Many might think that the tradition of bridesmaids wearing matching gowns goes back to roman era, where it’s believed that a group of women dressed alike to divert the evil spirits and jealousy of jilted ex-lovers.
But Classic and Royal Holloway lecturer Dr. Liz Gloyn, explained that this tradition dates back to medieval times where “funerals and wedding occasions provided, and still provide, the opportunity for a public display of Royal power”.
In Royal funerals, mourning attires were specified for those attending the ceremony even to the kind of fabric used.
Wedding ceremonies took the same lead, for in 1840 Queen Victoria had 12 bridesmaids, who wore white off the shoulder dresses, with synthetic roses tacked behind their right ears.
“It is my belief that by regulating the bridesmaids formally into exactly the same garments, there was no room for any of them to try and outdo each other, let alone the bride, through the use of grander fabric, grander jewelry”, Taylor said.