A bride is a person who is to be married. She is typically dressed in white, although some cultures dress their brides in other colors to symbolize vibrancy and health, such as red (for Punjabi Sikh brides) and gold (for Hindu brides). In many countries, wedding ceremonies are elaborate affairs. Some include symbolic rituals like consuming cake or drinking wine from the bride-cup, which had ancient romantic and religious significance. Brides also wear accessories that carry cultural meaning, such as the engagement and wedding rings in Western cultures or chura (red and white bangles) in Punjabi Sikh culture and mangalsutra in Hindu culture.
Bridal is also a term for the set of straps and fittings by which a horse or other draft animal is fastened to a cart, plow, or other vehicle. This use of the word reflects its roots in equestrian equipment and is quite different from its contemporary connotations as a synonym for bride.
When you work in bridal, it can be helpful to clarify the meaning of your work for wedding guests who may not know your industry as well as you do. For instance, a florist might explain how she chose certain flowers to achieve the look the bride wanted. A planner might talk about why she opted for a particular venue or why she loved working with this couple. This helps readers feel like they are part of the celebration, which makes them more likely to want to support you.
The word bridal can be a little confusing, too, as it can refer to the clothing worn by a bride before her marriage or the gifts that she receives from friends and family to help her start her new life. It can also be a synonym for “engaged,” as it is common to see couples referred to as the ‘bride-to-be’ or the ‘bride’ before they get married.
Traditionally, the bridal shower was a pre-wedding party for just the bride and her female friends. Nowadays, however, some couples choose to have a combined bridal and wedding shower, in which they celebrate both their future lives together and their relationship with one another.
Both events can involve fun games, delicious food, and of course, plenty of presents. A common practice is for guests to bring gifts from the registries, which were originally designed to build a bride’s trousseau or personal collection of items for her home. These could range from the basics, such as a Le Creuset pot or a Kitchenaid stand mixer, to more intimate items like lingerie and bed linens.
Regardless of the type of event you are planning, it is important to keep your registry up-to-date so that your friends and family have an easy way to shop for you. It is also a good idea to offer the option of group gifting, so that even those who can’t afford your dream items can still show their love and support for you.