Historical roles of best man and bridesmaids

Most wedding traditions we know today stem from some rather unexpected origins. Take the wedding party, for example. A couple of centuries ago, the "best man" wasn’t responsible for planning bachelor parties, holding onto the ring, or giving a witty wedding toast. Instead, his role was far more serious. He served as armed backup for the groom, especially if the groom needed to kidnap his bride from disapproving parents. Even the term "best" didn’t mean best friend. It meant the groom’s strongest ally; the man best with a sword. 

Best man was chosen because he was "best" with a sword.

The Best Man: From kidnap to guard Duty

The tradition of the best man is thought to have originated among the Germanic Goths, at a time when men were expected to marry within their community. With too few eligible women to go around, bachelors often had to raid neighboring villages to claim a bride. The groom needed someone dependable at his side, and his “best” man was chosen for his fighting skills and loyalty.

Even the modern arrangement of the ceremony reflects this history—the bride stands to the groom’s left so his right hand is free to draw a weapon if necessary.

But the best man’s job didn’t end once the wedding vows were spoken. He stood guard beside the groom throughout the ceremony, and later, even kept watch outside the newlyweds’ chamber to protect them from angry relatives or to make sure the bride didn’t try to escape.

 

Bride kidnapping

The Bridesmaids: Decoys in Disguise

While the best man relied on strength, bridesmaids played their own protective role with clever disguise. In ancient times, bridesmaids dressed in gowns similar to the bride’s so that, as the group approached the church, evil spirits, jealous ex-lovers, or would-be kidnappers couldn’t easily single her out.

Bridesmaids wore dresses similar to the bride's.

Even the groomsmen joined in the protective strategy by wearing matching suits, creating a wall of confusion to deflect curses, stones, or attackers.

And as for the maid of honor? Her role was decidedly practical. She was expected to create and put up all the wedding decorations.

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