Being chosen as a wedding witness represents a role of great responsibility but also of great honor, being designated by the spouses thanks to the relationship of trust and intimacy established and without which it would not be possible to pronounce the fateful yes.
What is the origin of wedding witnesses?
The figure of the wedding witnesses originated around 1500 to prevent lovers from marrying in secret. The initial purpose was therefore not to bless the union but to testify that the marital union took place both according to very specific rules and to protect the bride from possible kidnappings by rivals or enemies. Although there is still a bureaucratic side to this figure, over time the aesthetic and emotional part has taken over what is the specific role of the witnesses.
The religious significance of wedding witnesses
The Church is paying ever greater attention to the presence of wedding witnesses , even if the extension of the role does not have any real canonical value other than that of blessing the wedding.
Currently, the presence of a wedding witness represents the sign that marriage has an ecclesial dimension as a mutual gift for both the spouses and the Church. In fact, some priests take the time to meet the witnesses before the wedding, involving them in the preparation of a text to be read during the ceremony in which they explain the reasons why they have accepted this role.
💡 TIP: To keep the tone light and fun, you could tell funny anecdotes about your future groom or share embarrassing moments you've experienced together.
Being designated as wedding witnesses therefore has a profound spiritual and emotional value, since they immediately share joy and happiness with the spouses while participating in the wedding with equally sincere spirituality.
The requirements needed to be a wedding witness
To perform the role of wedding witness, no particular skills are required, but rather simple requirements:
• have reached the age of majority;
• be able to understand and fully exercise one's civil rights;
• possess Italian citizenship (at least one of the two).
‼️ MAYBE YOU DON'T KNOW THAT: the fact that witnesses must have received all the sacraments is a false myth; in fact, it is not necessary to have been baptized or confirmed, just as divorced, separated or atheist people can also play this role.
What does the wedding witness give to the newlyweds?
Since a wedding is a formal event, it is normal that the bridesmaid may feel pressured about the type of gift.
It certainly shouldn't be a banal gift, after all the role you play is crucial and the gift must also be up to par.
There is no need to spend crazy amounts, the important thing is that the gift is chosen carefully, is meaningful to the couple and reflects their interests.
If the couple has compiled a wedding registry, consulting it is a great idea to get some ideas but not to feel obliged to choose only from the list.
It is definitely better to have a good quality gift designed especially for them rather than a showy but ordinary gift that is out of their personality; a personalized gift will certainly be even more appreciated.
A CLARIFICATION: regarding the obligation to give wedding rings as a gift, there is actually no written rule regarding this matter, but etiquette dictates that it should be the groom who gives them or that it should be the witnesses.
FOR A DIFFERENT GIFT: Instead of the classic material object, you could opt for an experience to live together, such as a romantic weekend, a cooking class or a ticket to a concert.
How many witnesses must there be at the wedding?
The number of wedding witnesses can vary according to tradition and the preferences of the spouses . In religious ceremonies, two witnesses are designated, one for the bride and one for the groom, although some churches allow a greater number (up to four) with the prior authorization of the parish priest. For civil weddings, the law establishes the presence of only two witnesses.
THE LEGAL SIDE: since for practical purposes this is a role of presence and assistance at a celebration in which the spouses express their desire to unite in marriage, the witnesses do not have to add anything other than their signature together with that of the celebrant and the spouses in the marriage certificate. Any other obligation (the custody of the wedding rings, gifts for the occasion, help in organizing the wedding, presence at the table of honor at the banquet, etc.) falls within the essentially social rituals that do not constitute legal duties. The presence of witnesses is mandatory, under penalty of nullity of the certificate.
What the dress of the bridesmaid should be like
Being a witness at a wedding is an honor that requires a certain degree of elegance and good taste that must not distract attention from the bride. Consequently, the dress for the witness , as well as her accessories , must be in harmony with the stylistic choice of the spouses.
Black and white are banned, as are neon or bright shades, the bridesmaid's dress can be any color, preferably pastel shades, nude or dark colors, avoiding overly eccentric combinations if the bride's dress and the wedding theme do not fit into these canons.
Etiquette requires a long or midi dress but contemporaneity also allows a short dress as long as it is not too mini . Abandon the idea of wearing a miniskirt or shorts , opt instead for skirts that touch the knee. The long is allowed but on the condition that it does not have a train longer than the bride .
As for accessories, you can complete the outfit by choosing precious clutches , high heels and stoles to drape over your shoulders.
In any case, in the presence of a certain dress code the wedding witness will have to adhere to what has been established.
A CURIOSITY: generally it is the witnesses themselves who pay for their own dresses, but when the bride decides to surround herself with bridesmaids dressed in the same way, she herself turns to a tailor to create identical or identically coloured made-to-measure dresses , supporting or taking charge of the costs for their creation.
NOIKIKA dresses for the bridesmaid:
Forest green satin dress
The flared skirt enhanced by the tulle underskirt gives this dress a voluminous effect. The shaped bodice with wide straps ensures support while the deep neckline gives sensuality. The rhinestone belt that adorns the waist completes the look.
Royal blue pleated satin dress
The contrast between the side slit and the shorter petticoat adds movement to this feminine and sexy dress while the sweetheart neckline and pleated bodice enhances the silhouette with class.
Lilac rhinestone duchesse satin dress
Timeless elegance and sophistication come together in this flared duchess satin gown. The contoured bodice enchants with its grace and femininity while the lacing on the back adds a touch of refinement. Embellished and studded with numerous rhinestones, the gown is a masterpiece of elegance and style.
Wedding witnesses undoubtedly represent a point of reference for the spouses , who are entrusted with the task (as a sign of esteem, trust and deep affection) of accompanying the couple on the most beautiful day of their life, supporting them before, during but obviously also after the wedding .
In addition to the emotional bond and the feelings that inspire us, being chosen as witnesses must include a desire to actively participate in the function, the ability to share the preparations, to listen, console, rejoice and support the mood in the inevitable moments of panic from preparations.