A bride is a female participant in a wedding ceremony. She wears a white or cream dress and a veil. Her attendants, called bridesmaids, are her close friends or relatives who help her with the preparations for the wedding and stand beside her during the ceremony. A flower girl is a child, usually a niece or a friend’s daughter, who spreads flowers before the bride walks down the aisle.
A bridal bouquet is an arrangement of flowers the bride carries during her walk down the aisle. The word bridal comes from the old English noun “bryd” meaning “bride.” The term has been adopted into many languages, including French, Dutch, and German. In non-Western countries, the term may refer to a national dress, as in Japan, India, and parts of Africa. In Western cultures, white is the traditional color of the bride’s dress. Other colors such as red, which symbolizes health and vibrancy, are also popular for brides in many Asian cultures. In some religious traditions, the bride may wear multiple outfits, as is common in South Indian culture. Some brides carry a sacred text such as the Bible or the Koran, as is done in Hindu ceremonies. Other brides carry gifts for the guests.
In addition to the bridal dress, the bride may choose to wear a crown or other headpieces to complete her look. These accessories often hold symbolic value, such as a veil representing protection or a tiara symbolizing wealth and royalty. In the past, brides often received a dowry as payment for their marriage. Today, most dowries are no longer paid but the custom of showering the bride-to-be with gifts continues.
The bridal shower is an important party for the future Mrs. It can be held at any location, but is most often hosted by a female friend or relative. This is a time for the bride’s close female friends to give her gifts in celebration of her upcoming marriage. This is a time to celebrate and relax before the hectic wedding planning ahead.
Bridal gowns are typically purchased eight to ten months prior to the wedding, so that there is plenty of time for production and alterations. The right gown is one that makes the bride feel confident, comfortable, and gorgeous. Choosing the right style requires some research. It’s important to find the perfect fit, and a tailor or seamstress can make sure that happens.
BHLDN is a great resource for brides-to-be, as it offers filters such as neckline, back detail, silhouette, hemline, and embellishment that help narrow down the options. The website is also easy to navigate and provides an excellent introduction to the terminology that will be used throughout the process. It’s worth remembering that the best-selling styles can sell out quickly, so it’s important to keep an eye on online stock as you shop. Also, remember that many bridal gowns are designed to be altered, so have a trusted seamstress ready for fittings and adjustments.