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Upon becoming engaged, a woman would make a special beer to celebrate the event and to raise money for her dowry. The beer she made was a better than average ale using only the best ingredients available. In those days, people generally only got married once so a wedding was a
rare chance to throw a party. Eventually, "Bride Ale" was shortened into
'bridal', which gained progressively wider definition as the need for
homebrewing dissipated with the rise of commercial breweries. Remnants of the tradition exist today at the weddings of people who make their own beer or wine to serve wares at the reception or to give bottles to guests as favors.
The 'Honeymoon' has a similar lineage.In this modern age, we take for Mead, made from fermented honey, was thought to fertility and was provided by the community in order to help the young couples conceive a child. Whether the mead affected them biologically, or simply helped get them in the mood, we can't say for sure. Either way, the tradition lasted long enough to give us the term that we still use today. Weddings are joyous events where friends and family gather to celebrate the love and dedication of a couple. So next time you raise your glass and salute the newlyweds, think of how many times it's been done before and honor the past, present and future of one of life's most sacred moments. - - - - - - - - - - - Today You can Brew a Special Bridal Ale at Gallaghers for that wedding reception and return a little historical sentiment for the splendid event. You may find it even more special to Brew a batch of beer and a batch of wine and have the Newlyweds save a bottle of each for that special first years anniversary. Cheers to all married couples. May your days together be wonderful and bright, may your glasses be full and forever upright.  Here are some appropriate local Websites to help with your future planning!
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