An Informative Paper written by G. M.

Weddings from a Time Past
　
　Since the oldest sister in my family became engaged to be married, I’ve been involved in researching
wedding history and traditions. This subject matter ( which I found very interesting) is also especially
fascinating to the Brides and grooms who are soon to be married.
　
So, if you have a wedding coming up in your life, or are just one of those people who are engaged in
learning about wedding traditions and customs, you will enjoy the various information I’ve gathered on
weddings from a time past.
　
From the beginning, weddings have always been a major happening in ‘most’ people’s lives. Weather
they were preformed by the African slaves by jumping over a broom, or celebrated with the most expensive
and newest styles, they are a big part in people’s lives.
　
One known fact in most wedding celebrations is ‘dress’ . The people who perform in the wedding most
always pay much attention to their dress and hair. Event the guests come and celebrate with the happy
couple- also well dressed. In the early to mid 1800s, the bride’s wedding gowns were full with puffed
sleeves. Surprisingly white was not a common color for the bride’s gown. Instead blue was usually the
preferred color. In modern day weddings, a large percentage of the brides hardly ever wear the veil or
blusher. Most modern day brides thinking it too old fashioned for them. If the bride researches the veil
closer, she will find that indeed it does symbolize the ‘beautiful old fashioned ways’ - privacy, modesty,
youth, and maidenhood. If the bride researched the veil even deeper, she will find not only a face but a
very interesting story behind the blusher. Blushers were first used during the time when arranged
marriages were common. So as the groom couldn’t back out of the marriage when he saw his ‘to be’ wife
walking down the aisle, the bride had to wear the blusher during the ceremony. Then after the vows and
the two were legally married, the groom would like the blusher off the bride’s face.
　
During the 1850s, weddings were often a very seldom affair. Organ music before and after the marriage
vows were permitted and soon it became customary. Concerning music, usually Bach and such classics
were played. Gradually two favorites appeared- the Bridal chorus for Wagner’s Lohengrin. And the
wedding march - Mendelssohn ( which he wrote for midsummer’s night dream)
　
After the wedding ceremony, a big family feast followed, which had today transpired into the reception.
Today’s weddings usually have the wedding cake at the reception. The wedding cake traditionally was
inspired by a building in London. But now, brides request any shape and size to their taste. A common
tradition, which is now mostly carried on by the Southerners in North America was to also have a groom’s
cake. The groom’s cake was almost always fruit cake.
　
Sadly, in the USA today, marriage is changing dramatically. An increased divorce rate and more single
parent families are altering young people’s attitudes toward marriage. Also the increasing acceptability of
living together as an alternative is a factor in the decline of the number of couples getting married.
　
As you near the end of this paper, you realize that you have learned a great deal of information that
before you never knew. So, next time you are at or in a wedding ceremony, you can bring back to mind all
the unique, funny, odd and interesting wedding customs and traditions created from a time past…