What is a Bridesmaid?

In the traditional wedding ceremony wedding ceremony , the bride is usually attended by young ladies of marriageable age. These attendants are referred to as bridesmaids . The chief, or lead, bridesmaid is called the Maid-of-Honor if she is unwed and the Matron-of-Honor if she is married. Younger girls who are obviously too young to be married may also be included and are called Junior bridesmaids .

Why was I asked to participate and what is my role?

The Bridesmaid tradition is thought to have originated in Bible times during the ceremonies of Jacob clearance summer dresses clearance summer dresses tea length mother dresses , Leah and Rachel. Each of these sisters brought their own attendants or servants to the wedding and these were to serve from that point forward as their personal handmaidens. Another popular thought in the West attributes the bridesmaid tradition to an ancient Roman Law, which required that there be at least ten witnesses at a wedding in order to outsmart any evil spirits in attendance. It was believed that the attendants, by dressing in identical clothing to the bride and groom, wedding dresses for the summer would confuse the spirits so that they would not know who to curse.

Basically the Bridesmaid is someone who is dear to the couple and she is called upon to offer emotional support on perhaps the biggest day of a young lady's life. Other duties may include doing things like helping the bride choose her bridal ensemble formal prom dresses formal prom dresses, addressing envelopes, hosting the bridal shower or bachelorette party and standing up with her on the wedding day .

Special honor may be given to the Maid or Matron of Honor before and during the service. She may be asked to help the bride dress womens summer dress womens summer dress, if you want to hold your wedding on the beach, you'd better choose a beach wedding dress/ beach wedding dresses hold her flowers during the ceremony, assist her with her veil veil during the ceremony or arrange her train once she is at the altar. Most Maids or Matrons of Honor are also asked to serve as a witness by signing the marriage license and holding the groom's wedding band. In addition chiffon bridesmaid dresses chiffon bridesmaid dresses, She and the Best Man will probably be asked to propose a toast during a formal Reception. The Junior-Bridesmaid is only responsible to show up to the wedding and look adorable.

What will my costs include?

There was a time when the bride's family covered all or most of the wedding expenses. This is still the case in some cultures and on some rare occasions here in America. However beach dress plus size wedding dress plus size victorian wedding dress , most modern day bridesmaids are expected to cover their own expenses. These costs might include any or all of the following.

• Bridesmaid Ensemble. This includes your shoes, dress and jewelry jewelry . Most brides cover the cost of their bridesmaid's flowers.
• Travel Expenses. This would include your travel to and from the wedding location as well as your accommodations once you have arrived.
• Bridal Shower. Together with the other maids, most bridesmaids choose to host either a bridal party, tea or shower in honor of their bride.

Use this information to make an informed decision. Should you decide to be a bridesmaid make sure you are an asset to the party as this is a very exciting yet stressful time in your friend's life. Do your best to meet deadlines, plan ahead for known expenses, have your fittings done when asked, make sure you have the agreed upon shoes and jewelry and get a fresh and pretty hairstyle for the big day. If you don't think you can afford to be a bridesmaid be honest and let your bride-to-be know as soon as possible. If you cannot serve, make a point to offer your assistance in some other way and be sure to come and support your friend on her big day. Have fun!