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Bride

A bride is a woman who is about to be married, is in the process of getting married, or has recently been married, serving as the central figure in many wedding ceremonies and traditions worldwide.^[1]^[2] The term originates from the Old English word bryd, derived from Proto-Germanic brūdiz, referring specifically to a betrothed or newly wedded woman, and has evolved to encompass inclusive usage in same-sex marriages in contemporary contexts.^[3] In Western cultures, brides are traditionally associated with symbols of purity and new beginnings, most notably the white wedding dress, a custom popularized by Queen Victoria's 1840 marriage to Prince Albert, which shifted bridal attire from colorful or black gowns to white silk and lace as a marker of prosperity and virginity.^[4]^[5] However, bridal customs vary globally; for instance, in many Asian traditions, brides wear red attire to signify good fortune and joy, contrasting with white's association with mourning in those regions.^[6] Key elements of the bride's role often include pre-wedding rituals like bridal showers or hen parties, the exchange of vows, and post-ceremony receptions, all emphasizing themes of union, family, and community celebration.

Etymology and Terminology

Etymology

The English word "bride" originates from Old English brȳd, referring to a betrothed or newly married woman.^[7] This term derives from Proto-West Germanic *brūdi and Proto-Germanic *brūdiz (or *bruthiz in some reconstructions), which carried the meaning of "bride" or "daughter-in-law."^[8] The ultimate Proto-Indo-European root remains uncertain, though one hypothesis connects it to *bhreu- (or *bʰréh₂us), associated with "to cook" or "brew," potentially symbolizing the domestic responsibilities, such as preparing food, that a bride or daughter-in-law assumed in early societies.^[7] Historically, the term's meaning has evolved within Germanic languages, shifting from a primary emphasis on "daughter-in-law"—as seen in Gothic bruþs—to focus more explicitly on the "woman being married," with connotations of transition to a new household and symbolic purity emerging over time.^[7] In medieval English literature and texts, such as those from the Middle English period, "bride" extended to denote not only the woman at the wedding but also a young wife, influenced by cultural and religious contexts that portrayed the bride as a figure of union, fidelity, and spiritual allegory, as in representations of the soul as Christ's bride.^[9] While "bride" is a Germanic-specific term with cognates like Dutch bruid, German Braut, and Old Norse brúðr, comparisons with other Indo-European languages reveal shared conceptual frameworks for marriage and kinship.^[10] For instance, Latin sponsa (betrothed woman or bride) derives from spondēre, meaning "to promise" or "pledge," underscoring the contractual aspect of betrothal.^[11] In Ancient Greek, nymphē denoted a bride or young wife, possibly from Proto-Indo-European *snewbʰ- ("to marry, to wed"), evoking veiling rituals and youthful transition.^[12] Similarly, Sanskrit kanyā (young girl, virgin, or bride) stems from Proto-Indo-Iranian *kanyáH and Proto-Indo-European *ken- ("new, fresh"), highlighting notions of youth and purity in marital contexts across Indo-European traditions. A bridegroom, also known as a groom, refers to a man who is about to be married or has recently entered into marriage, serving as the male counterpart to the bride in wedding ceremonies.^[13] The term originates from Old English brydguma, a compound of bryd (bride) and guma (man), which evolved through Middle English folk etymology to its modern form, emphasizing the groom's role in the marital union.^[14] Historically, the distinction between bride and bridegroom highlighted gendered roles in betrothal, with the bridegroom often positioned as the suitor or provider in traditional contexts.^[15] Bridesmaids are female attendants who support the bride during wedding preparations and the ceremony, typically wearing coordinated attire to complement the bridal party. The matron of honor, a senior bridesmaid role, is specifically designated for a married woman, serving as the chief attendant and advisor to the bride, while a maid of honor fulfills the same duties for an unmarried woman. This historical distinction has roots in ancient Roman wedding traditions, where a married matron provided moral guidance and modeled experienced womanhood for the bride, though both roles carry identical responsibilities today.^[16]^[17] In contemporary usage, gender-neutral alternatives to traditional terms like bride and bridegroom have gained prominence, particularly in inclusive weddings, such as "spouse-to-be," "nearlywed," "marrier," or "celebrant" to describe engaged individuals regardless of gender. These terms emerged in the 21st century amid broader LGBTQIA+ advocacy, replacing binary language with options like "partner" or "the couple" to foster equity in wedding planning and nomenclature.^[18]^[19] Terminology for the bride varies slightly across English dialects, with "newlywed" commonly denoting a recently married woman in both American and British English, shifting focus from pre-wedding anticipation to post-marital status, whereas "bride" remains tied to the ceremony itself. Loanwords from other languages have enriched English wedding vocabulary, such as the French fiancée (a woman engaged to be married, distinct from the bride as the pre-engagement betrothed) and fiancé for the male equivalent, adopted in the 19th century to denote formal engagement.^[20]^[21] Post-marriage, etymological ties link bridal roles to family designations like "in-law," where terms such as mother-in-law or sister-in-law denote relatives acquired through marriage rather than blood. Originating in Middle English around the 14th century from canon law prohibitions on affinity marriages, "in-law" initially signified forbidden unions with a deceased spouse's kin, evolving to broadly encompass marital relatives by the late 19th century.^[22]^[23]

Historical Evolution

Ancient and Pre-Modern Periods

In ancient Roman society, the role of the bride was formalized through the sponsalia, an oral betrothal contract negotiated between the groom and the bride's father, which established the intent to marry without yet conferring full marital rights.^[24] This preliminary agreement often involved engagement feasts among elite families, emphasizing the bride's transition from her father's authority to her future husband's, with the ceremony reinforcing social and familial alliances. Among wealthy Romans, the sponsalia highlighted the bride's status as a valuable asset in property exchanges, setting the stage for the subsequent confarreatio or coemptio marriage rites. In ancient Greece, brides participated in veiling rituals during wedding processions, where the katachysmata—garlands and veils—served as protective symbols against evil spirits and the perils of the liminal journey from maidenhood to wifehood.^[25] The bride's veil, often orange or red, not only shielded her from male gazes deemed dangerously arousing but also symbolized her containment and transition into marital seclusion.^[26] These practices underscored the bride's vulnerability during the gamos ceremony, where her unveiling at the groom's home marked the consummation of the union and her integration into the oikos household. Ancient Egyptian brides were associated with fertility symbols in wedding rituals, incorporating amulets and depictions of deities like Hathor to invoke prosperity and reproduction, reflecting the society's emphasis on familial continuity.^[27] Wheat sheaves and floral chaplets, carried by brides, embodied abundance and the earth's regenerative power, aligning the union with cosmic fertility cycles central to Egyptian cosmology.^[28] Such symbols ensured the bride's role as a bearer of heirs, tying her identity to the Nile's life-giving floods and divine blessings for the household's vitality. During the medieval European period, arranged marriages dominated among the nobility, with parents or guardians negotiating unions to secure political alliances and property transfers, often without the bride's direct input until the exchange of vows.^[29] Dowries, revived in the twelfth century through the influence of Roman legal traditions, consisted of land, goods, or money provided by the bride's family to support her in the marriage and compensate the groom for her maintenance.^[30] By the mid-twelfth century, Gratian's Decretum standardized church-sanctioned unions, requiring mutual consent and public solemnization to validate the sacrament, though arranged betrothals remained the norm for elite brides.^[31] In non-Western contexts, ancient Chinese brides from elite families underwent foot-binding starting in the Song dynasty (though roots trace earlier), a practice that deformed their feet into "golden lotuses" as a status symbol denoting seclusion from manual labor and suitability for high-status marriage.^[32] This custom, prevalent among Han women by the tenth century, enhanced marriage prospects by signaling economic security and ethnic identity, though it physically restricted the bride's mobility.^[33] In Vedic Hindu mythology around 1500 BCE, bride abductions featured in Rigvedic hymns and narratives, such as the symbolic capture in marriage rites representing the groom's heroic claim and the bride's transition from paternal to spousal protection.^[34] Social status profoundly shaped the bride's experience in feudal systems, where child brides among European nobility were betrothed as young as seven to forge alliances, but canon law set the minimum marriageable age at twelve for girls to ensure consent capacity.^[35] These young brides often lacked robust legal protections, remaining under male guardianship with limited recourse against abuse, as feudal customs prioritized inheritance and wardship over individual rights.^[36] In such arrangements, the bride's value derived from her family's lineage and dowry, rendering her vulnerable to exploitation in a system where consummation could occur immediately upon puberty, despite ecclesiastical ideals of maturity.^[37]

Modern Developments

The Industrial Revolution in the 19th century marked a significant shift in European marriage practices, transitioning from predominantly arranged unions aimed at economic or familial alliances to marriages based on romantic love. This evolution was facilitated by urbanization and increased individual mobility, allowing couples greater personal choice in partners, particularly among the emerging middle class.^[38]^[39] Concurrently, Queen Victoria's 1840 wedding to Prince Albert popularized the white wedding dress, symbolizing purity and romance, which became a standard in Western bridal attire and influenced global perceptions of bridal elegance.^[40]^[5] In the 20th century, the women's suffrage movements of the 1920s empowered brides with greater autonomy in marital decisions, challenging traditional gender roles and emphasizing individual agency in relationships. World War II further transformed bridal experiences through wartime weddings, which were often hasty, resource-scarce ceremonies conducted under rationing and uncertainty, yet symbolized resilience and hope amid global conflict. By the 1960s, countercultural movements rejected conventional bridal roles, with many brides opting for informal, non-traditional attire and ceremonies that defied formal white gowns and institutional rituals in favor of personal expression.^[41]^[42]^[43]^[44] Globalization post-World War II accelerated the adoption of Western bridal styles in Asia, particularly in Japan and South Korea, where white gowns and church-like ceremonies blended with local customs, reflecting cultural hybridization and the influence of American occupation. In the early 2000s, the rise of online wedding planning tools democratized access to bridal resources, enabling couples to research vendors, register gifts, and coordinate events digitally, which streamlined preparations and expanded options beyond local networks.^[45]^[46]^[47] These developments contributed to broader statistical trends, including a global decline in child marriages, with the prevalence among girls aged 20-24 dropping from approximately 25% in 2000 to under 20% by 2020, driven by education initiatives, legal reforms, and international advocacy efforts.^[48]^[49]

Cultural and Religious Practices

In Christianity

In Christianity, the bride holds profound symbolic significance rooted in biblical imagery, particularly as a representation of the Church in its relationship to Christ. The New Testament passage in Ephesians 5:25-33 portrays Christ as the bridegroom who sacrificially loves the Church, his bride, emphasizing mutual submission, purity, and sanctification within marriage as a reflection of divine union.^[50] This metaphor underscores the bride's role not merely as an individual but as part of a covenantal community, mirroring the Church's devotion and holiness. Additionally, the tradition of the bridal veil draws from 1 Corinthians 11:2-16, where Paul instructs women to cover their heads during prayer or prophecy as a sign of authority, modesty, and purity, a practice later adapted in weddings to symbolize the bride's spiritual covering and reverence. Within Catholic tradition, the bride participates centrally in the sacrament of matrimony, viewed as an indissoluble covenant that mirrors Christ's union with the Church. The Rite of Marriage, often integrated into the Mass, highlights the bride's consent and vows as essential to establishing the marital partnership, with the assembly witnessing and supporting this sacred bond.^[51] In the processional, attendants precede the bride and groom, who enter together or separately to emphasize equality and shared commitment, culminating in the exchange of rings and prayers for fidelity. The white gown, symbolizing the bride's purity and virginity, emerged as a prominent tradition in the 19th century but echoes earlier medieval associations of white veils with innocence and devotion to the Virgin Mary in Catholic contexts.^[52] Protestant wedding practices, shaped by the 16th-century Reformation, shifted toward simpler ceremonies that prioritize scriptural simplicity and personal faith over elaborate rituals. Reformers like Martin Luther emphasized marriage as a divine ordinance rather than a sacramental mystery controlled by the clergy, moving ceremonies into churches while reducing pomp to focus on the couple's mutual promises before God and witnesses.^[53] This led to streamlined rites without mandatory veils or crowns, allowing the bride a more active role in voicing vows that affirm lifelong companionship and fidelity. In evangelical traditions, the bride often exchanges personalized vows, reflecting individual conviction and a direct relationship with Christ, as seen in commitments to love sacrificially in health and hardship.^[54]^[55] Eastern Orthodox Christianity features the bride prominently in the Mystery of Crowning, a rite dating to the Byzantine era where she and the groom are crowned as king and queen of their household, symbolizing martyrdom, joy, and eternal union under God's blessing. Performed in three parts—betrothal, crowning, and communion—the ceremony involves the bride standing at the groom's right, with prayers invoking the couple's harmony and fruitfulness, often accompanied by hymns from ancient liturgical texts. Traditional bridal attire, typically white to denote purity, may include red accents in certain cultural expressions, such as in Russian Orthodox customs where red elements in crowns or sashes represent passion and life.^[56]^[57]

In Islam

In Islam, the bride occupies a pivotal role in the nikah, the marital contract that forms the foundation of marriage, requiring her voluntary consent to ensure validity and equity. Surah An-Nisa 4:19 explicitly prohibits compelling women into unions or subjecting them to hardship to reclaim portions of the mahr, underscoring the bride's autonomy in agreeing to the marriage.^[58] Complementing this, the mahr— an obligatory monetary or material gift from the groom—must be presented graciously to the bride as a mark of respect and provision, as mandated in Surah An-Nisa 4:4, which allows her to retain or waive it freely without coercion.^[59] This contractual framework positions the bride not as a passive participant but as an equal party whose agreement and rights are divinely protected. Among South Asian Muslim communities, pre-wedding rituals prominently feature the mehndi ceremony, where elaborate henna patterns adorn the bride's hands and feet, symbolizing joy, spiritual protection against misfortune, and the blessings of a harmonious union. This tradition, deeply embedded in cultural practices yet aligned with Islamic celebrations of marriage, fosters communal festivity and affirms the bride's beauty and good fortune ahead of the nikah. Islamic bridal attire prioritizes modesty as prescribed in Surah An-Nur 24:31, which directs believing women to guard their adornments and cover their chests with headcovers, often manifesting in elegant gowns integrated with hijab for full-body coverage during the ceremony.^[60] Regional customs introduce variations, such as in Turkey, where brides traditionally don a red veil alongside the hijab, representing purity, vitality, rebirth, and chastity in line with Anatolian Islamic heritage. Post-7th century developments, shaped by Hadith compilations, refined the walima feast—a sunnah banquet hosted by the groom after consummation to publicly affirm the marriage—with traditions emphasizing the bride's seclusion during the event to preserve modesty and focus on communal announcement, as exemplified in prophetic narrations.^[61]^[62]

In Hinduism and Other Eastern Traditions

In Hinduism, the saptapadi, or seven steps, forms a central ritual in the marriage ceremony, where the bride and groom circle a sacred fire seven times, each step accompanied by vows pledging mutual support in aspects of life such as nourishment, strength, and prosperity.^[63] This practice traces its origins to the Vedic period, around 1500–500 BCE, as described in ancient texts like the Rigveda, symbolizing the irrevocable union and the bride's transition into her marital role.^[64] The bride actively participates by leading or following the groom in these steps, embodying her commitment to dharma, or righteous duty, within the family.^[63] Hindu bridal attire and adornments carry deep symbolism, with the red sari representing power, passion, and fertility, while the application of sindoor—a vermilion powder in the hair parting—marks the bride's married status and invokes protection for her husband's longevity.^[65] The groom applies sindoor during the ceremony, signifying the bride's entry into a life of marital fidelity and reproductive roles, rooted in traditions associating red with the divine feminine energy of goddesses like Parvati.^[65] These elements underscore the bride's transformation from daughter to wife, emphasizing auspiciousness and social hierarchy in Hindu society.^[65] In Sikhism, the Anand Karaj ceremony offers a variation on Eastern bridal customs, conducted in a gurdwara before the Guru Granth Sahib, where the bride and groom sit side by side as four hymns (laavan) are recited, outlining stages of spiritual union without the fire-circumambulation of Hindu rites.^[66] The bride typically wears a salwar kameez or lehenga in vibrant colors like red or gold, with minimal symbolic changes from everyday attire to reflect equality and simplicity, and no sindoor application, aligning with Sikh principles of gender parity.^[66] Buddhist traditions, particularly in Tibetan contexts, adapt bridal roles through communal rituals emphasizing harmony and offerings, as seen in ceremonies where the bride's family prepares barley, auspicious symbols, and exchanges khatags (ceremonial scarves) with the groom's party upon the bride's arrival at her new home.^[67] The bride then sits beside the groom for a feast, receiving blessings and gifts that affirm her integration into the household, often without elaborate adornments but with chants invoking prosperity and familial bonds.^[67] East Asian Eastern traditions contrast with South Asian cycles through purification and filial emphases; in Japanese Shinto weddings, the bride undergoes the shubatsu-no-gi ritual, a cleansing ceremony led by a priest using salt and water to purify her of impurities before the gods, preparing her for the marital vows.^[68] In Chinese Confucian-influenced weddings, the bride fulfills duties of filial piety by serving tea to her parents-in-law during the tea ceremony, bowing in respect to symbolize submission to her new family and ancestral homage, thereby upholding harmony and hierarchical roles.^[69]

Bridal Attire and Symbolism

Western Traditions

In Western bridal traditions, the standardization of the white wedding gown emerged prominently in the 19th century, largely influenced by Queen Victoria's 1840 marriage to Prince Albert. Her gown, crafted from Spitalfields silk satin and adorned with Honiton lace, marked a departure from the colorful dresses worn by previous royals, setting a trend that popularized white as the quintessential bridal color in Europe and North America.^[5] This choice symbolized purity and innocence, while the luxurious silk—sourced from Britain's burgeoning industrial textile mills—also conveyed wealth and national pride, as white fabrics were expensive to produce and maintain in an era before modern laundering.^[70] Over time, the white gown evolved to represent both virginal modesty and affluence, becoming a staple in Western weddings by the late 19th century. Bridal veils and tiaras, integral accessories in European and North American ceremonies, trace their symbolic roots to ancient practices intended to shield the bride from malevolent forces. In Roman traditions, veils were draped over the bride's face to ward off evil spirits that might envy her joy and disrupt the union, a protective custom that persisted into medieval and early modern Europe.^[71] Tiaras and other headpieces complemented this, often incorporating floral or jeweled elements for added apotropaic significance. In contemporary Western weddings, veil lengths adapt to the event's formality: short blusher veils for intimate gatherings, fingertip lengths for balanced elegance, and sweeping cathedral trains for grand affairs, allowing brides to blend tradition with personal style.^[72] A cherished piece of 19th-century British folklore, the rhyme "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" guides the selection of bridal accessories to invoke good fortune and marital harmony. Originating in late Victorian England, it advises the bride to wear an old item—such as a family heirloom—for continuity with her past; something new, like a bespoke accessory, to herald future prosperity; something borrowed from a happily married woman to transfer her luck; and something blue, evoking fidelity and love, often a subtle garter or ribbon.^[73] This tradition, documented in folklore collections from the era, underscores the blend of superstition and sentiment in Western bridal preparations.^[74] The 20th century saw influential designers reshape Western bridal attire toward modernity, with Vera Wang's 1990 debut collection revolutionizing silhouettes in the 1990s. Transitioning from Vogue editor to bridal innovator, Wang introduced sleek, minimalist gowns featuring clean lines, off-the-shoulder necklines, and lightweight fabrics, moving away from the voluminous styles of prior decades.^[75] Her designs, worn by high-profile brides like Victoria Beckham in 1999, emphasized sophistication and wearability, influencing a shift toward contemporary elegance in North American and European weddings.^[76]

Global Variations

Bridal attire in non-Western cultures reflects deep regional diversity, often incorporating indigenous materials, craftsmanship, and symbolic elements that adapt to local customs while evolving with contemporary influences. In Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia, brides' garments emphasize community ties, heritage, and elaborate ornamentation, contrasting with more standardized Western forms. These variations highlight how attire serves as a canvas for cultural identity during marriage ceremonies. In African traditions, Maasai brides in Kenya and Tanzania don elaborate beaded gowns and accessories during wedding ceremonies, layering beadwork contributed by female relatives to symbolize communal support and fertility. The vibrant colors and patterns in these beaded ensembles, often featuring red for vitality and protection, are handcrafted and passed down, reinforcing social bonds within the pastoralist community. Similarly, in Ghanaian Akan weddings, brides wear colorful kente cloth ensembles, woven from silk and cotton strips in intricate geometric patterns that denote prosperity and royalty, traditionally reserved for significant occasions like marriages to honor ancestral legacies.^[77]^[78]^[79] Latin American bridal attire blends indigenous and colonial influences, as seen in Spanish-influenced Catholic rites where mantilla veils—delicate lace mantles draped over the head and shoulders—adorn brides in countries like Mexico and Spain's former colonies, signifying modesty and devotion during processions. In Mayan communities of Guatemala, embroidered huipil blouses form a key part of the bride's attire, featuring symbolic motifs like birds or flowers woven with cotton threads to represent fertility and community harmony, often customized for wedding ceremonies to preserve ancient textile techniques.^[80]^[81] Middle Eastern weddings feature opulent kaftans for brides, particularly in Arab cultures from Morocco to the Levant, where gold-embellished silk or velvet garments with intricate embroidery trace origins to Ottoman eras, evolving from imperial robes into ceremonial wear symbolizing wealth and elegance. These kaftans, often layered with bindalli-style metallic threads, are tailored for the henna night and main ceremony, adapting historical Persian and Turkish designs to regional aesthetics.^[82]^[83] Asian bridal fusions incorporate traditional silhouettes with modern elements, as in Korean hanbok, where brides wear flowing jeogori jackets and chima skirts in pastel hues, updated with contemporary cuts or fabrics for comfort while retaining ceremonial motifs like cranes for longevity during p'yebaek rituals. In Indian weddings, the lehenga choli—a flared skirt, fitted blouse, and dupatta—serves as the quintessential bridal ensemble, paired with heirloom jewelry such as gold mangalsutras and polki necklaces passed through generations to invoke family blessings and prosperity.^[84]^[85]

Wedding Roles and Customs

Pre-Wedding Rituals

Pre-wedding rituals for brides encompass a variety of social, spiritual, and preparatory customs designed to honor the bride, seek familial blessings, and ensure her readiness for marriage across different cultures. These traditions often emphasize community support, purification, and celebration of the bride's transition to married life. One prominent Western custom is the bridal shower, which originated in 16th-century Netherlands as a practical alternative to the dowry system; when a bride's family could not provide a dowry—often due to financial constraints or disapproval of the match—friends and neighbors would gather to "shower" her with household gifts to help establish her new home.^[86] Over time, this evolved into a modern gift-giving event typically hosted by the bride's close friends or family, focusing on celebrating the upcoming union with presents ranging from practical items to experiences like honeymoon contributions, reflecting contemporary couples' pre-marital cohabitation trends.^[86] Complementing the bridal shower, bachelorette parties—also called hen parties—emerged from 19th-century single-sex social gatherings for women in the United States and Britain, where groups enjoyed tea, music, and light amusements as a way to bond before major life changes.^[87] Today, they serve as empowering outings tailored to the bride's preferences, highlighting personal agency in the lead-up to marriage. In Jewish tradition, a key pre-wedding ritual for the bride is immersion in the mikveh, a ritual bath of natural water sources, performed within four days of the wedding—typically seven days after her menstrual period—to achieve spiritual purification and renewal, marking her transition into married life with a sense of rebirth and readiness for the sacred covenant of marriage.^[88] Similarly, in Chinese culture, the pre-wedding tea ceremony involves the bride, alongside the groom, serving specially prepared tea (often infused with symbolic ingredients like red dates for fertility) to elders and family members at the bride's home, receiving verbal blessings, red envelopes of money, and formal acceptance as a means to honor ancestors and secure familial harmony for the union.^[89] Beauty preparations form another essential aspect of pre-wedding rituals, with historical practices aimed at enhancing the bride's radiance and vitality. In ancient Rome, brides participated in elaborate grooming routines that included herbal-infused baths using olive oil, rosewater, and other botanicals to soften and illuminate the skin, alongside milk soaks for a luminous complexion, reflecting the cultural ideal of beauty as a symbol of fertility and auspiciousness.^[90] These rituals, often assisted by attendants, underscored the bride's physical and symbolic preparation for her new role.

Ceremony and Post-Wedding Duties

In Western wedding ceremonies, the bride plays a central role in the vow exchange, traditionally responding with "I do" to affirm her commitment during the officiant's questioning; this is a modern practice popularized in 19th- and 20th-century ceremonies, evolving from earlier mutual promise exchanges formalized in texts like the 16th-century Book of Common Prayer.^[91] This simple affirmation symbolizes the bride's voluntary entry into marriage. In Islamic nikah ceremonies, the bride's participation in vow recitals often involves her guardian or wali proposing the marriage terms, to which she or her representative responds with "qabul" (I accept), typically repeated three times to confirm consent, emphasizing contractual agreement over romantic declaration.^[92] The bride's entrance during the processional marks a key ceremonial moment, particularly in Western traditions where she walks down the aisle accompanied by her father, a custom that gained prominence in the 19th century amid Victorian-era emphasis on family roles and property transfer. This "giving away" symbolizes the handover of paternal authority to the groom, with roots in earlier arranged marriage practices.^[93] The recessional follows the vows, with the bride and groom leading the procession out, often arm-in-arm, signifying their new union as they exit the ceremony space. Following the ceremony, the bride engages in several post-wedding rituals that highlight her role in celebratory transitions. The first dance, where the bride and groom share an opening dance at the reception, draws from 17th- and 19th-century European aristocratic balls where the couple led the dance, adapted as a romantic spotlight for the couple in 20th-century American weddings.^[94] Cake cutting involves the bride guiding the knife with the groom's hand over hers to slice the first piece, a Victorian-era tradition symbolizing shared prosperity and the bride's former solo role in signaling fertility.^[95] The bouquet toss sees the bride hurling her floral arrangement toward unmarried female guests, a practice that crossed to the United States in the early 1900s from European customs, believed to transfer good fortune and predict the next to wed for the catcher.^[96] The immediate post-wedding period often culminates in the honeymoon, originating as 19th-century European "bridal tours" where upper-class brides and grooms traveled to visit relatives unable to attend, providing seclusion while fulfilling social obligations before settling into married life.^[97] These tours, popular in Britain and America, allowed the bride a transitional escape, evolving into modern private retreats focused on couple bonding.

Contemporary Aspects

In the 19th century, significant legal reforms began to address the property rights of married women in the United States, marking a shift away from coverture laws that subsumed a wife's legal identity under her husband's. The Married Women's Property Act of 1848 in New York was the first such legislation in the nation, granting married women the right to own, buy, and sell property independently, control their own wages, and enter contracts without spousal consent.^[98] This act served as a model for similar laws in other states and laid foundational groundwork for greater economic autonomy for brides and wives, influencing broader women's rights movements. Globally, efforts to protect brides from exploitative practices continued into the 21st century; for instance, India's Prohibition of Child Marriage Act of 2006, which took effect in 2007, criminalized marriages involving individuals under 18 for girls and 21 for boys, imposing penalties on participants and providing safeguards for victims, including the ability to seek annulment.^[99] The law aimed to curb the prevalence of child marriages, which disproportionately affected young brides and perpetuated cycles of poverty and gender inequality, though enforcement challenges persist in rural areas.^[100] In the United States, recent legislative efforts as of 2025 have focused on ending child marriage nationwide. The Child Marriage Prevention Act of 2024 prohibits child marriage on federal lands, incentivizes states to raise the minimum marriage age to 18 without exceptions, and strengthens protections for minors. Several states, including New Hampshire (effective January 1, 2025) and Texas (effective 2025), have banned marriages for those under 18, addressing previous loopholes that allowed judicial exceptions and disproportionately impacted young brides.^[101]^[102]^[103] Social expectations surrounding brides have evolved toward greater individual agency, particularly through the increasing popularity of non-traditional wedding formats since the 1990s. Elopements and destination weddings have surged, offering couples more flexibility and reducing reliance on elaborate family-orchestrated events that historically reinforced patriarchal oversight. For example, approximately 25% of U.S. couples now choose destination weddings, reflecting a post-1990s trend driven by desires for personalized, intimate celebrations amid rising costs of conventional ceremonies.^[104] This shift empowers brides to prioritize their preferences over communal traditions, fostering egalitarian partnerships. The legalization of same-sex marriage has further redefined the role of the bride, expanding inclusivity beyond heterosexual norms. In the United States, the Supreme Court's 2015 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges mandated nationwide recognition of same-sex marriages, allowing individuals in same-sex unions to assume the "bride" role traditionally associated with women, thereby challenging gender-specific expectations and promoting equality in marital symbolism.^[105] This ruling has led to increased visibility and acceptance of diverse bride identities, with same-sex weddings contributing to broader cultural shifts in how marriage ceremonies are planned and perceived.^[106] Economically, modern brides navigate heightened financial stakes in wedding planning, underscoring their central role in decision-making. The average cost of a U.S. wedding reached $33,000 in 2024, encompassing venues, attire, and receptions, which represents a substantial investment often funded by the couple themselves.^[107] Surveys indicate that brides typically handle the majority of planning responsibilities, with data showing they oversee about 54% of tasks in heterosexual couples, from vendor selection to budgeting, reflecting their influential position in shaping contemporary weddings.^[108]

Representation in Media and Culture

The portrayal of brides in literature often revolves around the "runaway bride" trope, which emerged prominently in 19th-century novels where female characters navigated societal pressures of marriage, asserting independence against undesirable unions, as exemplified by Elizabeth Bennet's rejection of proposals in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice (1813).^[109] This archetype symbolized resistance to patriarchal constraints, with heroines like Jane Eyre in Charlotte Brontë's 1847 novel fleeing oppressive engagements to seek autonomy.^[110] By the 21st century, chick-lit literature evolved the trope toward empowered brides who actively choose partnerships on their own terms, as seen in novels like Sophie Kinsella's I've Got Your Number (2012), where the protagonist embodies self-assured decision-making amid romantic chaos. In film, Hollywood romantic comedies have popularized the runaway bride narrative, with the 1999 film Runaway Bride, directed by Garry Marshall and starring Julia Roberts, depicting a woman repeatedly fleeing the altar to discover authentic love, grossing over $264 million worldwide and reinforcing themes of personal growth. In contrast, Bollywood productions emphasize communal spectacle and cultural richness, as in Mira Nair's 2001 Monsoon Wedding, which portrays the bride Aditi navigating tradition and modernity in an arranged marriage, blending emotional intimacy with vibrant rituals to highlight family bonds over individual flight.^[111] Princess Diana's 1981 wedding to Prince Charles stands as a pivotal cultural icon, broadcast live to an estimated 750 million viewers globally and transforming the bride into a symbol of fairy-tale romance, with her elaborate gown influencing bridal fashion standards for decades. This event elevated the bride's image as a media spectacle, shaping ideals of elegance and accessibility in popular culture. Since the 2010s, body positivity movements have critiqued the size-zero bride norm perpetuated in advertising, promoting diverse representations; for instance, Pantora Bridal, founded in 2013, has championed inclusive sizing up to 32, featuring plus-size models in campaigns to foster confidence among non-traditional body types.^[112]

References

[1]
bride, n.¹ meanings, etymology and more | Oxford English Dictionary
A woman on her wedding day; a woman who is getting married or is newly married. Frequently collocated with groom. In modern references to a same-sex marriage ...
[2]
BRIDE Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
The meaning of BRIDE is a woman just married or about to be married. How to ... Word History. Etymology. Middle English, from Old English brȳd; akin to ...
[3]
Bride - Etymology, Origin & Meaning
Originating from Old English bryd and Proto-Germanic *bruthiz, "bride" means a woman newly married or about to be, reflecting a betrothed or married woman.
[4]
Why do brides wear white? - Ohio State News
Sep 12, 2020 · From WWII through the end of the 20th century, the white gown symbolized prosperity, virginity and a lifetime commitment to one person. For ...
[5]
1840 – Queen Victoria's Wedding Dress | Fashion History Timeline
Jan 28, 2020 · When Queen Victoria wore this white dress of Spitalfields silk and Honiton lace to her wedding in 1840, she broke from royal custom and encouraged a lasting ...Missing: origin | Show results with:origin
[6]
14 Wedding Traditions, Explained | Johnson & Wales University
Jul 27, 2021 · In Asian cultures, white is a color of mourning and red is considered lucky. This is the color of the Chinese Qipao, the traditional costume ...
[7]
bride - Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Etymology. Inherited from Old English brȳd, from Proto-West Germanic *brūdi, from Proto-Germanic *brūdiz (“bride, daughter-in-law”).English · French · Middle English
[8]
brid and bride - Middle English Compendium - University of Michigan
(a) A young woman about to be married or just married, bride; also, a woman recently married, young wife; wife; (b) ~ bed, nuptial couch, marriage bed; ...Missing: usage | Show results with:usage
[9]
Thoughts on the origin of the word “bride” [Part I] | OUPblog
Sep 26, 2018 · The word refers to either a woman engaged to be married or a woman on the wedding day (when she is dressed in white).<|control11|><|separator|>
[10]
Spouse - Etymology, Origin & Meaning
Originating c.1200 from Old French and Latin sponsus, spouse means a married person, especially a married woman, or marriage itself.
[11]
Nymph - Etymology, Origin & Meaning
and directly from Latin nympha "nymph, demi-goddess; bride, mistress, young woman," from Greek nymphē "bride, young wife," later "beautiful young woman," then ...
[12]
BRIDEGROOM Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
Sep 27, 2025 · Etymology. Middle English (Scots) brydegrome, by folk etymology from Middle English bridegome, from Old English brȳdguma, from brȳd + guma ...
[13]
bridegroom, n. meanings, etymology and more | Oxford English ...
The earliest known use of the noun bridegroom is in the Old English period (pre-1150). bridegroom is of multiple origins. Partly a word inherited from Germanic.
[14]
Bridegroom - Etymology, Origin & Meaning
Originating from Old English brydguma, combining bryd "bride" and guma "man," this word means a man newly married or about to be, rooted in Proto-Germanic ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[15]
Maid of Honor vs. Matron of Honor: What's the Difference? - Brides
Jun 6, 2025 · The key difference is that a matron of honor is usually married, while a maid of honor is typically unmarried.
[16]
A Glossary of Gender-Neutral Titles and Inclusive Wedding Terms
May 20, 2022 · 9. Couple. In a similar vein, simply referring to the to-be-weds are "the couple" is a simple swap, instead of saying bride and groom. Often, ...
[17]
Gender Neutral Wedding Terms: 10 Non Binary Marriage ... - Loverly
Nearlywed. "Nearlywed" is a great term to use when trying to replace the heteronormative “bride and/or groom” or "bride and/or groom to be." It implies that ...
[18]
A Glossary of Wedding Words and Terminology from A to Z - Brides
Nov 7, 2023 · We've compiled a dictionary of the most common wedding words you'll encounter while organizing your big day. These will help you get started as you plan your ...
[19]
French Translation of “BRIDE” | Collins English-French Dictionary
Oct 27, 2025 · American English: bride /ˈbraɪd/ · Arabic: عَروس · Brazilian Portuguese: noiva no dia do casamento · Chinese: 新娘 · Croatian: mladenka · Czech: ...
[20]
In-law - Etymology, Origin & Meaning
Originating in 1894, this term means "someone related by marriage, not by blood," derived from expressions like father-in-law.
[21]
Where's 'in-law' in mother-in-law from? - English Stack Exchange
Jun 13, 2011 · It comes from Middle English modyr in lawe. As far as I understand it, the term was first used in the 14th or 15th century.
[22]
The Roman Wedding: Ritual and Meaning in Antiquity
The betrothal ( sponsalia) was an oral contract between the groom and the bride's father. Engagement parties were normal for wealthy Romans, often marked by the ...
[23]
[PDF] The Veiling of Women in Antiquity - BYU ScholarsArchive
Face veiling in ancient Greece was not only a custom in the classic period ... protection against evil spirits on their wedding day.⁴². Veiling in Early ...
[24]
Aphrodite's Tortoise: The Veiled Woman of Ancient Greece
Jun 9, 2004 · The veil shielded males from the female's dangerously sexualized gaze, controlled her sexually enticing hair, and symbolically contained her contaminating ...
[25]
Ancient Egyptian Society and Family Life - The Fathom Archive
Images and symbols of fertility were of importance to the ancient Egyptians, as considered in this slideshow.<|separator|>
[26]
[PDF] Ancient Egyptian Beliefs about Conception and Fertility
It is clear from both archaeological and textual sources that women were believed to be reborn as well as men. However, the overwhelming maleness of the ...
[27]
Marriage Arrangements - The University of Nottingham
People from land-owning families did not normally marry for love. Instead, most such marriages were arranged by their parents or guardians.
[28]
[PDF] The Medieval Marriage Market - Medievalists.net
So also, the re- vival of the true dowry from the twelfth century cannot be ex- clusively attributed to the renaissance of Roman legal studies, which was ...
[29]
(PDF) Marital consent in Gratian's Decretum - Academia.edu
Gratian's Decretum emphasizes consent as the foundation of marriage, influencing subsequent canon law. Pope Alexander III's rulings in the 1170s formalized ...
[30]
Study: Foot-binding was driven by economics, not sex and beauty
Oct 19, 2018 · A new study led by Melissa Brown, the managing editor of the Harvard Journal of Asiatic Studies, suggests that its real underpinnings may have been economic.
[31]
Footbinding as Fashion: Ethnicity, Labor, and Status in Traditional ...
Previous studies of the practice of footbinding in imperial China have theorized that it expressed ethnic identity or that it served an economic function.
[32]
[PDF] The Myth of the Abducted Wife in Comparative Perspective
Study of “The Abduction of the Beautiful Wife” shows that the abductor is likely to be a person of greater power than the husband. Supernatural status is a way ...
[33]
[PDF] A Brief History of Medieval Roman Canon Law in England
of the King's court, the creative age of our medieval law is over."30 ... The marriageable age at Canon law was 14 years for boys and 12 for girls.- 9 ...Missing: brides | Show results with:brides
[34]
[PDF] Courtship and the Making of Marriage in Early Middle English ...
A brief overview of medieval canon law and the practice of marriage in medieval. England provides an important context for understanding issues of courtship and.Missing: 12th | Show results with:12th
[35]
[PDF] The Legal Guardianship of Minors in Medieval European Law and ...
May 2, 2025 · I. Introduction. Without due caution, attorneys and scholars may reach for argumentatively useful but inaccurate or incomplete historical.Missing: brides | Show results with:brides
[36]
The History of Romance | National Women's History Museum
Feb 13, 2017 · This was a decided change from past practice when marriages had been arranged to cement relationships between families or clans and to ...
[37]
Date Like a Victorian: Courtship and Romance in the Victorian Era
Feb 12, 2021 · By the beginning of the 19th century, marriages for economic and social purposes were falling out of popularity. Instead, the evolution of ...
[38]
https://www.womenshistory.org/articles/history-romance
[39]
The 1920s: 'Young women took the struggle for freedom into their ...
Feb 5, 2018 · In the 1920s, women valued individuality, moved into paid work, had changing sexual mores, and fashion became a marker of liberation.
[40]
What To Wear To A Wartime Wedding | Imperial War Museums
Rationing, restrictions and the uncertainty of the Second World War were just some of the challenges faced by couples marrying in wartime.Missing: II | Show results with:II
[41]
Weddings During Wartime: Love in the Shadow of World War II
May 9, 2025 · Here, we revisit the stories of wartime weddings - intimate, resourceful, and deeply moving moments of love against the odds.
[42]
'60s Brides Did Their Own Thing - NYTimes.com
Feb 2, 2017 · Rejecting formal white gowns in ballrooms and churches, many brides in the 1960s turned to offbeat or pared-down looks.
[43]
Western weddings in Japan - CSMonitor.com
May 8, 2002 · In Japan, white gowns, thrown rice, and vows in front of a 'minister' are all the rage.
[44]
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/cp/weddings/165-years-of-wedding-announcements/sixties-wedding-fashion
[45]
Growth continues for online wedding industry - The Journal Record
Sep 25, 2000 · Analysts say it's increasingly common for couples, especially women, to use the Internet to do any number of things: book ministers, register ...
[46]
Child marriage | United Nations Population Fund
Global child marriage rates are slowly falling. Recent data show that 68 million child marriages were averted in the last 25 years. Around 2000, one in ...Missing: 2020 | Show results with:2020
[47]
[PDF] IS AN END TO CHILD MARRIAGE WITHIN REACH? - UNICEF Data
The practice of child marriage has continued to decline globally. Today, one in five young women aged 20 to 24 years were married as children versus nearly one ...
[48]
The Church, The Bride of Christ - Toronto Baptist Seminary
Mar 8, 2023 · First, the bride metaphor underscores the Church's covenantal reality. Ephesians 5:25–33 represents the most instructive commentary on this ...Missing: symbolism | Show results with:symbolism
[49]
The Gospel as Interpretive Key to 1 Corinthians 10:31–11:16
How can the Corinthian women bring an appropriate sense of honor to their husbands? By praying and prophesying with a head covering in gathered worship. This ...<|separator|>
[50]
Wedding Ceremony | USCCB
This video explains the Rite of Marriage and answers frequently asked questions about Catholic weddings. A great resource for engaged couples.
[51]
Principles of Ministry to Couples Preparing for Marriage | USCCB
The canonical witnesses (best man and maid of honor) and other attendants precede the bride and groom in the procession. This form of the procession is ...
[52]
White Wedding Dresses before Victoria - Two Nerdy History Girls
Apr 6, 2011 · ... bride wore white to show she was chaste and a virgin. ... Catholic countries with stronger ties to purity as represented by the Virgin Mary.
[53]
The Reformation and the Reform of Marriage: Historical Views and ...
Protestant reformers also enlarged the role of the church in marriage. This is evident in the changed marriage ceremony, which now took place inside the church ...
[54]
The Reformed Wedding Ceremony
For parents or young couples to go into debt because of a costly wedding ceremony is not pleasing to the Lord. Besides, there is beauty in simplicity. Some ...<|separator|>
[55]
5 Traditional Marriage Vows - Focus on the Family
“I take thee to be my wedded wife (husband)” is really saying: “I choose you as my teammate! I freely unite myself to you for life.” That is why it is in ...
[56]
Eastern Orthodox Wedding Ceremony Traditions & Symbolism
Jul 26, 2022 · Russian Orthodox crowns are larger and more ornate, decorated with red velvet lining and thick golden arches. These are rarely connected ...Missing: Byzantine | Show results with:Byzantine
[57]
(PDF) Byzantine Dress in Marriage Rituals - Academia.edu
Indeed, the act of crowning a bride and groom was so much the central gesture of the marriage rite that within some medieval sources the wedding service itself ...
[58]
Surah An-Nisa - 19 - Quran.com
### Summary of Surah An-Nisa 4:19 (English Translation)
[59]
Surah An-Nisa - 4 - Quran.com
- **Translation**: Surah An-Nisa 4:4 states: "Give women ˹you wed˺ their due dowries graciously. But if they waive some of it willingly, then you may enjoy it freely with a clear conscience."
[60]
None
Nothing is retrieved...<|separator|>
[61]
Wedlock, Marriage (Nikaah) - Sahih al-Bukhari - Sunnah.com
Chapter: The Walima (wedding banquet) is obligatory. (67). باب الْوَلِيمَةُ حَقٌّ ... Chapter: A man should not stay with a woman in seclusion. (111). باب لاَ ...
[62]
The Best Time for Walimah - Islam Question & Answer
Jun 22, 2012 · It is best to do the wedding feast (Walimah) after the marriage is consummated, following the example of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him).
[63]
[PDF] A Cross-Cultural Study of Weddings through Media and Ritual
The Vedic ceremony begins with an engagement ceremony on the first night of the wedding. ... While taking those seven steps seven vows are recited by bride and ...
[64]
Arranged Marriage in Hinduism - its point of origin - Academia.edu
Arranged marriages in Hinduism likely originated during the Vedic period, not prior. The caste system significantly influences arranged marriages, promoting ...
[65]
Significance of Sindoor (Vermilion Powder) in Hindu Marriage Rituals
Parvati automatically protect their husbands. So, the Sindoor as red color is the symbol of female energy and power. ... of love and passion through which women ...
[66]
Guide to Anand Karaj, the Sikh Wedding Ceremony - Learn Religions
Feb 21, 2019 · The bride and groom bow before the Guru Granth, and then sit side by side at the front of the hall. The couple and their parents stand up to ...
[67]
What is a Traditional Tibetan Wedding Ceremony Like? - Tibet Vista
Aug 16, 2025 · The bride's family must prepare barley, swastika pictures, and other items to welcome them and exchange Khatag, yak butter tea, chemar, and ...
[68]
A Look Inside the Traditional Shinto Wedding of Japan - conasür
Dec 11, 2017 · Step Three: SHUBATSU-NO-GI (The Purification Ceremony): This step may be the most important, as purification before the gods is the core of the ...
[69]
3. Wedding Customs – Chinese Culture - Raider Digital Publishing
The couple serves tea and bows to their parents-in-law, who offer blessings and give jewelry and gifts to the bride. In ancient times, the bride would be ...
[70]
Queen Victoria's Royal Wedding Dress
Jan 15, 2014 · Traditionally we believed that wearing a white wedding dress was a symbol of purity ... Victoria's white wedding dress was made of heavy silk ...
[71]
The History of the Wedding Veil Tradition - Brides
Mar 6, 2024 · Wedding veils became symbols of a bride's chastity and modesty, and many cultures still use them for that reason.
[72]
The Origins of the Bridal Veil and Its Protection From Evil Spirits
Feb 14, 2019 · In the past, it was believed that the bridal veil had apotropaic powers and was used primarily to ward away evil spirits.
[73]
Old, new, borrowed, blue · V&A
### Summary of 'Something Old, New, Borrowed, Blue' Rhyme in 19th-Century Western Bridal Traditions
[74]
Something Borrowed, Something Blue Rhyme History, Explained
Sep 5, 2025 · This rhyme dates back to Victorian England, and it seems to signify the simultaneous hope for continuity and a fresh beginning.Missing: 19th folklore
[75]
The Evolution of Bridal Style - History of Wedding Fashion - ELLE
Mar 16, 2020 · Vera Wang opened her bridal boutique in 1990, and by 2000, she was one of the top wedding dress designers. She specialized in strapless and ...
[76]
A Look Back at 90 Years of Wedding Fashion Trends - Brides
Dec 4, 2024 · Vera Wang is the designer and founder of the iconic Vera Wang ... sleek, minimalist dresses of the 1990s (think Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy!)
[77]
Maasai - Timothy S. Y. Lam Museum of Anthropology
The bride wears not just her own beadwork, but layers on those contributed by other women in the community.Missing: attire gowns
[78]
Wrapped in Pride - National Museum of African Art
You are attending a family wedding and decide to wear a kente named Sika fre mogya ("money attracts blood"), which means if you are wealthy your relatives will ...Missing: traditions | Show results with:traditions
[79]
Ghanian Wedding | USC Digital Folklore Archives
May 15, 2023 · For the traditional wedding they wear Kente cloth and Ghanaian clothing, but then on Saturday they do the white dress and they go to like a ...
[80]
[PDF] Cross-Culture Head Coverings
Mantillas are still worn by many Spanish and Latina women during religious ceremonies, and many Christian women in India still cover their heads with a veil, ...Missing: Latin | Show results with:Latin
[81]
Special Occasions - Sam Noble Museum - The University of Oklahoma
Wedding attire for the bride and groom vary accordingly, from Western style gowns to traditional ceremonial huipils. The wedding huipil shown left is from ...
[82]
Ottoman Wedding Dresses, East to West
Apr 1, 2024 · Traditional Ottoman wedding dresses often featured red, decorated entaris. Bindallı dresses, made of silk velvet with gold embroidery, were ...Missing: kaftan | Show results with:kaftan
[83]
kaftan - Fashion History Timeline
Mar 19, 2022 · The kaftan (also caftan) is an ancient garment, which originated in ancient Persia but then spread across Central and Western Asia.Missing: wedding | Show results with:wedding
[84]
[PDF] SOUTH KOREA MANAGES GLOBALIZATION: STRATEGIES OF ...
“Making Hanbok a Way of Our Lives” in an effort to entice more people to wear the. Korean traditional clothing in schools and raise public awareness about ...
[85]
Indian Fashion System with emphasis on womens occasionwear 29 ...
Jun 29, 2016 · Traditionally the young bride was given a trousseau and some heirloom costumes and jewelry.
[86]
We're Spilling the Tea on the History of Bridal Showers - The Knot
Aug 29, 2023 · The true origins can be traced back to Holland in the 16th century when the event served as a way to bypass the dowry system.
[87]
Stag nights and hen dos: a brief history of bachelor and bachelorette ...
Apr 3, 2020 · Emily Brand explores pre-wedding traditions through history – from the old Scottish custom of washing feet, to the traditional 'stag' and 'hen' dos.Missing: empowerment | Show results with:empowerment
[88]
How Flappers of the Roaring Twenties Redefined Womanhood
Sep 17, 2018 · Women move to cities and into the workforce, but stayed in traditional 'women's roles.' The flapper was born out of a growing landscape in ...Missing: bachelorette | Show results with:bachelorette
[89]
Mikveh Before the Wedding - My Jewish Learning
According to traditional Jewish practice, a bride visits the mikveh within four days of her wedding, seven days after the end of her period. This timing is due ...
[90]
Chinese Wedding Tea Ceremony: A Timeless Tradition - Knotz
May 20, 2023 · As the parents and elders sip their tea, they offer blessings and well-wishes for a blissful and prosperous marriage, longevity and fertility.<|separator|>
[91]
9 Ancient Roman Beauty Hacks | History Hit
They would take baths submerged in it, often assisted by a team of slaves called Cosmetae, enlisted for the sole purpose of applying skincare products. Poppaea ...Missing: bridal preparations herbal radiance
[92]
What is the origin of the phrase 'I do' in weddings? Why do people ...
Mar 16, 2023 · This book was written in the mid 1500's. So the language is old fashioned and formal. The responses of “I do” or “I will” are in agreement with ...
[93]
Everything You Need to Know About Muslim Wedding Vows
Jan 19, 2022 · Traditionally, Muslim weddings don't have vows, but couples may say "qabul" (I accept) three times. Some couples now choose to exchange vows.
[94]
Wedding Traditions in History - Main Street Magazine
Feb 1, 2016 · The married property acts of the 1880s gave women in England the right to own property, and it's where we get the tradition of the father ...
[95]
Wedding Traditions – History of the First Dance - DJ MasterMix
Feb 4, 2021 · The First Dance is a popular tradition in modern European and American wedding celebrations. This comes from a custom in old-fashioned balls in France.<|separator|>
[96]
Cutting the Wedding Cake: The History of a Sweet Tradition - The Knot
May 25, 2022 · This wedding cake tradition originates in the Victorian era when it was customary for the bride to cut the wedding cake, also known as the bride's cake.
[97]
Bouquet Toss - Celebrants Aotearoa
During the early 1900s, this bouquet-tossing craze crossed the Atlantic and found its home on American soil. As weddings became more extravagant and formal ...
[98]
https://www.womenshistory.org/resources/primary-source/act-effectual-protection-property-married-women
[99]
AN ACT for the effectual protection of the property of married women.
New York was the first state to pass a law to protect the property rights for married women. "AN ACT for the effectual protection of the property of married ...
[100]
[PDF] Ending Impunity for Child Marriage in India:
OF CHILD MARRIAGE IN INDIA. In 2006, India passed the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA)1 to combat the widespread practice of child marriage. The PCMA.
[101]
Ending child marriage and adolescent empowerment | UNICEF India
Child marriage violates children's rights and places them at high risk of violence, exploitation, and abuse. Child marriage affects both girls and boys, ...
[102]
25% Of Couples Choose Destination Weddings + Other Wedding ...
25% of couples opt for a destination wedding, 90% of millennials consider elopement. Read on to learn more interesting wedding statistics.
[103]
Obergefell v. Hodges | 576 U.S. 644 (2015)
The Supreme Court reversed. The Fourteenth Amendment requires a state to license a marriage between two people of the same sex and to recognize a marriage ...
[104]
The Economic Impact of Marriage Equality 10 Years After Obergefell
Jun 12, 2025 · This study estimates the economic impact of same-sex couples' weddings that have taken place in the 10 years since the Obergefell decision.
[105]
How much does the average wedding cost? - Fidelity Investments
The average American wedding cost $33,000 in 2024. · The reception venue and catering are the 2 largest wedding expenses, making up more than 40% of the average ...
[106]
Top Statistics for Wedding Planners in 2025
Apr 2, 2021 · Though brides do 54 percent of wedding planning, grooms account for an impressive 25 percent (based on a heterosexual relationship).
[107]
Independent Women and the Business of Marriage in Jane Austen's ...
Aug 15, 2022 · The businesslike way in which Mrs Bennet goes about negotiating marriage is often a source of comedy in Pride and Prejudice. But her conduct ...
[108]
Runaway Story - Anne Applebaum
May 4, 2005 · The woman was, of course, Jane Eyre, the fictional creation of the writer Charlotte Bronte. She was not a real-life runaway bride, as is ...
[109]
Why Mira Nair's Monsoon Wedding speaks of things loud and timeless
Jun 27, 2021 · Blindingly colourful clothes. Simpering bride. Shy bridegroom. Each of these elements has been a Hindi cinema fixture through the decades, ...
[110]
Pantora Bridal Celebrates 10 Years of Body Positivity
Dec 10, 2023 · Andrea Pitter-Campbell, the visionary founder of Pantora Bridal, sculpts a realm where dreams transcend the confines of conventional beauty standards.