Sorry if this is not the right board for this question. I am hoping to benefit from your collected brilliance in finding some resources for the process of arranged marriages.
I know the general ideas: marriages among the nobility could be arranged at very young ages, the ceremony couldn't happen before 12/14 years of age, etc.
In some situations, the bride and groom didn't meet until the wedding day. What happened in situations where they did meet before the wedding day? If a wedding were arranged between two young nobles, did their families try to keep them apart until the wedding? Did they only see each other during festivals/tournaments before the wedding? (For example, I've read that among the vikings, once a betrothal was made, the couple were not allowed to see each other until the wedding day, usually a year later). When did the young people learn about the betrothal (esp if they were betrothed in childhood)?
If anyone knows of good resources (books, internet articles, etc.) that give good information (day in the life of a betrothed noble couple, etc.) I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you in advance.

In some situations, the bride and groom didn't meet until the wedding day.

That is so, but this was the usual practice for child betrothals

What happened in situations where they did meet before the wedding day?
Nothing that I am aware of. I do not know if the modern superstition about this has its roots in medieval times.

If a wedding were arranged between two young nobles, did their families try to keep them apart until the wedding?
No, and in fact I can think of several examples (mostly royal, it is true) where the prospective bride was sent to her future husband's family to be raised. This made sure it would occur, although it wasn't foolproof as witnessed by Richard the Lion-hearted's future wife was reportedly seduced by his father, King Henry II, when she came of age. (The source is not entirely reliable, however). I also recall reading that this growing up together often alerted the incest instinct and conributed to a te3rrible marriage.

Did they only see each other during festivals/tournaments before the wedding?
I imagine that if the future bride was not sent to her future husband's household this would occur.

(For example, I've read that among the vikings, once a betrothal was made, the couple were not allowed to see each other until the wedding day, usually a year later).
Viking customs had very little impact on the medieval English, despite Hrolf's origins as one. They got really French quickly.

When did the young people learn about the betrothal (esp if they were betrothed in childhood)?
Probably as soon as possible, since it would keep them from getting other ideas.

If anyone knows of good resources (books, internet articles, etc.) that give good information (day in the life of a betrothed noble couple, etc.) I would greatly appreciate it.

Book of Entourage has a page or so on Weddings

Book of Entourage has a page or so on Weddings

Mr. Modesty. More like a dozen pages!

Just sayin'...


T.

Thank you both.

Greg, I'll boost Book of the Entourage to the top of my list of what to buy next. Thank you.