Weddings have historically been significant events for families. During Medieval times, marriages were still arranged by the parents of the intended couple – although, as the view of women was changing, people were beginning to marry for love. While still having little legal influence, women were mostly considered lovers instead of property. Most marriages were between two people that had similar economic and social backgrounds. Their families were then linked by the marriage. The bride usually brought a dowry (a sum of money or goods) that she had been saving for the day to give to her husband. Negotiations of the economics of the dowry and family background were decided by the parents to determine if the marriage would be a good fit. During the courting period the man would woo the woman with small gifts or poetry.
• Medieval View of Love
• Family Chronicle: Marriage Customs
• History of Marriage
• Chivalry and Courtly Love
• Courtship History
For most people, the wedding was held either at home or in a church. The couple stood before their family and neighbors; the man stood on the right and the woman on the left. The officiant spoke during the ceremony and there was an exchange of rings. Other items that may have taken place were confession by the bride or groom if it was a Catholic ceremony, or a blessing on the couple from the officiant.
• Renaissance Weddings
• Wedding Traditions
• Marriage Customs
• Wedding Traditions and Trivia
Another symbolic event that sometimes took place during the ceremony was handfasting, or the joining of the hands to signify commitment. Typical handfasting involved the couple joining opposite hands of each other. Their wrists were then tied together loosely with a scarf to signify the union they were declaring.
• Historical Handfasting
• The History of Handfasting
To ensure that family and friends attended the wedding ceremony, it was customary to invite people by going to the homes of the guests, announcing the upcoming ceremony, and letting them know the date. In some countries this was called Bidding, and a selected person was responsible.
• Medieval Etiquette
• Welsh Wedding Traditions
People dressed up for weddings, and they wore their best clothes. A bride did not wear white, as is practice today. A popular color for a dress was blue, which symbolized purity, and red colors or gold embroidery were often popular. For the rich, jewelry or furs were worn. A bride usually wore her hair down, and she sometimes wore flowers in her hair instead of carrying a bouquet. Men wore their best costumes, typically what they might wear to church or to court.
• Medieval Clothing
• Medieval Wedding Traditions
• History of the Wedding Dress
• A Short History of Medieval Clothing
• Renaissance Clothing
A bride would sometimes carry a sachet of potpourri or prayer book, if she had one. Herbs and fresh flowers were used in ceremonies for their scents. Garlands and bouquets were used for decoration. Common flowers and herbs of the time include rosemary, mint, roses, and orange blossoms.
• Flowers for a Period Wedding
• Medieval Horticulture
• Wedding Beliefs
In addition to handfasting, the couple also may have exchanged vows. Readings were taken from the Bible or the Book of Common Prayer and the words were spoken to signify commitment to each other. Customarily, weddings that took place at churches were held at the front door of the church instead of on the altar. The bride and groom promised to love, honor and to cherish, much in the same way it is done today.
• Marriage in Medieval Times
• Medieval Wedding History
• History of Wedding Traditions
Following the ceremony was a wedding feast. Weddings were important, so the best foods available were served, such as stewed or roasted meats, fruits, and pastries. Wedding cakes were often small buns brought by guests and given to the bride and groom. Music was also played at the wedding, and popular songs of the time were performed. Musicians attended who played instruments to contribute.
• Medieval Love Songs
• Medieval Music
• Food Timeline: Wedding Cakes
• Wedding Cake History
• Renaissance Food
• Medieval and Renaissance Music
Just as weddings are popular today, marriage ceremonies in medieval times were significant events that were celebrated by many. Much of the customs that are used today came from that time. Throughout history, weddings remain a meaningful way to bring people together.
Written by Michael S. Atwood