They could possibly be a union between two households, two companies and even two countries. Many weddings were more a matter of politics than love, notably among the nobility and the higher social courses. Brides were therefore anticipated to decorate in a manner that cast their families in the most favorable gentle and befitted their social standing, for they were not representing solely themselves through the ceremony. Brides from rich families typically wore rich colours and unique fabrics. It was common to see them carrying bold colors and layers of furs, velvet and silk.