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Wedding Traditions - The "At-Home" Wedding

During the brief period of Puritan rule in England (1653-56), the Civil Marriage Act came into law. Justices of the peace were the only officials allowed to marry couples - and, frequently, these marriages took place in the bride's home. While Puritan rule may have been short-lived, its influence was far-reaching. In the America of our early settlers, many of who were Puritans, the at-home wedding became firmly established. At the same time, another segment of the American population celebrated wedding at home, too. For example, Indian maidens from the Algonquin tribe were escorted to their bridegrooms' lodges on their wedding day

Much as a gardener plants seeds in the spring taking into consideration elements of nature - the sun, weather, placement of plants - your wedding will blossom from your careful planning. Our ancestors listened to every nuance of nature. Choosing the right things for yourself in terms of style, location, and timing can only heighten the beauty of your day. Seeing your celebration come into its own glory will be one of your rewards.

Excerpt from "A Bride's Book of Wedding Traditions" by Arlene Hamilton Stewart