The Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids

While the Groom and his best men were fighting for the bride, she was helped by a group of women who would get her away from her family or other suitors so she could be "captured" by the man of her choice. The Maid of Honor and the Bridesmaids are honored roles today.

Handfasting

In the rural areas of Great Britain, priests might only visit remote villages sporadically. In order for couples to pledge their betrothal, they joined hands, his right to her right, his left to her left and wrapped them with a ribbon. Done in front of witnesses, this made them officially "married" for a year and a day, following which they could renew permanently or for another year and a day.

The Best Man and Ushers Men who had decided upon a wife often had to forcefully take her with him (or kidnap her) if her family did not approve of him. The groom-to-be would sometimes face resistance from her male family members or from competing suitors who would fight him off. The groom would therefore bring along his "best men" to help him fight for the woman, and to guard the doors of the church while they were married. Today the best man and ushers are honorary positions.

Amber and Mike, flanked by Templar Knights

Diamond Engagement Rings

In medieval times, the groom would most often pay for the bride's hand in marriage. Precious stones were often included in this payment as a symbol of his intent to marry. While this practice eventually stopped, the gift of the precious stone as a symbol of intent remains today.

Bridal Showers

This event has its roots in Holland. When a bride's father did not approve of the husband-to-be, he would not provide her with the necessary dowry. The brides friends would therefore "shower" her with gifts so she would have her dowry and thus marry the man of her choice. While dowries are long gone today, the practice of giving gifts to the bride-to-be remains.

Symbolism and Superstition

• The bride should carry three coins: one is given to the groom, one to the family she is leaving, and one tossed into the street in front of her new home for luck.
• Knots symbolized good luck, hope, and steadfastness, brides tied their boquets with numerous knots.
• Wedding cakes are a symbol of fertility.

Throwing the Boquet or Garter

Brides were sometimes stripped at the altar by the men getting favors. Articles of clothing from a bride were considered to be lucky. It was thought that a man who gave his lady love the garter from a bride would ensure her faithfulness. Brides had be be creative as a means of self-preservation. There are paintings depicting brides with sleeves and bodice totally be-ribboned to avoid being stripped. Bride or groom would throw the garter while they got away, or have the men compete for it. This evolved into throwing the boquet.