Gilbert and Sullivan's "Ruddigore" (first performed in 1887) features a chorus of "professional bridesmaids" who are experiencing a bit of a lull in business:

  Hannah: Nay, gentle maidens, you sing well but vainly, for Rose is still heart-free, and looks but coldly upon her many suitors.

  Zorah: It's very disappointing.  Every young man in the village is in love with her, but they are appalled by her beauty and modesty, and won't declare themselves; so, until she makes her own choice, there's no chance for anybody else.

  Ruth: This is, perhaps, the only village in the world that possesses an endowed corps of professional bridesmaids who are bound to be on duty every day from ten to four--and it is at least six months since our services were required.  The pious charity by which we exist is practically wasted!