As you may have noticed, the word bridal can have many meanings, from the bride’s appearance to its usage in marriage. It has many synonyms, including bridegroom (a newly married man), bride-bell, bride-breakfast, bride-cake, and bridal-cakes. In its original meaning, the word bridal was an adjective, although it has become more of a generic adjective over the centuries. In Scotland, for example, bride-cake is still commonly used.
While the bride’s parents traditionally paid for most wedding expenses, today these are likely shared between the groom’s parents and the bride’s parents. The bride’s parents typically host the bride’s engagement party, provide her guest list, and offer moral support. In addition, the bride’s mother selects her wedding attire and lets the groom’s mother know what she wants. Traditionally, the bride’s mother is one of the most important people in the bride’s life.
The size of the bridal shower depends on how many guests you have. It will likely include both friends and family, although it is best not to invite anyone who isn’t invited to the wedding. While most showers are female-only, couples showers are increasingly common. Be sure to mention that on the invitation. The shower invitation will be sent four to six weeks before the big day. The couple’s parents will most likely have received the invite by that point.
The bride selects the number of attendants. In ancient times, the number of attendants was calculated based on the social status of the bride’s family. A large number of bridesmaids served as a social marker of the family. However, today, brides may choose a male friend as their head attendant. The female attendants are also considered to be the most important women in the wedding party. And there’s a wide range of options.
Western brides generally wear a white or ivory wedding gown. This is not a reflection on the bride’s sexuality, but rather on her physical beauty. The bride may also wear a garter that the groom removes during the reception. The bride’s veil is a modern variant of a large yellow veil worn by brides in ancient Greece and Rome during the ceremony. This is often referred to as the ‘flammum.’
In a traditional wedding, the bride and groom’s rings are carried by a ring bearer and flower girl. In modern times, the wedding party includes all family members, friends, and even children. If the wedding ceremony is religious in nature, the officiant will lead the ceremony and assist the couple in signing the marriage certificate. The ring bearer’s job is to carry the bride’s train and the ring to the groom’s place.
The groom’s father is usually the one who pays for the rehearsal dinner, although more modern couples are omitting this tradition. In addition, the groom’s father may help out with other wedding-day formal duties, such as speeches at the reception, mingling with guests, and other tasks that need to be performed. In addition, the groom may also want to involve his son in some part of the wedding. The groom’s father can be very helpful in the planning process, including helping to pay for the flower girl’s dress and arranging transportation.