how did the tradition of groomsmen, bridesmaids, flower girl, and ring bearer come about? What's their origin?

Question

I'm curious =)

Answer 1

Not only what wujka said about kidnapping, but also--in arranged marriages, the bride was scheduled to marry the heir not Edward (or whoever). Well, in those times life expectancy was not so good. If he was injuried and did not make it, the best man (next in line) substituted in for him. That way she was still marrying the heir and no slight was incurred by her family. (If she married the guy and he died right afterwards, she would be sent back to her family and probably her dowry not returned--but even if it was, a returned bride is never a good thing)

The tradition of the garter goss was to throw a piece of the bridal clothing to the audience so they would not rip her clothing. Bridesmaids were to help distract and were originally dressed exactly like the bride so that the mob was not sure who was the bride and therefore she had a chance at getting away clothing intact. Also, like she said in kidnapping, as the bridesmaids were dressed exactly alike, it was confusing to know which one to actually kidnap.

I have never heard the origin of the flower girl but I imagine it was just to have someone to match the ring bearer. And lil girls love to carry flowers. Flowers were thrown not just for the sweet smell, but also just like how a man would have thrown down his coat, so that the grime and muck would not get all over the ladies clothing.

The ring bearer was originally just a page. The page (usually around 7 which is why its a young boy today) was in charge of carrying everything for the knight. He would have polished the wedding day armor, the sword and carried the ring. As you know, anyone who had a valet wouldn't carry his own stuff. lol. But you wouldn't give precious metal like a ring to a servant. A page was of the high class and therefore could be trusted to carry it.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

I like the idea of giving the bridesmaids/groomsmen something they can use after the wedding. For the girls a nice relaxig bathset or some gift certificates to a nice restaurant, picture frames, candles are all beautiful gifts another thing that would be special would be to try and personalize an aspect of each gift, whether it be a different scent for each girl, color etc. For groomsmen, engraved flask, swiss army knife, grooming kit or a beer set (corona has one with a large bottle of beer, an opener, two glasses and a beer bucket) For the kids a gift card for books, toys is great or if you know them well pick up the toy/book for them.

Answer 3

The groomsmen and bridesmaids originated because of bride kidnapping. Traditionally, men from one village would go and kidnap their bride from a neighboring village. The groomsmen were the groom's friends who would help catch, the bridesmaids were the bride's friends who would help evade. All very romantic!

Answer 4

Many wedding customs come from royal and/or military practices. In the old days it was common for the King to be the Commander in Chief so it is hard to distinguish between the two.

For centuries Kings, Queens, Generals and Admirals have had hangers-on to help get dressed, shine shoes, fetch a tankard of ale, lose at cards and laugh at jokes.

Answer 5

http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0767684.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_7427_understand-wedding-rituals.html