The Wedding Tradition That Took "Get a Room" to a Whole New Level
Weddings have had some wild traditions throughout history, but this one might just top the list.
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons/Isaac Cruikshank
Back in medieval Europe, many noble and royal couples didn’t get the luxury of a private wedding night—because their families, clergy, and even local officials were right there to witness it. Yep, the "bedding ceremony" was a real thing!
After the vows were exchanged, the bride and groom were escorted to their bed—sometimes by their wedding guests—where they were tucked in together, often with prayers, speeches, and plenty of awkward small talk. In some cases, the sheets were checked the next day to prove the marriage had been "properly" sealed. Talk about pressure!
Thankfully, this tradition faded away (for obvious reasons), but it sure makes today’s first dance and cake cutting seem tame in comparison. Would you have survived a medieval wedding night?
