The bride (also called the bride-to-be) is a woman who is about to be married. She is often accompanied by a maid of honor and one or more bridesmaids. Her future husband is referred to as the groom or groomsman. In some cultures, the wedding may be celebrated for an entire week with friends and family supporting the couple as they spend lavishly on food, drink, and gifts. The word bride is also used to refer to a woman’s position in the Church, as symbolically betrothed to Christ.
Depending on the culture, the bride can be dressed in various styles from simple white to elaborate and ornate. The bride-to-be’s dress is a major decision for any couple. It can determine how much a wedding costs, and if the couple will invite children to their ceremony. It will also influence the guest list, since many venues have a maximum capacity for the number of people they can accommodate.
If the bride-to-be is planning her own wedding, she can turn to her bridesmaids and close friends for advice. She should also consult with her partner throughout the process, as it will strengthen their bond and help them work together to accomplish a common goal. Those who have been recently married are great resources as well, as they can share expert tips that may save the new bride time and money.
As the day approaches, the bride can get a head start on planning her ceremony by choosing her favorite flowers and designing the layout of her table centerpieces. She can also order her invitations and begin sending out Save the Dates. Once the bride has determined the number of guests she wants to include, she can work with her partner and key family members to make sure the final list does not exceed their budget or venue capacity.
Another important task is creating the bride’s registry, which should be complete before the wedding day. This will give guests an opportunity to purchase the bride-to-be a gift that she will appreciate and use after the event. It will also make it easier for the bride and groom to keep track of all their gifts.
A fun way to kick off the planning process is by asking the bride-to-be’s sister and mother for ideas. They will have a wealth of wedding memories to share and may be able to provide suggestions that are unique and personal.
Once all of the plans are in place, the bride can focus on enjoying the day and getting ready to exchange vows with her soon-to-be husband. Then, the newlyweds can celebrate their marriage and begin a lifetime of happiness together.