Tag Archives: history of weddings

The Sweet (and Not So Sweet) Origins of the Honeymoon

There’s one wedding tradition that doesn’t seem like it should need much explanation: the honeymoon.  Unlike some of our other wedding traditions, which seem to happen because it feels like that’s the way it’s always been, the purpose of the honeymoon appears to make sense.  It gives the new couple some time alone together, away from the world.  That, more so than a wedding ceremony itself, seems like the perfect celebration of the start of a marriage. But just like the wedding dress, despite the fact that there seems to be an obvious explanation for the honeymoon, its origins are … Continue reading →

The History of Weddings

There have been weddings in one form or another for as long as there has been a human race. Customs and names vary from culture to culture, but the ceremony and traditions that have been handed down to us with reference to weddings seem to have always existed. There was polyandry, polygamy and bride swapping. The acquisition of wives took place via purchase, capture, arrangement, courtship or trade negotiations. What I find interesting, in the study of wedding history is that it wasn’t until the 1800s that marriages and the weddings to create a marriage became a holy and spiritual … Continue reading →