Medieval Wedding

Medieval Wedding

Would you like a truly romantic medieval wedding. Have you always been inspired and touched by the Renaissance and Medieval periods of history. Are you charmed by the tale of Robin Hood and Maid Marian. Have you ever wanted to be a royal. Here is one way to plan a medieval wedding or renaissance wedding, inspired by those periods in history.

Here a few simple suggestions to help your medieval wedding fantasy along the way.

Clothing:

Brides during this medieval wedding era wore dark velvet dresses. They came in dark colors like deep purple or hunter green. Some of the medieval wedding dresses laced up the back or the sides. The hem flowed floor length with pleats and long sleeves. They were low cut but done with taste. Sometimes metallic ribbon ran through the medieval wedding dress design.

For today's bride who wants a medieval wedding, she should to stick the above type of medieval wedding dress for herself and bridesmaids. Hair should always be left down and flowing free. Instead of a veil use a crown wreath of ivy or flowers. You may even attach ribbons to hang down if you so desire. Costume stores have period clothing available and cost less than the traditional wedding dress in most cases.

For your medieval wedding, men should dress in tights, breeches, tunics, pirate shirts, laced vest and boots are a must.

Location:

Renaissance and medieval weddings were usually held in a church or outdoors. Look for a church or hall that has a Gothic or medieval look to it. Such as ones that are made of stone with lots of stained glass. Decorate the church with a banner, heavy wooden chairs for the guests, vine wreaths on the doors and votive candles set in gold or dark green holders.

If you're opting for the outdoors for your medieval wedding, decorate your space with lots of ivy, scrolls, family crests, banners hung down from wooden dowels and large baskets of flowers. You can add flowered garlands on wooden or iron poles if they are present. Use big wood chunky candle holders. Check out your thrift stores as can find a lot of candle holders and garlands for a medieval wedding done on a budget.

You may also wish to hold your medieval wedding at, where else? The local Medieval Faire. Nearly all states and counties hold one. Medieval dinner theaters are also a great place to have your renaissance or medieval wedding and sometimes will have special packages for such a occasion.

Flowers:

A medieval wedding has an unmistakable need for the use of herbs. Rosemary, Thyme, Basil usually play a distinctive role in the flowers.

The use of herbs in a medieval wedding was to signify health and destiny.

Flowers just like the attire should be in rich deep colors such as red, orange, purple, brown, green.

The bridal bouquet should be large in size, overflowing and hand tied with a ribbon. Do not forget to add a small amount of wheat to the bouquet, it is a symbol of fertility. All flowers should appear natural. Remember there were no floral shops during the medieval period.

Invitations: One should use calligraphy-style fonts with elaborate borders. Parchment paper should be used. Fold the invitations in thirds and seal with a wax seal. Enclose each invite in a parchment envelope. This will add a very enchanting touch to anyone attending your medieval wedding.

Music: Hire musicians that can play Renaissance or Medieval music. A Harpist can add a elegant touch. If you can not find musicians for a medieval wedding or do not wish the expense, Renaissance or Medieval music tapes or CDs are fine.

Ceremony: The music for the medieval wedding ceremony should be done by pipe organ, flute, harp or lute. The ceremony should take place outside the church doors. Just like today the man stands on the right side and the bride on the left. The priest will begin by asking if anyone knows why this couple should not be married. He then will ask the couple if there is any reason why they should not be married.

The wording of the renaissance wedding ceremony varies some. There is the traditional way where the priest asks the groom's name and says "wilt thou have this woman to be thy wedded wife, wilt thou love her, and honor her, keep her and guard her, in health and in sickness, as a husband should a wife, forsaking all others on account of her, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?" The priest than asks the same of the woman. Etc and so on. You know the rest. However, nowadays many incorporate handfasting and other methods of becoming joined at a renaissance wedding. It is YOUR medieval wedding, after all. Make it that way!

Cake:

In a traditional medieval wedding, pancake-sized cakes are made for each guest. The guests stack these as high as possible in front of the bride and groom.
The couple than share a kiss over the stack.

Reception:

Find a caterer that can serve foods from that era. Roasted meats, cheese, vegetable filled pastry. Remember people ate with their hands back then, along with a spoon and a knife no bigger than a steak knife.

Please remember to let your guest know that your wedding has a medieval theme. Make sure invitations are mailed in plenty of time in case the guest wish to rent or make their own medieval costumes.



For examples of fine medieval sewing and custom medieval wedding dress maker, visit Aurelia's Regalia

Looking to make your own medieval wedding dress? Shop fine fabric at Gypsy Caravan Fabrics - Online Fabric Store