How the simple act of getting married has changed over the years. From the days when marriages were arranged by the families and the couple had little say, to the freedom to choose your own partner that prevails today.
A quick look at family photographs highlights the different trends. Older photos generally show the groom sitting, with the bride standing behind him with a hand on his shoulder. Today the couple are usually standing together, with or without their attendants. The wedding also marked the day when the bride lost her identity. Her first name became lost, and she became Mrs with her husband’s name the prominent one, as in Mrs Tom Smith. The bride did not regain her first name until widowed. When researching a family, it is often difficult to discover her full maiden name.
The actual ceremony was often held in the bride’s home, and was normally in the morning. A lunch time reception gave the couple time to set off on their honeymoon while it was still daylight.
Weddings dresses have also changed over the years. Modesty dictated that they had full bodices from neck to waist, long sleeves, often ‘leg-of-mutton’, and demurely covering the ankle. How they would have stared at the prevailing fashion for strapless gowns.
The Beaudesert Museum is fortunate in having in its collection two wedding dresses donated by descendants of the Platell family. One of these dresses dates from the year 1863, and is now over 160 years old. The other dates from 1913. Both dresses are displayed in a glass cabinet with detailed descriptions and one framed wedding photo.
