In Elizabethan times, the age of Shakespeare, you know it had to be romantic! Betrothal was still the norm but now the groom would often be given a picture of his bride pre-ceremony so he’d at least know what she looked like. Even though “bride prices” had been made illegal there was still the dowry which was really just considered to be a wedding gift.
It was legal for boys to marry at 14 and women at 12, but the actual age of consent was 21. The couple’s intent to marry had to be announced three times prior to the ceremony, this was called “Crying the Banns.” On the wedding day there would be a festive procession from the bride’s house to the church, accompanied by musicians. The ceremony was fairly dull but building upon last week’s blog, an addition to Elizabethan weddings that medieval weddings didn’t have would be vows. I’ve always thought vows are the most romantic part of a wedding ceremony.
After the ceremony there would be a huge feast for the families of the bride and groom while the rest of the wedding party got sent home. Getting closer still to our modern day weddings! Romance is slipping into these old ceremonies all over the place and I love it!
Have an infinitely modern day!
