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 BRIDAL PARTY The roles of various members of the bridal party have origins in ancient customs. Bridesmaids likely developed from the need to have witnesses. Their original purpose for wearing festive attire was to deceive the demons in the identification of the bride. Flower girls originated from a custom that two little girls, identically dressed, walked ahead of the bride carrying garlands of wheat to symbolize the wish for a fruitful union. In the 1600’s, it became popular for flower girls to carry baskets. In the Middle Ages, the groomsmen were known as “Bride Knights” because they served the bride by taking her to the church and to the alter, and then relinquishing her to the groom. Today these “duties” are completed by the bridesmaids. The duty of the best man dates back to the era of marriage by capture. Hundreds of years ago, when a man intended to capture a bride, he was accompanied by a strong- armed friend, thus simplifying the capture.  In the 1600’s, it became popular for flower girls to carry baskets. In the Middle Ages, the groomsmen were known as “Bride Knights” because they served the bride by taking her to the church and to the alter, and then relinquishing her to the groom. Today these “duties” are completed by the bridesmaids. The duty of the best man dates back to the era of marriage by capture. Hundreds of years ago, when a man intended to capture a bride, he was accompanied by a strong- armed friend, thus simplifying the capture. SPECIAL SEAT FOR THE PARENTS  The parents of the bride and groom are part of the marriage covenant. The commitments they make during the ceremony are just as binding as the vows of the couple. The final responsibility of parents for their children is to determine with them God’s will for a life partner. Thereafter, they serve as a chain of counsel for them and their children. Parents enter as the line of authority and leave as the line of counsel. THE WEDDING CAKE SYMBOLISM  Cake and bread have always been a vital part of wedding celebrations. In ancient Rome, bread was considered a symbol of fertility. Thus, to ensure fertility, a loaf of bread would be broken over the bride’s head and the crumbs shared with the guests. Also the couple was not considered married until they ate together. In contemporary wedding receptions, this practice is continued as the bride and groom cut the first slice of wedding cake together and feed each other. Guests eat from the cake, both as a sign of unity and as a way of wishing luck to the newly wedded couple. The tradition of having a second “grooms” cake at the reception has evolved over the years. Originally, the groom’s cake was a dark rich fruitcake and was said to also provide the couple with the blessing of fertility. Today, the cake may be of any type and is often chocolate or fruit flavored WHITE AISLE RUNNER White aisle runner symbolizes walking on Holy Ground. A marriage covenant is not made merely between two people and their witnesses. It is made in the presence of God and he is actively involved in the agreement. The white aisle runner symbolizes God’s Holiness.
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