Wedding Invitations

Today we get to have a unique history lesson. Ever wonder why we traditionally  include ushers as a part of wedding etiquette in modern weddings? The Editors of Bride’s Magazine provide us the answer in their “Brides Book of Etiquette”.

Apparently many moons ago it wasn’t unusual for the bride to be captured (kidnapped). As barbaric as it sounds, this doesn’t necessarily mean “forced” to marry. In some cases, yes the bride was captured and married against her will but in other  cases there were numerous suitors desiring her and it was basically a matter of whoever kidnaps her first wins. That would really stink for her if the “not so desirable contestant” was the first one to capture her.

Sometimes a secretive capture was the “safest” way to get a bride to her destination.  If it became public knowledge when the bride was due to depart and arrive at her destination, she would be an easier target for people interested in sabotaging the wedding plans. 

Other times it may have even been a “Romeo and Juliet” situation where the couple wanted to marry but her family disapproved of this man and this would be the only way.

The groom’s friends (now referred to as ushers) would act as the grooms guards to help kidnap, protect and defend both the bride and groom from the anyone trying to stop them.

I hope you enjoyed today’s wedding etiquette history lesson. Join us tomorrow for more great information.