Medieval weddings are often considered to be one of the most romantic ways of getting two people united. On the contrary, in olden days, medieval weddings were more practical. A boy and a girl were promised to each other at the age of nine or ten and were not allowed to meet until the time of marriage. The wedding ceremony was filled with feasting, dancing and a variety of entertainment options. Apart from this, there are many customs and traditions, which were followed during the medieval period wedding.
As told earlier, betrothal is an important medieval tradition. The bride and the groom are presented before a priest to take solemn vows. After this, the couple exchanges rings and kisses. Subsequently, they wait for 40 days, when the wedding ceremony finally takes place. At the time of the betrothal, grooms pay a deposit. In case the groom backs out, he is penalized with a sum, four times the betrothal price. Usually medieval brides wear blue attire, as blue color traditionally signified purity rather than today's white dress.
The tradition of Maid of Honor started in England, wherein she attended to bride's every need. She takes care of preparing the bouquet and other wedding decorations. She also helps the bride with her dress on the wedding day. The wedding is followed by the feast, wherein the couple drinks spiced wine from a fine chalice called the Wedding Cup. At midnight guests try to get into the newlywed's bedchamber to give them an invigorating portion called 'Bride's Broth'.
Bridal veil and flowers also formed a vital part of medieval weddings. The former was used to protect the bride from 'the evil's eye', while a crown of orange blossoms was donned by the bride, which could only be afforded by nobles. Another popular custom was the presence of garter in medieval bride's wardrobe. While the couple hurried to their room after marriage, guests often tried to tear a piece of bride's garter. It was believed that any man who gave his beloved the bride's garter piece would be guaranteed loyalty.
