To Have and To Hold
Weddings in High Period Style
by Jeff Kelly
 Weddings are, by their very nature, special events. Many couples feel the modern ceremony is drab and perfunctory and want to make their wedding more personal by modifying it in some way. These folk seek to make their weddings more personal by blending the ceremony with activities that are of special importance to them. It is common today to see couples choosing contemporary music or writing their own marriage vows. Some take it a step further; while avid skydiving couples have held weddings in mid-air, scuba enthusiasts have had ceremonies underwater. A growing number of young couples have taken another path. Rather than trying to modernize the wedding ritual, they have chosen to transport the wedding ceremony back to its roots and celebrate their marriage in the same manner as their ancestors. They find that a wedding performed in the Renaissance or Medieval style provides a sense of grandeur, romanticism and pageantry they find missing in the modern world.
Weddings of the Renaissance and Medieval period were not all that much different in content from weddings today. Many things remain the same: the bride, the groom, and their attendants wear special costumes; family and guests are invited and dress for the occasion; an official joins the couple, and there is a reception afterwards where food, drink and entertainment are provided. The challenge in having a modern Renaissance wedding comes in creating a 14th century atmosphere in the 21st century. It should be noted that, for the purposes of this article, we are using the term "Renaissance" to mean any period of European history before the 18th century. In actuality, the basic steps are the same no matter what period you chose. You are only limited by your imagination.
 Putting together a Renaissance wedding by yourself is a daunting challenge and outside the scope of this article. Luckily, it is not necessary to do everything yourself; there are people who can help you.
There are many historical reenactment groups that you can join if you are not already involved in one. Many of their members have already staged Renaissance weddings and are willing to help others to plan theirs. Whether you join the SCA or a Faire "Guild" or other group you will find that your new friends have already done most of the necessary research for you. They can assist you with your costuming, decoration, catering and will probably even volunteer to entertain.
The choice of the actual wedding vows is up to you. You can combine the modern with the ancient. For example, a private civil ceremony might be held, followed by a "handfasting" performed by a "Druid priest". Or a Catholic Mass could be performed in Latin with the actual vows in English. Many couples use the Anglican wedding vows, since they have changed very little over the last four hundred years. Your group should be able to assist you in locating a minister or JP who can perform the ceremony with flair.
The site also should be considered. Renaissance weddings lend themselves to the outdoors; a garden park, or even in the midst of the Faire itself. Traditional churches and cathedrals add majesty to the ceremony but modern halls can serve, too, if properly decorated with banners, heavy wooden chairs and candlelight.
 Once the ceremony itself is chosen, clothing and food are the next priorities. Costuming is one of the most important aspects of the event because proper period clothing helps create the atmosphere of the times. The costume can be as elaborate or as modest as you like. A simple outfit can be rented from the local party supply store, though the quality of these garments can vary considerably. There are several mail order companies that can provide good quality Renaissance or Medieval clothing at reasonable prices. If you decide on something more elaborate, your group should be able to point you towards a dressmaker that specializes in period costuming.
There are few caterers who specialize in preparation of ancient foods, but most caterers are willing to provide you with whole chickens and game hens, joints of beef, crusty breads, meat pies, soups, side dishes of fruit, cheese, noodles, rice, and herbed vegetables. Once the meal is prepared, the guild takes over. Serving wenches and young squires bring out the victuals and present them to the Lords and Ladies in just the right way. Each course is announced by a herald and carried aloft in grand style to the head table where the Bride and Groom are served first, then the honored high-ranking guests (family), and finally the rest of the revelers.
 The last course is the wedding cake. The tradition of a decorated cake in the shape of an animal, a castle, a basket or other fanciful object dates back to the Middle Ages and was called a subtlety. Often coins or silver charms were baked into the cake as prizes for the guests.
Your reception can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. A few close friends can be encouraged to come in costume or all the "Ren folk" in your area can be invited. They love any excuse to put on their costumes and celebrate. Your Renaissance wedding will give them just the excuse they are looking for. You will find that the group is made up of people from a variety of backgrounds. You are sure to find musicians among them to provide background music. If not, there are many wonderful recordings of Medieval music available through specialty music stores and by mail order. Ask your friends if they know of any minstrels, jugglers, or acrobats who would be willing to entertain at your wedding.
When the big day approaches, you will find that you have only to make an open invitation to your reenactment group and they will take care of all the rest. You may spend more on food but you will save on entertainment costs. Maybe you'll find that you enjoy reenacting so much that it will become your family hobby for years to come.
If you decide to have a Renaissance wedding but do not belong to a reenactment group, there is an alternative. Some Renaissance Guilds can be hired to take care of all the atmosphere. For $150 an hour, one such group, the Guild of St. David based in Northern California, will provide up to 40 people in full costume. Their program features the handfasting ceremony and entertainment at the reception. They take great pains to draw the regular folk into the spirit of the occasion by interacting with the guests, singing songs and teaching traditional dances to all willing to join in. The Guild also assists the couple in putting it all together, from costumes to decorating the hall, arranging flowers and catering if desired.
 A Renaissance wedding is a wonderful way to marry or renew your vows. Whether you do it yourself, join a group, or hire a guild, you will find that a Renaissance wedding will provide the festivity and romance that will make the memory of this special day one that you will treasure happily ever after.
Other Web links with helpful information on medieval weddings
For More Guides to Medieval Weddings
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This page was last updated
Tuesday, 27-May-2003 13:21:35 EDT
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