Today’s bridesmaids and groomsmen hold bouquets and give speeches—but their original job descriptions were more like decoy, witness, and personal security.
The modern wedding party is a core part of the celebration: siblings, friends, and chosen family standing beside you as you say “I do.” But historically, the wedding party wasn’t about emotional support or Instagram aesthetics—it was about protection, distraction, and legal necessity.
From ancient Rome to today’s co-ed, gender-neutral lineups, the evolution of the wedding party is a surprisingly rich story of tradition, superstition, and social change.
Ancient Rome: 10 Witnesses Required by Law
In ancient Roman weddings, the law required at least ten witnesses for a marriage to be legally recognized. These witnesses weren’t just ceremonial—they were essential to ensuring the marriage had social legitimacy.
- Bridesmaids and groomsmen likely served as formal witnesses, not personal companions.
- The ceremony was as much about public validation as personal commitment.
- The inclusion of multiple people from both sides helped ensure family alliances and accountability.
This laid the foundation for what would later become the bridal party structure.
Bridesmaids as Decoys, Groomsmen as Bodyguards
Many wedding party traditions stem from superstition and survival rather than sentimentality.
Bridesmaids Wore Matching Dresses… to Confuse Evil Spirits
- In ancient times, it was believed that evil spirits—or jealous suitors—might try to harm the bride.
- To confuse them, bridesmaids dressed identically to the bride, acting as decoys.
- This practice persisted into Victorian times, influencing the modern tradition of coordinated bridesmaid dresses.
Groomsmen Were There to Protect the Bride—Literally
- In some regions, especially during the Middle Ages, the groom’s party had a more aggressive role.
- The best man was often chosen for his strength and loyalty—he might need to help “escort” (or abduct) the bride in cases where family approval wasn’t guaranteed.
- Groomsmen would stand guard, especially in areas where wedding day sabotage was a real concern.
Romantic? Not exactly. But deeply rooted in social history? Absolutely.
Shifting Roles in the 18th–20th Centuries
As marriage became more regulated and less risky, the wedding party shifted from functional to ceremonial:
- Bridesmaids became symbols of femininity, youth, and support—often unmarried women seen as “next in line.”
- Groomsmen became formal companions, tasked with helping the groom prepare, toast, and organize logistics.
- Roles like maid of honour and best man gained prestige, with specific duties like holding the bouquet or the ring.
By the 20th century, the wedding party was largely about support and celebration, not superstition or strategy.
Modern Wedding Parties: Inclusive, Personal, and Optional
Today’s Canadian couples are rewriting the rules entirely. Wedding parties now reflect:
- Chosen family over biological relatives
- Co-ed lineups, mixed-gender attendants, or no party at all
- Roles like “bridesmen,” “groomsmaids,” “person of honour,” or just “friends of honour”
- Emphasis on comfort, personality, and meaning over tradition
Some couples include their children, parents, or even pets in their lineup. Others ditch the party altogether in favour of intimate ceremonies without obligation or pressure.
Photographers and the Wedding Party Dynamic
For photographers, the wedding party provides a chance to:
- Document friendships and chosen community
- Capture group energy, from calm pre-ceremony support to wild dancefloor antics
- Create stylized portraits that reflect both personality and cohesion
- Navigate diverse, nontraditional groupings with creativity and sensitivity
The best images don’t just capture the outfits—they tell the story of who stood beside the couple, and why.
Related Reading in the History of Weddings Series:
- The History of Wedding Superstitions and Rituals
- The History of Wedding Fashion (Beyond the Dress)
- The History of Wedding Roles for Children
- Wedding Traditions from Around the World
Continue Planning Your Wedding
Ready to dive into the details? How to Find the Perfect Wedding Photographer: The Ultimate Guide to Making the Right Choice