Why a bevy of bridesmaids?
In the old days of marriage by capture, a maiden was guarded by her family to prevent seizure, and in later centuries this little drama was enacted as sort of game at country weddings. The bridegroom, coming for his bride, was confronted by a bevy of maidens all dressed exactly alike. His part of the play was to detect his true love, "forsaking all others," and bear her away to church. as recently as Victorian times, brides' maidens often wore white dresses and even short bridal veils, looking like brides themselves. The best friend was designated first bridesmaid (or Maid of Honor). The Maid of Honor and the Matron on Honor are modern designations in line with our small wedding parties of today.
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