Weddings during medieval times saw the origin of several
modern traditions and customs. There was more to the Middle Ages than
just castles, chivalry, and fancy colours. It was a time of developement
for many social and marriage customs followed by brides today. This era
between the fall of the Roman Empire and the Reformation was unique and
through it all, faith was the ever-present catalyst for artistic, intellectual,
social, and political developments. Medieval marriage was still the province
of the Church, and the sacrament of matrimony was central to Christian
doctrine.
Grooms, on the average, were much older than their brides. Noble women
sometimes didn't marry until the age of 24, but this was rare. More than
3/4 were married before they reached 19. By today's standards, western
Europe was inhabited by the young, with more than half of the population
under 20 years of age.
