You can have outfits hand-made or buy them at specialty stores over the internet which specializes in Medieval Wedding gowns and costumes. You could also find your medieval wedding gown at a Bridal shop, some have started carrying medieval style bridal gowns. Many may have full bodices made with ‘tapestry’ fabric and others have classic fitted bodice and sleeves with a flowing skirt from this era. Gold fabrics are suitable for the medieval marriage. Medieval styles varied, the wealthier ladies wore richly embroidered, elaborate clothing whereas the Peasants wore very simple clothing. Medieval men’s clothing consisted of tunics of varying lengths and tights. Rich jewel tones and gold where used with bands of detailed embroidery, crosslacing , golden belts and jewelry.
Your invitations should be scrolls written in calligraphy like font. Tie them with ribbons and use a wax seal to get the full effects of the era. You can print your own invitations on your computer, this will save you some money and you can word them the way you’d like. Use a font close to calligraphy and use a Knight and Damsel graphics on the scrolls. You should use wording of that era, an example is: Thou art summoned to attend...... The Wedding Feast of…… Second son of…… In the Ancestral Halls of.
Gothic or Norman Churches make great venues for a medieval marriage. They make the perfect background for medieval era weddings. The binding of the Bride and Grooms hands together is sometimes also included in these ceremonies.
The Bride arriving on horseback or by horse and cart will make your medieval marriage more authentic.
Your bouquet should be flowers that are natural to the area you having your medieval marriage in. They should be loosely arranged together and tied with knotted ribbons. Knots where considered a sign of good luck. You can fill baskets with dried flowers and herbs or make posies with wild flowers for your wedding party to carry.
Your medieval banquet is held in a very large hall or room with high arched ceilings would be the best to give off the right ambiance. Look for one that has an open fireplace. Use long tables lined with lit large candles. Use wood or pewter plates and goblets, knifes and spoons (no forks they were not invented yet). Flagons of ale and wine should be set out on the tables for your guests.
Use decorations made of dried herbs and flowers, bowls filled with fruit, nuts and large wrought iron candelabra’s can be used for decoration too.
Use chairs that have a throne look to them for the Bride and Groom to sit in this will give your medieval marriage more of a feel for that era of life.
Make your cake the copy of a castle with a Knight and Damsel on the top. Use a medieval sword instead of the traditional knife to cut the cake.
For your entertainment, hire a minstrel to go around mingling and singing romantic ballads for your guests. You could also hire a band that specializes in medieval music.
You are well on your way to having a magical, romantic medieval marriage and making memories that will last a lifetime. Good tidings on your fantastic journey!