In disturbing news, professional bridesmaids are now being hired by numerous wedding planning firms in China.
No, it’s not one of those ‘hire a friend’ type situations; it’s to protect their actual friend’s safety by not having them as a bridesmaid.
Because being a bridesmaid in China comes at a price far greater than the pressure of organising a good hens or surviving a bridezilla – it could even cost them their life.
Sounds dramatic but concern over bridesmaid customs in China was raised when a bridesmaid died as a result of drinking too much and choking on her own vomit in September.
She was pressured into drinking on behalf of the bride, a common practice in some regions.
Yang Hu, Senior Researcher, Department of Sociology, University of Essex, writes in The Independent:
“This is far from an isolated instance. From the grassroots to renowned celebrities, Chinese bridesmaids are also vulnerable to verbal harassment, and physical and sexual abuse. In many cases, bridesmaids are unwillingly involved in sexual stunts designed for the newlyweds. In extreme cases, some are stripped of their clothes and molested, or attacked.”
It’s thought some women don’t even report incidents of abuse, as they may feel it ‘sullies’ them in some way.
It begs the question: could you even ask your friend to be a bridesmaid?
These ‘hire a bridesmaid’ services may seem like an easy, quick solution but it seems like huge issues need to be addressed.
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