Always a maiden [bridal attendant], never a wife.
[1882 E. M. Ingraham Bond & Free i.]
Three times bridesmaid, never a bride.
[1903 V. S. Lean Collectanea II. 81]
Why am I always the bridesmaid, Never the blushing bride?
[1917 Leigh, Collins, & Morris ‘Why am I always the Bridesmaid?’ (song)]
Then they'd leave me‥and go off and buy candy and orchids for the other girls. ‥Often a bridesmaid but never a bride.
[1951 Wodehouse Old Reliable xi.]
Related to: weddings
Bibliography of major proverb collections and works cited from modern editions is available here.
