A bride is a woman who will be married. She is usually accompanied by bridesmaids, who may wear dresses matching hers. She may also be given gifts by her future husband as a thank you for her help and support during the planning of the wedding. Weddings are important events that bring together family and friends to celebrate a marriage. They can be simple affairs or elaborate celebrations. They can take place in churches, parks or other places of worship.
A wedding is a moment that will be remembered for a lifetime. It is a time for joy, laughter and love. Weddings are often expensive and can be a stressful event for many people. However, they are also a symbol of commitment and hope for the future. They are a way to honor tradition and to join two families together.
In Western culture, a bride is traditionally dressed in white for her wedding. This tradition dates back to Queen Victoria’s choice of a white gown for her wedding ceremony in 1840. Today, brides are permitted to choose any color for their wedding dresses. The word bride comes from the Old English term bryd, which means a woman or girl who is married. It is a compound word formed from the Old English brid and m
Before the actual wedding, some cultures require a bride price to be paid to the bride’s family. This dowry is usually in the form of livestock, cash or other valuables. In Sub-Saharan Africa, this dowry is called lobolo or rora and can range from a few head of cattle to several hundred thousand dollars in real estate and other assets.
After the vows are exchanged, a bridal procession begins. The couple is joined by their parents, siblings and other close relatives. Flower girls and ring bearers lead the way for the newlyweds. During this portion of the ceremony, it is common to sing or read special messages or poems about marriage and love.
The ceremony itself is held under a four-poled canopy structure called a chuppah, which represents a new home for the newlyweds. Some couples are accompanied by their parents as they stand under the chuppah while others stand alone. This is followed by a circling ritual in which the bride circles the groom seven times. This symbolizes a shield of protection over the couple.
At the end of the ceremony, there is usually a reception. This is a time to enjoy food, drinks and music with family and friends. It is a chance to show off the new bride and groom. Guests can also participate in activities such as dancing or throwing rice. Some weddings also include toasts from friends and family members. The couple will typically make a speech or toast in response. In some cases, the bride and groom will make a video to share their story with the audience.