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The Victorian Era: The Victorian Era was named for the time period of Queen Victoria’s reign. The 18 year old Victoria came to the throne in June 1837 and ruled until her death in 1901. Although social class and economic status was a factor in how a young woman’s life was forged, it still held true that marriage was a priority. "The great end and aim of almost every young female is to be united in marriage to a deserving man." The Young Lady’s Book of Advice and Instruction 1859. A Victorian Woman and Marriage The role of a woman during the Victorian Age was to marry and be a mother to her husband’s children. According to the time, a woman’s mission in life would not be complete without marriage. What a Husband Sought in a Bride Great import was placed on inherited wealth during the Victorian Age, particularly in Britain. A man was counseled to select a bride that would receive a generous "settlement" from her family. In addition, the appearance or beauty of a female was not the primary concern for a man, as recommended by the Etiquette for Ladies and Gentlemen, or the Principles of True Politeness, 1850. A good wife must possess "religion, industry and chastity." Also, a bride entered her husband’s family with a significant trousseau (a bride’s outfit of clothing and linens). The Wedding Dress American brides of today wear their wedding dress once. The color of the gown is typically white. Although some Victorian brides could afford to wear a white gown, this was not always the case. A white dress was not a practical option for some brides. Therefore, a Victorian bride either wore her "best dress" or made a wedding dress that would be suitable for future wear. The bride would select pale blue, lavender, dove gray, or perhaps navy. The wedding dress could be worn after the wedding, sometimes up until she was expecting her first child. The Wedding Ceremony The wedding vows of the twenty-first century differ from those of the Victorian wedding vows. Did you know that kissing the bride was not a part of the ceremony? In addition, the best man in the mid-nineteenth century did not hold the ring to pass to the groom. The minister held the ring to give to the groom. The Victorian bride's vow "to obey" is a promise that many modern brides choose to eliminate. Also, the statement "man and wife" has been replaced today with "I now pronounce you husband and wife." The Wedding Cake
Wedding cake was served at the reception following the ceremony. A guest could see long white thin ribbons fanning out from beneath the cake. This tradition was called "cake pulling." Small charms connected to the ribbons were placed under the bottom layer of the cake. The single girls would pull one ribbon from the cake before it was cut. The charm selected promised the girl the charm's meaning. (See table at left).
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