Engagements, short and long
Posted by Linden on August 11, 1998 at 23:58:51:
In response to engagements, written by Mishel on August 09, 1998 at 00:58:12
] I was just wondering, how long an engagement usually lasted from the time of 'asking' to the actual wedding day. My idea is that it was not a long period of time. Also, what sort of preparations needed to be done for a wedding for the bride. New clothes I assume, but anything else as compared with today's preparations? And did the groom do much preparation for it? Did middle to upper class people take 'honeymoons'? Where would they be most likely to go?
] Sorry so many questions in one post, I did not intend for it!!
] thanks...Michelle
A few answers on top of what has already been posted:
Engagements could be any length from a day (with a special licence) to years. According to "What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew (Daniel Pool), a licence was the snob way to go, which is why Mrs Bennet wants Lizzy & Darcy to have one. On the other hand, engagements could last for years - wasn't Cassandra Austen engaged to someone who died abroad?
As for the "honeymoon" - I don't know whether the word was used: I suggest the Oxford Dictionary as an invaluable resource for all first dates of use of words. But the institution certainly did: Maria Bertram and Mr Rushworth go off (with Julia!), as do Emma and Mr Knightley (when Emma at last sees the sea.)
- yes Caroline 10:40:43 8/12/98
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