The bridesmaids and veil The tradition of putting the bridesmaids into matching dresses is, however, much older, going back to Roman times when it served to confuse the evil spirits that threatened to curse the bride. Also protecting Roman brides from evil spirits was the bridal veil, which also symbolized the virginity and modesty of the bride. Traditionally, the father or groom lifted the veil at the time of the kiss to reveal the bride, and at this point the groom—almost literally—took her into his possession. Now, like the dress, the veil has grown into an overblown status symbol.
