Traditionally the Bridesmaid should be a maid, in other words an unmarried maiden. Traditionally, that is. In reality, however, while it is seldom too difficult to find an unmarried friend of the bride, finding a maiden is quite another matter.

As with so many other traditions, this one is honoured more in the breach than the observance and the bridesmaid not only doesn't have to be a maid, these days she doesn't even have to be unmarried. A married woman who acted in the role of bridesmaid was called a Matron of Honour - a name one seldom hears these days and it's easy to see why.

The bride needs a trusted confidante with whom she can share the joy and excitement of her day and the most important thing when choosing a bridesmaid is the closeness of the relationship - age or marital status doesn't really come into it.

The bridesmaid's duties can be described as "being there when needed". She is to help the bride through the many stages of the planning and to make sure the bride is ready on the day.

The bridesmaid's dress is traditionally paid for by the groom although these days the cost tends to be shared between bride and groom. In any event, the bride has the final say on what the bridesmaid or maids wear.