10 bizarre pre-revolutionary brides from the Russian Empire

However - for a man - marrying an “oldy” during the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th was considered a serious disgrace. (Moscow, 1890-1905)

More often than not, the groom was older than his bride. The ideal marriage age was generally thought to be 18-22 for women and 25-30 for men. (Tambov City, 1907)

The wedding`s size, number of guests, food, and gifts depended on the family's wealth. There were almost always horses, koumiss (low-alcoholic drink made of mare`s milk), and meat, lots of meat. (Wedding ceremony: Groom, bride, and shaman (right), 1885-1899)

The customs of Belarusian folk weddings had much in common with the weddings of other Slavic peoples. Traditionally they started with matchmaking, then the bride was shown, an agreement made about the dowry, the bachelorette party took place, and finally the wedding ceremony itself. (Lady in a wedding costume and a headdress called a ‘saukele,’1899)

The woman in the photo below is Kazakh. According to their traditions, the wedding ceremony consisted of several stages: Kudalyk (matchmaking), preparations, toi (the wedding itself), and the last one – the rites after wedding. Kazakh costumes were also very colorful. (Bride from a wealthy family, 1885-1899)

Every nationality of the Russian Empire has its own traditions and outlook on marriage. Young Cossacks, for instance, first start talking about marriage with their parents. If the potential bride met their requirements, preparations for matchmaking began. (Wedding train: Youth after church wedding. Tula Province, 1902)

Weddings in Russia’s Far East could look very strange to those not accustomed to the region’s traditions. Yakuts, citizens of Yakutia (about 4,880 km from Moscow), wore folk costumes for marriage and the wedding ceremony was held by a shaman.(Andrew and Fekla, both newlyweds are 21-years-old. Kuban Region, 1910)

Woman dressed as a bride on her way to be chosen, 1902.

The style and lavishness of a wedding ceremony depended on the family's wealth. In villages marriage was usually celebrated modestly. (Unknown place, 1900s)