When a wedding is involved there’s something about “this is how it’s done” that grips us. We tend to feel the need to do everything the way it has been done by those before us. A lot of the time it doesn’t really matter. We all love pretty flowers so we carry a bouquet down the aisle. The first dance is always a special moment, so we don’t question the why. Then we get into other areas that don’t suit our tastes we begin to worry about breaking the rules. When we step back for a moment to consider the why, we might have a freeing moment.
I had one of our brides ask: is the bridal party supposed to match? The short answer: no.
To quote Bride&Groom “For a long time, bridesmaids wore dresses much like the bride’s gown, while ushers dressed in clothing that was similar to the groom’s attire. This tradition began
for protection against evil rather than for uniformity; if evil spirits or jealous suitors attempted to harm the newlyweds, they would be confused as to which two people were the bride and groom.” Ha! Isn’t that funny? Well, to me it is, anyway. Believing that evil spirits could be confused by a bridal party wearing the same clothes. If evil spirits can harm you supernaturally, then I am pretty darn sure they can figure out which two are getting married.
Once you know where the tradition started, I think it puts how important it is to keep it. In today’s world there really isn’t a faux-pas. Do whatever you want. Do what is important to you. If it’s important to allow your bridesmaids to pick their outfits, then do it! If you like the look of uniformity, then do it! We have started seeing a new trend where the attendants outfits are matched to each other. So for each two that are walking down the aisle together they both wear a certain color, then the next two a different color- but the pair match. I personally love the mix-and-match look.
I think the important thing to remember is that your friends and guests shouldn’t be surprised by whatever you choose to do. They know you and want to see you express yourself on your wedding day!
All pictures courtesy of Style Me Pretty.
