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 Would
you like a truly romantic renaissance 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 renaissance wedding or medieval
wedding, inspired by those periods in history.
Here a few simple suggestions to help your renaissance wedding fantasy along
the way.
Clothing:
Brides during this renaissance wedding era wore dark velvet dresses. They
came in dark colors like deep purple or hunter green. Some of the
renaissance 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 renaissance wedding dress
design.
For today's bride who wants a renaissance wedding, she should to stick the
above type of renaissance 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 renaissance wedding, men should dress in tights, breeches, tunics,
pirate shirts, laced vest and boots are a must.
You need not purchase these costumes for your renaissance wedding either,
check out your local costume rental store.
Location:
Medieval and renaissance 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 renaissance 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 a lot of candle holders and garlands for a
renaissance wedding done on a budget can be found there.
You may also wish to hold your renaissance wedding at, where else? The local
Renaissance Faire. Nearly all states and counties hold one. Medieval dinner
theaters are also a great place to have your medieval or renaissance wedding
and sometimes will have special packages for such a occasion.
Flowers:
A renaissance 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 renaissance 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 back during the renaissance 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 renaissance 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 renaissance
wedding or do not wish the expense, Renaissance or Medieval music tapes or
CDs are fine.
Ceremony: The music for the renaissance 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
renaissance wedding, after all. Make it that way!
Cake:
In a traditional renaissance 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 renaissance
theme. Make sure invitations are mailed in plenty of time in case the guest
wish to rent or make their own renaissance costumes.
For examples of fine renaissance sewing and custom renaissance wedding dress
maker, visit
Maeve's
Unmentionables
Looking to make your own renaissance wedding dress? Shop fine fabric at
Gypsy Caravan
Original Article credited to: Debbie
Nicholson |
