The bride is the central figure in any wedding ceremony. She traditionally wears a white dress, but today, brides may choose from any color or style they want. She is normally accompanied by maids of honor, groomsmen and bridesmaids, but she also chooses how many bridesmaids she wants to have. The bride is often the center of attention during the ceremony and reception, and her presence is often symbolic for her family and friends.
In a traditional wedding, the bride is usually escorted by her father or other male members of her family. The number of people in her retinue is usually directly proportional to the size of her family’s wealth and social status. In modern times, the bride’s closest female friend or sister is often chosen as her maid of honor; she is sometimes referred to as matron of honor if she is already married. The groom’s best man is typically referred to as the best man and he usually acts as the ring bearer.
A girl between the ages of 9 and 13 is often called a junior bridesmaid. She is often dressed in a similar way to the adult bridesmaids but does not participate in the bachelor/bachelorette party nor is she held to the same financial obligations as the rest of her attendants. A bride might choose to have a flower girl, who carries the flowers that will be used in the ceremony and/or the reception. The ring bearer, a boy or girl who carries the rings on a pillow down the aisle, is typically a child relative of the couple.
Typically, the maid of honor and/or her mother will help her choose her dress. The bride might even ask the help of a fashion designer or bridal consultant. The bride will typically have several fittings before the big day, so she is comfortable and familiar with her dress. The bride will often keep the dress for years after the wedding and possibly pass it down to her daughters or grandchildren.
One of the biggest expenses in a wedding is the venue, and many couples choose to have their ceremonies and receptions at places that have special meaning for them. This can significantly cut the cost of a wedding.
If the bride is planning on having a large wedding, she might want to consider skipping the reception completely and only focusing on the ceremony. This will eliminate the need for a large guest list and save on food, drinks and rental costs. It can still be a very romantic ceremony with the couple exchanging their vows in front of loved ones and witnesses who will support them through their marriage. Rocket Lawyer is a general information service and does not provide legal advice. If you have a legal issue, you should contact a qualified attorney. We encourage you to find one near you by visiting our Lawyer Directory. If you find this article useful, please share it.