Wayne Temple thesis on why the Lincolns got married quick.

[Donna McCreary]

It is my opinion that Robert was a 'wedding night' baby. There is no evidence to support he was anything else. Springfield was a town full of gossips, and somewhere, someone would have left a letter hinting if there were any thoughts that Abraham and Mary fooled around before their wedding.

There are letters commenting on Ann Todd's (Mary's sister) pre-wedding behavior. There are letters discussing Ann Todd's wedding that was so rushed "her sisters barely had time to change their dresses." From other wedding accounts, rushed weddings were common. Elizabeth was married quickly in Lexington, Kentucky. Several other Todd family weddings were also organized on short notice. After all, what was there to plan? Contact the minister, cook a little food, gather a few friends and family, and get hitched. Weddings were not elaborate occassions. A wedding cake was a cake - nothing like they are today. Brides wore a good dress - very few brides wore white. Fewer wore a veil. Flowers (if even used) were picked out of the garden.
That Abraham took time to have Mary's ring engraved showed thought and planning. Elizabeth may not have known about the wedding days in advance, but it seems obvious Abraham and Mary did.