A Softer Image

Tradition detail: During the ceremony, the bride has by her side a number of women dressed in identical gowns. These women have close relationships with the bride, and may also include the groom’s sisters or close female friends.

Where it comes from: A running theme in wedding tradition history is a fear of evil spirits. The bridesmaids (beginning from Roman law, perhaps even continuing into the 19th century) would dress not only in identical gowns, but identical to what the bride was wearing. This way the evil spirits would be confused and would not know which was the bride. She would then be safe from the evil during the ceremony.

How couples are changing it: It’s not unusual to have a “junior bridesmaid” or even a male “bridal attendant”. By including individuals as members of your bridal party, you’re demonstrating how close you feel to them, and how important their relationship is to you. Don’t worry about the individuals not fitting the traditional mold of bridesmaid - just consider how great it will be to have your loved ones standing next to you on your wedding day.

Creative ideas: Are there many shapes and sizes in your bridal party? Are you worried about picking a dress they won’t like? Hand them a color card and let them buy their own dress to match it. You’ll have different shades of the same color, but everyone will feel good about what they’re wearing (and may even be able to wear it again!). You could even ask the groomsmen to pick out their own ties of that color.

See also:
Wikipedia - Bridesmaid
The Dessy Group: A Bride’s Guide to Bridesmaids
Bridesmaid 101.com