The World Of Weddings, Then And Now

These days’ weddings seem to have decreased in numbers, or have become less significant in many people’s lives, especially amongst women. More women are becoming career minded, taking on board the world of work rather than settling down to raise a family. This is almost true for men as women have more rights and freedom over their lives that it has become less common (particularly in the Western countries) for women to give up all they own to the men – a practise specific to the Victorian ages. Perceptions of weddings have changed and are no longer seen as a mandatory part of life.

Wedding ceremonies, however much they have decreased, are far more joyous than what they were in the past, with wedding gifts becoming more expensive and the planning and preparation being evermore stressful. Some follow the tradition of having the wedding paid for by the parents, these days marriages are divided between the two couple. Arranged marriages, though slowly decreasing in Western countries, based on religious convictions have themselves become subject of much careful thought and planning (having grown in size).

History

Up until the Middle Ages, weddings were considered a family or political affair, rather than a union between two people in love. They were also seen as a way to survive from predators and other outside members of the tribes – people believed there was safety in numbers. It was also common for grooms to kidnap their bride, if the families were against the matrimony, in this instance the groomsman would act as a small army to fight off the mob. Wedding parties were also small and not a very joyous occasion. However, wedding gifts have been a tradition for many years and is something that is still prevalent in ceremonies today.

Wedding gifts were given to symbolise the unity of the married couple and to help set up their new household for the newlyweds. During the Elizabethan ages, the family gave guests gifts, this was a practise derived from France known as wedding favours. Traditionally the wedding favours known in France as bonbonniere, contained sugared sweets (usually almonds) at a time when sugar was expensive. These were intricately wrapped in a small crystal, gold or porcelain box encrusted with precious gems, and were commonly presented by rich or wealthy families, as a way of thanking their guests for sharing the matrimonial union.

Wedding parties became more joyous during the Victorian ages, when weddings were beginning to change. Arranged marriages were beginning to decrease in numbers (in the UK especially) and more people were beginning to plan their weddings in advance. Wedding invitations were once announced via a town crier; the more literate and educated few in the 15th century were able to write their own invitations or arrange for monks to produce intricately designed invitations using calligraphy. The invitations often carried a coat of arms or family crest, sometimes-sealed using wax.

These days’ weddings have become more than just a family arrangement and political traditions, it is more common for the bride and grooms to come together and plan their weddings. Many Western weddings involve music, dancing and a very traditional pub drinking towards the end of the night. The traditions of kidnapping your wife are echoed in the form of stag do’s and hen parties, turning these historical events into fun party games