The word bridal has a long history in English. It first appeared as an adjective and has evolved to encompass a variety of meanings. Its origins can be traced to the Middle Ages, when young girls would gather outside the church porch and toss grains of wheat over the bride. Later, these grains were cooked into thin biscuits. Today, oatmeal cakes are a popular wedding treat in Scotland. In the 18th century, the term became an adjective.
Today, the role of the father of the bride is much smaller than in the past. Still, he has several duties on the wedding day. Traditionally, the father of the bride walks his daughter down the aisle, gives her away at the altar, and participates in the father-daughter dance. In addition, he is a very important figure in the wedding preparations. Here are some of his roles in the wedding:
The maid of honor is the chief attendant. The maid of honor helps the bride dress and goes with her to the ceremony. She also signs the marriage license as the bride’s witness. During the processional, the maid of honor will organize the bride’s veil and train, and hold her bouquet at the altar. During the reception, the maid of honor will dance with the best man. The bride’s maid of honor will coordinate the wedding party for the bride and the bridesmaids and will ensure that they have fun.
During the ceremony, the groom will wear a dark tuxedo or suit. The groom will then remove the bride’s garter, and throw it to male guests, where he will catch it. The ceremony is complete when both parties have successfully intercourse. In some cultures, the bride will wear a veil, and the groom may also wear a garter. After the ceremony, the couple will exchange vows.
Another role of a wedding attendant is that of a ring bearer. Traditionally, the ring bearer was a boy, and he carried the wedding rings on a pillow, but in more modern times, the parents of the ring bearer and flower girl would be expected to pay for the expense. The ring bearer is a boy who attends the bridal party in imitation of the bride and groom. In the UK, the ringbearer is also known as a page boy. Traditionally, the page boy and ringbearer would be dressed as miniature replicas of the bride and groom.
In some cultures, the bride’s best man is the person responsible for arranging and hosting the bachelor dinner. This role is crucial as it ensures that the groom arrives on time, provides the bride’s ring, and holds the officiant’s fee until after the ceremony. The best man also organizes and supervises the groomsmen’s formal pictures and dances with the maid of honor. The best man is also responsible for orchestrating the toasts during the wedding reception.