The end of the Trousseau Tea
10.05.11
A brief history of wedding fashions
During the 150 years that Salem Church has served this community many brides have passed through these doors. Today we look at how wedding fashions have changed through those years, reflecting technology advances, changes in cultural and moral values, and the political climate. In early pioneer days weddings were usually held in the bride’s or groom’s parent’s home in a private ceremony attended by only a few relatives. Normally the marriage was recorded publicly and the couple congratulated at the following Sunday church service.
In some remote areas of Ontario where there was no regular clergy couples often set up housekeeping and when the itinerant circuit rider visited he would bless the marriage on the doorstep of the church. For religious people it was important to have their union “recognized in the eyes of God”. Brides wore their best dress which was usually black because it was easier to keep clean and could also double as funeral attire, but unless they came from rich families they had little to spend on special outfits.
Source: Cramahe Now