Marriage in 1870 London, how long after the death of the mother? [MOURNING]

[cataglottisme]

Hello peeps.

I turn toward you because I have quite a specific question about mourning rules in Victorian London, and Google hasn't been of much help (too specific of a question, I guess.)

Character A mother dies quite suddenly. "Mother" is survived by her husband and two daughters, let's call them A & B. Upper class family, not aristocratic.
How long

Comments

[beesandbrews]

https://archive.org/stream/bookofetiqladies00hartrich#page/32/mode/2up... )

[reynardo]

I am totally mindblown that there's a fabric called "Parramatta Cloth" that was considered suitable. Upon investigation, I'm amused that, long after the Women's Prison at Parramatta was closed, the cloth is still being sold.

[cataglottisme]

Thank you VERY much for your kindness and your research! That's terribly interesting!
I especially love the etiquette book!

Thanks also for the edwardian/post war quote on mourning. Since this is set a little bit earlier (1870-80), I think I might stick with sliiightly longer mourning periods. But then again, 6 months suits me better than having to wait for a whole year. Maybe I'll do something halfway, like announce the engagement after 6 months and have the wedding after 9 months (when they reach the half-mourning period).
If the wedding is subdued and glum, all the better.

[beesandbrews]

You're very welcome. What I found interesting is while Victoria turned mourning into a fashion trend, the customs that caught on persisted long after she died and spread to America too.