The plumes of taffeta, unimaginative block colors and frumpy chiffon define most bridesmaid gowns meaning there is much space for disaster, that's only amplified using the fact that each woman dresses the same.
So, where does the tradition of bridesmaids wearing near-identical gowns originate?
One theory that tends to circulate on the web is that it's a hangover from Ancient Rome: a culture that valued monogamy.
Some think that the bridesmaids were essentially baited by evil spirits and jilted ex-lovers who had been attracted using the spectacle within the wedding party and sought to wreak havoc. A group of women dressed the same distract the wrong-doers, and permit the couple to wed the whole time, Mental Floss reported.
But Dr. Liz Gloyn, lecturer in Classic and Royal Holloway, University of London, told The Independent there is no link between Republican or Imperial Roman wedding traditions and bridesmaids dressing the same today.
She explained this incorrect idea likely comes from a particular type of Roman marriage called, confarreate which required ten witnesses.
Identical bridesmaid's dresses within the West are most likely influenced by Court etiquette and Royal weddings dating back to Queen Victoria’s ceremony in 1841, explained Lou Taylor, Professor of Dress and Textile History at the University of Brighton.
“Such occasions provided, but provide, the chance for a public display of Royal or Court power, and support for Royalty, especially using the wedding procession while using streets within the capital city to Westminster Abbey.”
Dating to medieval times, Royal weddings were but are, staged similarly to Royal funerals as carefully organized, public displays of support for the monarchy. For a Royal funeral, the Lord Chamberlain prescribed mourning attire for any body part within the ceremony - even a result of the type of fabric used.
Similarly, Royal weddings were a public display of support for the new couple.
“[Queen Victoria] had 12 bridesmaids, wearing white within-the-shoulder fashionable 1840 dresses, with full-blown artificial roses decorating their hair behind their right ears.
“They were all the eldest daughters within the highest strata within the peerage. She gave them each a brooch, an eagle (Prince Albert's crest) of turquoise and pearls," said Professor Taylor.
“I believe that by governing the bridesmaids formally into the same garments, there's no room for every one of them to outdo one another, along with the bride, while using the use of grander fabric, grander jewelry."
Uniform bridesmaids were another sign of the Royal family's authority, along with the subservience of the guests, she said green bridesmaid dresses.
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