National Bridesmaid Day

A group of diverse bridesmaids in elegant dresses, holding bouquets, laughing together in a beautiful garden setting.. — National bridesmaid day illustration

Bridesmaids, assemble! It's time to celebrate National Bridesmaid Day, a day dedicated to those fabulous friends who stand by the bride's side on her big day. Whether you're a bridesmaid veteran or a rookie, this national day is all about appreciating the love, support, and sometimes the hilarious mishaps that come with being a bridesmaid.

When is Bridesmaid Day?

It's national bridesmaid day on the 16th March.

The Internet History of National Bridesmaid Day:

It all began on 16 Mar 2015 when the internet exploded with 133 mentions of National Bridesmaid Day. People from all around the world shared heartwarming stories, funny anecdotes, and even some survival tips for surviving the chaotic whirlwind that is being a bridesmaid.

So why do we have a day dedicated to bridesmaids? Well, these incredible individuals play a crucial role in weddings. They help the bride with everything from choosing the perfect dress to organizing bachelorette parties. Bridesmaids are the ultimate support squad, ensuring the bride has a stress-free and memorable wedding day.

On National Bridesmaid Day, brides and bridesmaids take a moment to show their appreciation for each other. From heartfelt messages to showering each other with love and gifts, this day is a reminder of the unbreakable bond forged between brides and their trusty sidekicks.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the concept of bridesmaids dates back to ancient Rome? In those days, they believed that evil spirits were attracted to brides-to-be, so bridesmaids dressed up just like the bride to confuse the spirits and protect her. Talk about a stylish and supernatural defense!

History behind the term 'Bridesmaid'

1562

The Origins of Bridesmaids

The term 'bridesmaid' dates back to the 16th century in England. The 'bridesmaid' was originally called the 'bride's maid,' derived from 'bride's maiden.' In ancient times, a 'bride's maiden' referred to an unmarried woman of marriageable age who accompanied the bride during the wedding ceremony. These women were typically close friends or relatives and their purpose was to protect the bride from evil spirits by confusing them with a large group of look-alikes.

1000 AD

The Origins: Ancient Times

In ancient times, the concept of bridesmaids had already begun taking shape. The term 'bridesmaid' can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon era in the 11th century, specifically to the word 'brydsmann', which referred to a male attendant of the bride. These male attendants were tasked with helping secure the bride and protecting her from potential threats during the wedding ceremony.

1406 AD

Evolution of the Term

As time went on, the role of the bridesmaid evolved, and by the 15th century, the term 'bridesmaid' primarily referred to female attendants. The term 'maid' replaced 'mann' as it became more common for women to take on the role. Bridesmaids were typically chosen from close family members or friends and were responsible for assisting the bride in various wedding-related tasks, such as dressing her, accompanying her to the altar, and supporting her emotional well-being.

19th Century

Victorian Era Bridesmaids

During the Victorian era, the role of a bridesmaid became more defined. Bridesmaids were chosen based on their social status and familial connections to the bride. They acted as assistants to the bride, helping her get dressed, arranging her veil, and ensuring her comfort. Bridesmaid dresses began to mimic the bride's gown, often in similar colors and styles, to create a cohesive bridal party aesthetic.

20th Century

The Rise of Bridesmaid Traditions

In the early 20th century, bridesmaids' roles expanded to include tasks such as organizing bridal showers, attending dress fittings, and planning bachelorette parties. Bridesmaids became an integral part of the wedding planning process, supporting the bride emotionally and practically. With the advent of photography, bridesmaid photographs became popular, capturing the beauty and elegance of the bridal party.

19th Century

Boosted Popularity

During the 19th century, the role of bridesmaids gained even more popularity and recognition. It became a significant tradition in Western wedding ceremonies, symbolizing the close bond between the bride and her closest female companions. Bridesmaids were often dressed in matching or coordinating gowns to enhance the visual aesthetics of the bridal party. This practice continued to flourish throughout the years, maintaining its prominence in modern weddings.

Present Day

Modern Bridesmaid Trends

In recent times, the concept of bridesmaids has evolved further. Brides now select bridesmaids not only based on family connections but also on close relationships and friendships. The role of bridesmaids has become more personalized, with each bride assigning specific duties to her bridal party. Furthermore, bridesmaid dresses have become more diverse, with a range of colors, styles, and lengths to reflect individuality and complement the overall wedding theme.

20th Century

Modern Expectations

In the 20th century, the expectations and responsibilities of bridesmaids continued to evolve. Bridesmaids not only supported the bride emotionally but also played an active role in pre-wedding events and arrangements, such as bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and wedding planning. They became integral members of the wedding party, standing alongside the bride on her special day, helping make the ceremony and celebration a memorable occasion for everyone involved.