Definition of wedding party

The term "wedding party" has evolved over time to describe the group of close friends and family members who play active roles in a wedding ceremony and celebration. The exact origin of this phrase is not entirely clear, but it may have originated from a combination of historical traditions and modern customary usage. Historically, the phrase "bridal party" was commonly used to describe the groom's male relatives and friends who helped the groom prepare for his wedding by accompanying him to the ceremony and assisting with practical tasks such as holding the marriage certificate and making sure the groom arrived at the venue on time. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the concept of the bridal party expanded to include the bride's close female friends and family members as well, who also played a role in the nuptials. These women served as the maid of honor, bridesmaids, and flower girls, often wearing similar dresses in various shades to flatter the bride's wedding dress. As the wedding industry grew and modern customary usage changed, the term "wedding party" was coined to describe the entire group of honorees, including both the groom's and bride's close friends and family members. This more inclusive terminology reflects the modern tendency toward gender-neutral language and the shift in focus toward a celebration of the couple's shared community of loved ones, rather than a ranking of guests based on traditional roles. In short, the phrase "wedding party" blends historical traditions and modern customary usage, representing a contemporary understanding of the importance of a community of friends and family in celebrating the nuptials of a married couple.