There are a number of good descriptions of 18th-century Virginia
weddings in letters, diaries and journals. One of the best I've come
across concerned the wedding of Maria Beverley and Richard Randolph as
recorded by a visiting English traveler, Robert Hunter, in his book
entitled "Quebec to Carolina in 1785-1786" Being The Travel Diary and
Observations of Robert Hunter Jr., a Young Merchant of London." He also
mentioned other weddings or newly married couples but this particular
one was written in great detail. Wedding events often lasted more than
a day. I hope you find this helpful.
"We were now shown into the drawing room and there had the pleasure of
seeing Miss [Maria] Beverley and Mr. [Richard] Randolph joined in holy
matrimony.
The ceremony was really affecting and awful [awe-inspiring]. The sweet
bride could not help shedding tears,which affected her mother and the
whole compnay. She was most elegantly gressed in white satin, and the
bridegroom in a lead color, lined with pink satin. After the ceremony
of saluting, the ladies retired.
At four we joined them to a most sumptuous and elegant dinner that would
have done honor to any nobleman's house in England. We were about a
hundred in company. ...those I recollect...Miss Carey, Mrs. Bird, Miss
Betsy Randolph. ...after dinner we danced cotillions, minuets, Virginia
and Scotch reels, country dances, jigs, etc. till ten o'clock. ...after
supper, which was as elegant as the dinner- it's vain to attempt
describing it- we continued dancing until twelve.
We rose to an elegant breakfast, at ten, consisting of tea, coffee,
chocolate, cold ham, fowls, hashed mutton, and other dishes. The bride
came, beautifully blushing, into the room soon after in an elegant
undress, and looked mre amiable thenever. The fright of yesterday had
taken away all her color, which now returned with a double glow.
The bridegroom looked completely happy. I think him a most agreeable
young man. He with several of the gentlemen took a ride after
breakfast."
-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion of research and writing about Virginia history
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Albert Louis Zambone
Sent: Friday, February 18, 2005 3:53 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: 18th Century VA Weddings
I have been brooding a bit over a letter from William Byrd II to Daniel
Parke Custis written 23 Sep 1742. Here's the entire thing:
"Your kind present of sorers came in good time, when we had a vast deal
of company. Among the rest was Colonel Harrison and his fair family.
The reaon of their coming, was upon my invitation on account of a
certain marriage I hope made in heaven, that was solemniz'd no longer
ago than yesterday. If you will come before Sunday, you will be time
enough to wish the partys joy, and eat a piece of the bride cake.
Nothing ever fell out more suddenly that this affair, none of us thought
any thing about it at ten in the morning, and by three the Gordian knot
was tyed. When you come you may hear more, and see two happy persons.
I am/ my dear cousens/ most obedient servant/ W Byrd."
Byrd is referring to the wedding of his 15 year old daughter Maria to
Landon Carter on the day before.
This reads much like some descriptions I've come across of early 19th
century Virginia weddings. What is the best described 18th century
Virginia wedding, if there is any such thing?
Also, the letter indicates that Landon and Maria were engaged rather
quickly. Has anyone looked into the length of engagements in colonial
Virginia?
Regards, Al Zambone
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