Marriage is a hot button topic these days. Fifty percent of all marriages end in divorce (the other half end in death). Gay marriage is discussed and debated on a daily basis and on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Some believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman, while there are those who feel that two people in love should be able to marry whomever they choose with all the rights afforded to a traditional married couple. Personally, I think gays should be allowed to marry. Why shouldn’t they suffer like the rest of us? Do little girls still grow up dreaming of a Prince, or do they want someone like Prince, where they could have a symbol on their marriage certificate instead of a signature? In my travels across the state I have met newlyweds, couples celebrating over 70 years of wedded bliss, teenage brides and partners who fall in love at 80 years young. What they all have in common is the “wedding day.” It is, for some, a once in a lifetime event that will reverberate for decades while others enjoy only 72 days of wedlock. Poor Chris Humphries. Right now in every town and county in New Jersey there is a wedding being planned; a professional planner mapping out intricate details, a caterer preparing a personalized menu, and a father breaking into his 401K to pay for it all.
Will there be a band or a DJ? Will the bride wear white or something out of a multicultural collection? Will the ceremony be officiated by a priest, a pastor, a minister, a justice of the peace, or a guy named Chad who got his license online?
Will the rings be made of diamonds and gold, or crystals and hemp? So many choices, so little input on the part of the husband-to-be.
The modern world has made all of this more challenging than it needs to be. For a look back at what a wedding day might have looked like in days gone by, Historic Speedwell presents, “The Wedding of the Century…the 19th Century,” a look back at how wedding ceremonies evolved over time during the Victorian era. Customs and traditions, fashion and entertainment, venues and transportation will all be revealed. Of course, I’m fairly certain, wedding nights have pretty much remained unchanged from a hundred or even a thousand years ago, but that is a topic for another day. And another website.
“Married in white? You chose right.” That was one of the sentiments present in the Victorian Era. Today it would be more like, “Married in blue? Your party days are through.” Or perhaps, “Married in black? Get your deposit back.” The Wedding of the Century will dive through 100 years of historic wedding fashions. The day will also give you an idea into how wedding went from being simple family gatherings to EVENTS that include a menu prepared by world famous chefs, a setting that needs a security force and performances by Justin Bieber and Van Halen. As I write this I am reminded of the fact that I have three daughters who are all approaching marriage age. Oh, how I would love to turn the clock back to 1900. I’m sure DJ’s were a lot cheaper then.
Historic Speedwell, Morristown
Sept. 19
(973) 285-6550