Welcome to our early 19th-century New England Village. Old Sturbridge Village tells the story of the development of America during the first 50 years of the new republic (1790-1840). It is our museum's mission to provide you with some of the "infinite details"- as well as the great picture- of life in rural New England.

While early New Englanders sensed they were children of change, their daily lives remained structured by the seasonal rhythms of planting and harvesting. When it came time for celebrations such as marriage, couples followed patterns that their ancestors had established in the 17th century! They planned to be wed in the early spring or after the harvest months, for life was simply too busy during the growing season. Thanksgiving time was a popular choice for weddings, as families tended to gather together around this favorite holiday.

Most American couples were wed in formal ceremonies within the home of the bride. Meetinghouse ceremonies were rare, as most New Englanders were Reformed Protestants and Congregationalists, for whom marriage was not considered a sacrament. Clergy typically performed the ceremony as public servants rather than as representatives of the church. Weddings were typically small, private affairs attended only by close relatives and friends.

Brides rarely wore white and only occasionally received presents. Women who could afford wedding outfits often chose brown or dove-colored silk and were sometimes married in their traveling clothes. Men would wear their finest black tailcoat, shirt, vest, cravat, and trousers.

While there were some examples of rings being exchanged, it does not appear to have been a common practice. However, some grooms who could afford the $10 (about $200 today!) might have given the bride-to-be a small gold band when they became engaged. This ring would also serve as the wedding ring. In declaring their intentions to marry, couples did not use the terms fiance or fiancee. More commonly, they referred to each other as "my Pliny" or "my Delia".

Marriages were not arranged by parents, and both men and woman had the freedom to choose their mate. Dowries, in the sense of a woman or man's family paying for the privilege of marriage, were not given. It was, however, very common for a woman to put aside dowries of textiles, household furnishings, or even money to prepare for marriage. Men increasingly waited to marry until they were established economically, trying to accumulate property or cash in order to ensure a secure future.

Some things never change!