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Wedding Styles

Calling All Lords and Ladies

Go medieval on your nuptials with a Middle Ages theme.

Picture receiving a scroll made of aged parchment and sealed with a wax seal. Inside, there's a wedding announcement in Old English, and upon your arrival at the reception site, you are entertained by jesters and strolling musicians. Sounds delightful to you, fair maiden? Well, you're not alone. Many contemporary lords and ladies get a kick out of Middle Ages-themed nuptials. Here's what you want to know if you're ready to go medieval.

About medieval marriage

During the Middle Ages, marriage did not have much at all to do with romance. The union of a man and a woman was more of a business deal than a matter of the heart, and marriage was used as a means of uniting empires and fortunes, from the very large to the somewhat small.

The lore

The pageantry of a Renaissance-theme affair is almost overwhelming. Celebrations of this time period involved the entire kingdom, making this theme a no-no for those craving an intimate gathering. Wealthy and powerful families celebrated their newly formed unions with parties that included jousting tournaments, huge banquets and festivities that lasted for as long as two weeks.

At the dawn of the new millennium

SETTINGS
If you are planning a medieval or Renaissance-style wedding, begin by selecting a reception site large enough to hold a big crowd of friends and relatives. Your wedding meal should consist of a giant feast, served family-style or buffet-style. If you would like authentic fare, you can serve turkey drumsticks, roast pig and hearty stews.

ENTERTAINMENT
As for the entertainment, a musical ensemble that offers authentic Renaissance instruments and music is hard to find. Most couples choose to mix in more modern music so they can capture the boisterous, joyous spirit of true Renaissance weddings. One couple chose to hire fire blowers, magicians, gypsy dancers, contortionists and escape artists to perform during the wedding feast.

CLOTHES
The wedding attire will make a big difference in setting the mood for your medieval-style wedding. Brides of the 14th century dressed in a coteharide, a close-fitting dress-like garment with a train, long, tight sleeves and a full skirt with slits to show the underdress. You might choose to rent one of these outfits. (Interestingly, it was common for medieval brides to rent gowns for their wedding day, as well.)

If you would prefer to be able to keep your gown after the wedding, you will probably have to have one custom-designed. As for the groom, he undoubtedly will be more at ease with the idea of renting his attire. He may have more of a problem, however, if this costume requires him to wear tights.