A bride, sometimes called the ‘bride-elect’ or’maid of honor’ is a woman who takes on an important role in the wedding ceremony. They help the bride with various tasks throughout the wedding planning process and on the big day itself, including attending dress fittings and organising the bachelorette party. Traditionally, the maid or matron of honour is a sibling or a close friend of the bride who is chosen for this role because of their love and respect for the bride. However, this is not always the case, and brides can choose someone else to be their maid or matron of honour if they wish.
The term comes from the Old English word bridal, which is believed to be related to the verb ‘to marry’. A bridal or bridal procession was a custom at many weddings, and the term is also used to describe the ‘loving cup’ in which the bridegroom pledged his love for the bride. The ‘loving cup’ was then broken over the couple’s heads by the guests to show their love and respect for them, symbolising that they would care for and protect them.
Often, the ‘loving cup’ was accompanied by a brid-favour, which was a bunch of ribbons or lace, at first pieces of gold or silk, and later, sprigs of rosemary that were bound up together and then worn at the wedding. Another common brid-favour was the ‘wedding ale,’ an ale made especially for the occasion that was drunk at the wedding feast or banquet.
In several cultures, the bridegroom makes a payment to his future wife’s family, known as the ‘dowry’, which can include items such as livestock, money or merchandise. This was done to ensure that the couple were well looked after financially after their marriage.
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