paper doll: Bridal Party Dolls

In early Roman times, bridesmaid lined-up to form a protective shield while walking the bride to the groom����_��s village. The group of women, similarly dressed, were expected to intervene if any evil spirits tried to hurt the bride or steal her dowry. Bridesmaids of the past also walked down the aisle with bunches of garlic, herbs, and grains to drive evil spirits away. Another bridesmaid origin story is biblical����_��when Jacob married Leah and Rachel, each brought her own ����_�maid.����_�_ In early Victorian times, bridesmaids wore white dresses with short veils, but by the 20th century, this tradition had fallen out of favor. Modern American bridesmaids often help the bride find the dress, shower her with gifts, and take her out for a night on the town to ease pre-wedding jitters and celebrate the upcoming nuptials.

In weddings of yesteryear, the groom picked a best man based on strength and ability to use a sword or a weapon to fight off enemies and rivals during the ceremony. The best man was also tasked with capturing a runaway bride and occasionally, he needed to capture the bride from parents who did not approve of the groom. In early traditions, the groomsmen were called the Bride����_��s Knights. They helped to protect her (dowry and virginity). Groomsmen in modern America host the bachelor party and roost the groom.