A bride is a woman on her wedding day or in the period just before and after getting married. On the day of the wedding ceremony, she becomes a bride, and her partner may be called the groom. The word captures that specific, special moment when someone is transitioning into married life.

In many cultures, brides wear special clothing for their wedding. In Western traditions, brides often wear white or ivory dresses, though this custom only became popular in the 1800s. In other cultures, brides might wear red, gold, or other colors considered lucky or beautiful. Indian brides traditionally wear elaborate red saris with intricate designs, while Japanese brides might wear a white kimono called a shiromuku.

Once the wedding and its immediate celebration end, she's no longer called a bride but simply a wife. However, people might still refer to someone as a bride during the honeymoon period right after the wedding.

You might hear related terms like bridal shower (a pre-wedding celebration), bridal party (the bride's chosen friends and family who participate in the ceremony), or bridal suite (a special hotel room for newlyweds). The phrase blushing bride describes someone who seems happy and perhaps a bit shy or excited on their wedding day.