So You've Been Invited to an Edwardian Wedding...
You’re Invited!
You have been invited to attend an Edwardian-era wedding, how exciting! But what is the etiquette – what should you expect at an Edwardian-era wedding? There are many traditions of weddings from this time which will be recognizable to you and me, but the devil’s in the details - and there are details aplenty to know before you go (to an Edwardian wedding)!
Alice McArthur and James Pitts Wedding, 1906, CCHS Collections.
Of course, a key part of any wedding is the location. Modern western weddings often take place within a church, and Edwardian weddings were similar; however, it was just as typical to have your wedding at home as it was to have in a church. These ceremonies had different protocols, typically differing in formality and details – the wedding you shall see will be styled after a home wedding. The brides’ who are committed to a solemn, important affair will opt for a church wedding, which allows for great pomp and circumstance. The bride is the true star of the wedding, she and her family do the planning and preparations, choose the anticipated day, send the invites, and take care of all the many details.
Wedding preparation begins long before the big day – even if it isn’t your big day. Sending a gift and your well-wishes to the bride should be done two to three weeks before the wedding day; flowers will suffice, but jewelry, clocks, silverware, and pictures are also common gifts. During this time, the bride and groom will also exchange gifts; this is when the bride receives an engagement ring. The wedding may be advertised to friends of the bride and groom in the newspaper, and it also may be reported on after the event. More likely, though, is guests receiving a personal invitation from the bride’s family.
Wedding photo of Ark Angelo Vincenzi (seated) and Silvi Senechol (standing on right), August 1902, CCHS Collections.
In regards to your outfit, it depends on the location, as well as social conventions for details such as color. If attending a church wedding, women may wear their prettiest frocks and smartest hats; they may also wear their usual church attire. Regardless, women must always cover their head for a church ceremony. In a home wedding, head coverings may be worn as wished. Of course, you should never wear black to a wedding. If you are in mourning, a deep crimson will do until you return to black clothing following the wedding. The bridesmaids will be dressed in bright colors – yellow, pink, blue – to contrast the bride.
In some weddings, there is a formal wedding breakfast. This English tradition is a meal with chosen guests where various dishes both hot and cold are served; and this is where the wedding cake will be cut and distributed among guests. The fathers of the bride and groom shall give speeches, as will the groom himself. This breakfast has not truly become a common wedding tradition in America; more often, there is a less formal buffet for the guests.
Bride and maid of honor, undated, from Correct Social Usage; A Course of Instruction in Good Form, Style and Deportment., Public Domain.
A church wedding will begin when the bride arrives. The groom and his best man will have arrived before the bride, and will be awaiting her on the altar when she arrives. The bride will be dressed in a familiar fashion, a white dress and veil. Brides often desire a simple outfit, adorned with flowers in her hair and hands, and without any jewelry. The groom will be outfitted with a frock coat, light trousers, and gray or pale lavender gloves. The procession which precedes the bride is made up of the maid of honor, the ushers, and the bridesmaids. Finally, the bride enters with her father, greeted by her groom at the altar stairs. On the altar will stand the clergyman, the bride and groom, their respective attendants, and the bride’s father. The best man, just as it is today, is responsible for holding the rings. The maid of honor, often a sister of the bride, will hold the bride’s bouquet and gloves. The father makes a brief appearance to place his daughter’s hand into the hand of her soon to be husband. When the ceremony has concluded, there may be a reception. If it is a large, fashionable wedding, an usher will introduce you to the bride and groom, and then their respective parents. The usher may be assisted by the best man. Usually, though, the bride’s mother will make introductions. As for a home wedding, there are typically no ushers, nor bridesmaids, nor best man; however, the wedding you will attend will have this entourage. It is usually a ceremony done with nothing but guests, a clergyman, and the soon to be wedded pair. The clergyman arrives first, standing at the home-made altar; followed by the bride and groom. Once the ceremony concludes, the newlyweds will receive their congratulations from the guests. When all is said and done, the couple will travel to their new home, or perhaps stay with friends during a honeymoon.
Now you are prepared to attend an Edwardian wedding – we hope to see you there!
