Abridegroom (often shortened togroom) is a man who is about to bemarried or who isnewlywed.
When marrying, the bridegroom's future spouse is usually referred to as the bride. A bridegroom is typically attended by abest man andgroomsmen.
The first mention of the termbridegroom dates to 1572,[1] from theOld Englishbrȳdguma,[2] a compound ofbrȳd (bride) andguma (man, human being, hero). It is related to theOld Saxonbrūdigomo, theOld High Germanbrūtigomo, theGermanBräutigam, and theOld Norsebrúðgumi.[2][3]
The style of the bridegroom's clothing can be influenced by many factors, including the time of day, the location of the ceremony, the ethnic backgrounds of the bride and bridegroom, the type of ceremony, and whether the bridegroom is a member of theArmed Forces.
In Anglo-American weddings, the bridegroom will often give a short speech after the reception, thanking the guests for attending, complimenting the bride, thanking members of the wedding party, and possibly sharing a "roast toast", in which he makes jokes at the expense of himself or a member of his party. His speech will normally be followed by one from thebest man.
InChristianity,Jesus Christ is called a bridegroom in relation tothe Church ashis bride. In theGospel of John,John the Baptist speaks of Jesus Christ as the bridegroom and mentions the bride.
He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.[5]
Also see Matthew 9:15; 25:1-13;Mark 2:19-20; Luke 5:34-35; John 2:9; 3:29.
