Is there any truth to the tradtion of the best man having to marry the bride if the groom does a runner?
If so is there any recorded instance of this happening in recent times?
Sounds kind of silly to me.
http://www.michiganflowers.com.au/wedding_history.htm
http://www.flashpointunlimited.com/weddings/superstitions.htm
These sites seem to suggest that the best man is a trusted ally of the groom, charged to protect the grooms interest in the bride.
What the hell? How can anyone “have” to marry anyone (except in cultures where arranged marriages are standard)? I’ve never heard of such a thing.
Yeah, for instance in my sister’s wedding the best man was the groom’s father. Why would the bride agree to such a tradition?
Hm. Interesting concept. Like the Vice Groom. If someone whacks the groom, all’s the Best Man has to do is kick his slumped corpse out of the way and sidestep over next to the bride. Ceremony goes on as planned, no need for concern. Of course if he then gets whacked, I believe duties fall to the Speaker of the House.
Happy
A minor twist on this tradition lives on with the Amish, the difference being that the groom’s oldest single brother be wed to the bride.