Weddings

The recent passing of our glorious monarch Queen Victoria has caused the whole country to lament her death. Queen Victoria was a true leader and visionary. She left behind an amazing legacy and a thriving country. During the Victorian Era, England flourished, and many aspects of the country evolved, with the time. Weddings throughout this time were very easily distinguishable, from social class to social class. The weddings of working class people were plain and intimate, while in contrast weddings for upper and middle class were ornate and lavish celebrations. Throughout this era standards and expectations of weddings have evolved and altered. Let us now review weddings in each social class during the Victorian Era.

Working Class Wedding Ceremonies

Walking into a working class ceremony, your first impression would that it is very intimate and simple. The best man would give away the blushing bride, because the ceremony would take place during work hours. The bride’s father could not afford to lose wages, and stayed at work (Phegley 132). Not many people would take part in the church aspect of the marriage; only a minuscule amount of people would come. The ceremony had no bells or whistles; the reception was a little bigger however.

Working Class Wedding Receptions

Working class receptions occurred at night after work hours. Working immediate family and friends would be able to attend (Phegley 133). The bride and bridegroom had a very plain cake to cut and serve, and close friends and family gave gifts to the newlyweds. The gifts were practical items that consisted of household items and food (Phegley 133). During these times many couples preferred to go to a pub and receive gifts there (Phegley 133). If you ever attended one of...

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...me went on social cards became outdated and couples just did a newspaper announcement of their marriage. After the honeymoon, the married couple was expected to receive guests who attended the wedding. If you were the newly married bride, you had to wear your wedding gown and serve leftover cake from your reception (Phegley 135).

A new era

As time progressed, couples altered their wedding to the signs of the time. Each wedding reflected the social class of the couple getting married. Those who are financially challenged had simple weddings with only close loved ones. Middle and upper class people had very intricate affairs with many attendees. Receptions have evolved from tasteful breakfasts to a dinner and dance. Throughout this whole era, many aspects of weddings have changed. I truly can not wait to see the new trends and fads of weddings in the years to come!