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The saying 'Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue' dates back to the Victorian era. If the bride had all of these things it was meant to bring her luck.

The groom is traditionally supposed to wear a flower that appears in the bridal bouquet in his button-hole. This originates from the medieval tradition of a Knight wearing his Lady's colours, as a declaration of his love.

At the beginning of the 18th century in England most babies were delivered by a midwife, but by beginning of the 19th century, surgeons were becoming more involved.

Engagement rings were introduced by the Romans. It is worn on the third finger of the left hand, due to the Greek belief that this finger was connected to the heart

It is thought that midwives have existed as long as human civilisation. In ancient Egypt, midwifery was a recognised female occupation.

A well known tradition is to tie a shoe to the back of the newlywed's car. This has evolved from the Tudor custom where guests would throw shoes at the newlywed couple. It was considered lucky if they or their carriage were hit!

The typical woman in the 19th Century married at the age of 21, had her first child within a year of marriage and had her last child at the age of 39.

Mourning a spouse in the 19th Century meant following a strict set of rules. A widow was supposed to mourn for two years and was not supposed to enter society for twelve months.

Women in the 19th Century had an average of 8 children compared to the average 1.27 children today.

Queen Victoria entered a state of mourning after the death of her husband in 1861. She wore black for the remainder of her life.