Bridal attire and customs have varied in this country through the years. Our first known natives the Indians did not know cloth. For centuries the eastern tribes made do with animal skins. There was no formal marriage service, no nuptial vow. The parents of a young Indian girl might have arranged a union with a chosen partner. But more often a couple decided to live together as husband and wife.

When an Indian girl reached puberty, news spread she was of marrying age. She was honored and elaborately feted with ceremonials, dances and celebrations. A date might be chosen and marriage performed. Unlike the puberty festivals, when a marriage took place it was simple and casual. On occasion there might be an exchange of gifts and this could be the whole ceremony. The gifts would consist of jewelry, blankets. The gifts would be given to the parent. If the parents accepted the gifts the union would be accepted.

The wedding apparel of a young Indian bride would probably be a knee-length skirt of deerskin and a band of wampum beads around her forehead. Her body might be bare from the waist up. She would probably wear fine stones or shell necklaces for decoration. Indians were not introduced to gold, silver and precious stones. Even glass was unknown to them. Indian women took great pride in their hair. It would be long sleek and shiny. In cold weather the young bride would wear deerskin leggings and moccasins and maybe a robe of turkey feathers. Fashion was not known to the Indian female. They did however paint their face in colors. White was a symbol of happiness and peace. They loved the color red and painted their face with circles of it. Both men and women wore tattoos. Indians were very private with affection especially romantic love. They never kissed in public, however marriages were strong and lasting.