2. Origin of Roman traditions Tiered cakes origin of late Middle Ages Guests brought cakes, then were stacked on top of each other Bride and Groom tried to kiss over the top without toppling then over. Wedding Cakes
3. Women had no choice, parents chose Arranged to bring prestige or wealth to their family Most couples met for the first time on their wedding day Women were taught that they were subservient to men Arranged Marriages
4. Brides are not expected to wear white dresses Wedding dresses became part of a women’s ordinary wardrobe after the wedding Brides father paid for the wedding festivities Dowry is the amount of goods and money the bride brings to the marriage Marriage Customs
5. Groom gives the ring on her right hand, and switches to her left on the wedding day With parental permission boys could wed at 14 and girls at 12 The common age for marriage is 25-26 for men and 23 for women When the couple is young bride moves in with grooms family The Betrothal
6. Ring was worn on the ring finger of the left hand It was believed that a vein in the ring finger led directly to the heart Poor people went without a ring, unless one was passed down through the family the ring had no universal or sentimental value Wedding Ring
7. Engagement has to be announced 3 times in the church If couple attend separate church it’s announced in both Any marriage not published before-hand is considered illegal No formal invitation News spread by telling friends and relatives Announcing Marriage
8. Bridesmaids helped bride get ready Procession is noisy, usually has musicians Groom is not part of the event Bridal procession all stood through the service Anyone can attend the wedding if space is available Bridal Procession
9. Flowers should be rich, darker colors Bouquets should be large, overflowing, and hand tied Should include wheat which symbolizes fertility Use of various herbs was significant to your health and destiny Wedding Bouquets
10. William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway were married in the small England town of Temple Grafton Anne was pregnant prior to marriage Their intent to marry had to be announced at church 3 Sundays in a row to ensure nobody objected They lived with William’s parents after marriage. Shakespeare’s Wedding
11. Works Cited Renaissance Marriage Ceremonies, Renaissance-weddings.net, N.p., 2001. Web. 28 Apr. 2010. Life in Elizabethan England, MaggiRos, 25 Mar. 2008. Web. 28 Apr. 2010. “The Medieval Wedding”, How to Cook Medieval & Renaissance Wedding Feasts . Jill Kimble, 2000. Web. 7 May 2010.
