The Distinct Differences Between Japan and Overseas: What Is the True Role of a Bridesmaid?

There Are Actually Many Things to Do! Let's Understand the Role of the Bridesmaid＊

Many people might think, "Isn't it just about wearing matching dresses?!" But in reality, as seen in movies, the role of a bridesmaid is very important, with various tasks that need to be fulfilled＊

So, What Exactly is a Bridesmaid?

In short, a bridesmaid is the bride's attendant. The role begins with choosing the bride's dress together during the wedding preparations and continues on the wedding day by helping with the train, holding the bouquet, and supporting the bride in all manners.

In Japanese weddings, these tasks are generally handled by the venue's planner or attendants,

but in many cultures overseas where there isn’t a strong cultural operation for wedding venues, and where couples must create their wedding independently after renting a space,

it is customary for the bride to request these duties from bridesmaids selected from her family or close friends.

Additionally, the distinctive feature of bridesmaids wearing matching dresses has its significance,

as bridesmaids have the role of "protecting the bride from malicious forces trying to disrupt her happiness."

To blindside the evil entities trying to approach the happy bride, several bridesmaids wear the same outfit and enter the chapel before the bride＊

List of Bridesmaid Duties＊

Here are the tasks that overseas brides often ask their bridesmaids to take on.

☑ Assisting in dress selection

☑ Planning the bridal shower

☑ Helping with wedding preparations

☑ Dressing the bride on the wedding day

☑ Hair and makeup in the bridal room

☑ Attending to guests

☑ Walking down the aisle ahead of the bride

☑ Adjusting the bride's train

☑ Serving as a witness to the vows

☑ Holding the bouquet during the ring exchange

☑ Distributing flower petals for the flower shower

☑ Giving a speech

And more.

It’s akin to having all the duties that would typically be assigned to the wedding venue's staff or some friends being collectively taken on by the bridesmaids.

About the Maid of Honor＊

Generally, bridesmaids are expected to be unmarried women.

This is an overseas principle, and in Japan, it is acceptable to be more flexible about this.

Often, the bride’s best friends, relatives, or sisters are chosen as bridesmaids.

The more bridesmaids there are, the more elaborate the wedding is considered, and the number of bridesmaids often correlates with the size and status of the chapel.

The bride also selects one of the bridesmaids to be the "Maid of Honor," who serves as the leader among the bridesmaids.

The Maid of Honor, often the bride's closest friend, will organize the other bridesmaids and execute wedding preparations alongside the bride.

Understanding the Role of Bridesmaids Through History and Culture♡

The bridesmaid is an indispensable presence responsible for assisting in the preparation and execution of the wedding.

In many overseas cultures lacking a wedding industry, where planners or staff might not be available,

bridesmaids are a practical necessity.

Moreover, from a religious perspective,

they assume roles such as blinding any malicious forces by wearing similar dresses

and pulling attention away from the bride by walking down the aisle first.

Thus, the seemingly fashion-focused concept of "wearing the same dress" in Japan has ancient significance.

While overseas weddings tend to have a very free and easy-going image, one might argue that Japanese weddings, with their blend of traditional and modern elements, actually provide more freedom.

Brides planning to incorporate the bridesmaid tradition into their wedding should consider its origins, but prioritize what they truly want for a fun and enjoyable wedding experience♡