<P> Many couples will make precautions so that they will not be able to see each other until their wedding ceremony . Today, this is done merely to uphold tradition and superstition, but the idea stems from the early days when marriages were arranged . In these cases, the bride and groom would meet each other for the first time at their own wedding . </P> <P> During the ceremony, it is customary to include bridesmaids and groomsmen in the event . The members of the bridal party are chosen to share the happiness with the couple getting married . Including bridesmaids in the ceremony originated as a technique of confusing evil spirits as to who the actual bride was . Groomsmen originated not for protection, but many centuries ago when men had to capture women in order to marry them . In order to steal the woman they chose to marry, men needed to pick the most capable man to help him, hence "best man". </P> <P> Today, "giving the bride away" has a very different meaning . The bride's father accompanies her on her walk down the aisle to show approval of the groom . Centuries ago, fathers actually did give their daughters away to their future husbands, since females were property of their fathers . </P> <P> The meaning and origin of the ceremonial kiss that traditionally concludes the ceremony has several different interpretations . In the Roman era, a kiss was used to seal legal bonds and contracts . A marriage, a type of lifelong contract between two people, is sealed with the ceremonial kiss . It is also believed that this kiss allows the couples' souls to mingle together . Today, the wedding kiss is usually just used as a form of love . </P>

Where did the tradition of walking down the aisle come from