bride

A bride is a woman who is about to be married or who has been married during a wedding ceremony. She is typically the female partner in a marriage, with the male partner usually called the groom. In same-sex weddings, both partners may be described as brides depending on the context.

Bride attire often includes a wedding dress, a bouquet, and sometimes a veil or other accessories. Styles vary by culture, religion, and personal preference. The ceremony commonly features a procession, and in many traditions the bride is given away by a parent or guardian as part of the vows.

Cultural variation surrounding the bride is wide. In some cultures dowries, arranged marriages, or strict family involvement have historical or ongoing relevance, while others emphasize individual choice and consent. The white wedding dress became a popular symbol in 19th-century Western weddings, but many cultures retain distinct garments, colors, and customs for the bride.

The concept of the bride also carries social and legal dimensions. The transition from single to married life is often marked by ceremonies, and marriage can confer legal rights and responsibilities depending on the jurisdiction. The term remains common in everyday language, media, and literature as a way to refer to a woman at or after the moment of marriage.