The word bridal means “of or relating to weddings” and is derived from the Old English word bryd, which means “bride.” A bridal party is composed of the bride’s close friends and family members who will accompany her down the aisle on her big day. Traditionally, the groom’s parents are also included in the bridal procession.
The bridal shower is a pre-wedding event thrown for the bride-to-be by her friends and family. The purpose of the party is to give gifts to the bride-to-be from those who wish her well on her wedding journey. During the shower, guests often play games or share personal well-wishes for the couple. The bride will typically open her gifts in front of her guests after the party concludes and thank everyone personally for their generosity. The hosts will usually take note of who gave what gifts, so that the bride-to-be can send thank-you cards to those who contributed.
After the shower concludes, the groom and his groomsmen will either enter with the bride or process down the aisle by themselves. During the ceremony, the officiant will pronounce the couple as husband and wife (or something similar), and the crowd will cheer. The newlyweds will then kiss for the first time as a married couple. Afterward, the wedding reception will begin.
A bridal gown is a formal dress worn by a woman on her wedding day. The term is derived from the Old English word bryd, which means “bride.” Today’s brides may choose from many different styles of dresses when getting married, including both traditional and modern designs. Choosing a dress that fits comfortably and flatters the bride’s figure is important for her comfort and confidence on her big day.
Other bridal attire includes accessories such as shoes, a veil, and jewelry. The wedding bouquet is another essential piece of bridal attire, as it consists of flowers that are traditionally associated with weddings. The bouquet is usually carried by a flower girl or the maid of honor and is designed to complement the bridal gown.
During the ceremony, designated wedding guests will read readings from the Bible during the Liturgy of the Word. The readings may be selected by the officiant or by the couple themselves. A special prayer, called the Prayer of the Faithful, may also be added to the Liturgy of the Word.
Following the readings, the ring bearers and flower girls will lead the way for the rest of the wedding party to process back up the aisle. The newlyweds will then walk out together, followed by the bride’s parents, the groom’s parents, and the bride’s grandparents. Once the wedding party has re-entered the room, the officiant will likely make some closing remarks. Then, it’s time for the toasts! The toasts are short speeches that highlight the couples’ friendship and love. Depending on the culture of the wedding, they might include humor or heartfelt stories. Regardless, the toasts should be well-rehearsed in advance to ensure they are delivered with poise and grace.