Some interesting facts…did you know that…

A little bit of trivia for you whilst you decide which of the gorgeous Madeline Isaac-James maternity wedding dresses are your favourites... did you know that:

Between 33% and 50% of all brides that got married in 17th century rural England were pregnant on their wedding day…

Until the Reformation, marriage began at the time of betrothal when couples would live and sleep together. This was legally called the ‘spousals’ and was legally binding. The ‘nuptials’, i.e. the public wedding ceremony would happen later. It was therefore very normal and quite acceptable for brides to be pregnant at the altar.

The percentage of rural brides who were pregnant on their wedding day between the 1840’s and 1870’s increased from 33% to 60%. It was considered no disgrace for a rural bride to go to the altar with a swelling waistline.

The pregnant bride. How very…traditional.