walk individually. The bridesmaids and groomsmen stand beside the bride and groom for the entire length of the ceremony and may be asked to perform special tasks during the ceremony such as reading a bible scripture or singing a song. After the couple has exchanged vows and taken their walk back down the aisle as husband and wife, the bridesmaids assist the bride with her train if it is extra long.
  
  

After the Ceremony

• After the ceremony is complete, bridesmaids serve as hostesses for the reception guests, making sure they know where their seats are and inviting them to sign the wedding guest book. Bridesmaids may also be asked to dance with the groomsmen during the formal first-dance sequence or dance with male guests who do not have a dance partner. Bridesmaids also help carry the bride's wedding gown train and bustle it before the bride hits the dance floor. They should also be on the lookout for any fashion mishaps with the bride's gown and be prepared with a needle and thread if necessary. Also, bridesmaids should be available to accompany the bride to the restroom, if necessary. At the reception, groomsmen have it pretty easy. Groomsmen are only expected to dance with bridesmaids or single female guests during the event and the best man usually makes a toast.