To give the feel of a medieval wedding in modern times, you don’t need to exclude the luxury of silverware. But what colors should you choose? What type of decorum? Here are a few suggestions to help you along to the wedding reception you’ve always dreamed of.
Colors
Generally speaking the darker and richer the colors you use the better. That medieval feeling is enhanced by an array of deep reds, greens, and purples. Don’t be afraid to be bold with your decorating. Contrasting colors makes for a beautiful ambiance. Intermittent shocks of elegant cream colors can complement the thick cool hues of reds and blues and give a cheery sentiment to otherwise dreary colors. Your tablecloths and seat covers in jacquards or other graceful materials will add considerably to your entrance.
Outside or Inside
Depending on which season you are planning your wedding there are similar options of decorum that will fit either occassion. The possibilities of an outside reception in the spring or fall are endless. You might want to start with the floral arrangements. Because ivy is a plant used in real medieval wedding times, you may want to make the flowers an accent to the ivy, rather than the other way around. Greenery is as important as the colors of flowers you use. If you are looking for lighter colored floral arrangements-white for instance-you may want to choose ivy (real or artificial) that is darker in color for a brilliant contrast; on the other hand, if you are using deeply toned silk flowers, such as roses, you may want an antique ivy strand (these are usually available at any craft store).
If you are indoors or outdoors, the addition of large, glass bowls can add to your creative atmosphere. Try finding medium-sized fish bowls with an open top-fill them with water and flower petals or metallic wrap in your wedding colors. If you are planning for outdoors, place the bowls on posts and carefully center wide candles inside and light them as the sun goes down for a romantic touch. If you are afraid of accidents, there are candles available that give the soft-lit candle glow that looks like the real thing, but are cleverly electric.
Wedding Favors
Instead of the overused cylindrical candle favors, try a castle-shaped candle and personalize it. Another cute idea is to give your guests velvet coin purses with ‘gold coin’ chocolate. If you aren’t into traditional types of gifts, you might want to try something in the realm of fantasy. Are you a dragon-lover? Give them little dragon figurines with a clever wedding saying. And if you are a little ‘gentler’ than that, fairy figurines will be just as interesting, I’m sure.
What will bring it all together?
The best way to give your wedding the ambiance of medieval times is to request that your guests dress in the garb of the day. What can get you more in the mood than stepping out of the usual, boring clothes and putting on something from a different time period? Some guests might object because it is often very expensive to get traditional or authentic medieval clothing, but there are some places you can refer your guests to online for custom medieval dress without extra costs. Garbtheworld.com is perfect for those that aren’t likely to go to renaissance faires, but want to join in the wedding festivities this one time. This site gives you many color, material, and trim options to make it as fancy or as simple as you want. The accessories, including wrist bracers (starting at $15 a pair of leather ones), cloaks (starting at $50 before add-ons), and cloak clasps ($3-12) are also available for reasonable prices. If you are looking for a little higher quality clothing, Fashionsintime.com offers affordable custom clothing as well. A beautiful 8-gore (washable!) velvet dress can be purchased from $99-$140 with a variety of sleeve options, velvet colors, and trim choices. But whatever you do, don’t forget to write a note of dress preference on your invitations or you may get some boring traditional wedding wear intruding on your well-planned festivities.
