White weddings aren’t the only option anymore. Many people are choosing to say goodbye to the old fashioned formal wedding and have fun, themed weddings that reflect their interests, instead. One of the most popular choices for a theme wedding is the Middle Ages, with the Renaissance following close behind. We love the pageantry, the chance to play pretend, and of course, the costumes!
There are lots of options available for someone who’d like a medieval wedding dress for their fairytale wedding. However, not every gown on the market is created equal. Some are more or less authentic, and construction is variable. Some are more expensive than they should be, too. If you’re looking for a medieval gown for your wedding, you’re going to need to think about a few things. Here are some considerations for choosing your medieval dress.
First, you need to think about what period you like, and what level of authenticity you’re interested in. Is your priority a truly immersive medieval experience? If so, you’ll need to think about the region, century, and social classes you’d like to portray. This kind of medieval wedding is more of a reenactment than a theme wedding, and works best if you and everyone else has a good grasp of the history behind the clothes you’re choosing. It can be a lot of fun, however, if you’re someone who really loves times gone by. Just remember that not everyone will be as well versed as you are, and they may need some help.
Finding an authentic dress can be tricky, and it’s best to pay a professional tailor or seamstress to make it. Many of them will give you quite a good deal, considering how many hours of work go into the construction of a dress of this quality. However, you can expect to pay an amount similar to what a high end traditional gown would cost, and you’ll want to give your tailor a lot of time to work on it in advance. Custom clothing doesn’t go well as a rush job.
If you’re just after a general medieval feel, you’ll probably be less interested in the authentic. There are lots of medieval-inspired gowns out there. If you’re not concerned about the authenticity of fabrics or cut, and just want something pretty, try suppliers of Renaissance and medieval fairs, fantasy outfitters, and other options. Hiring someone to do custom work is a viable option here, too. That way, you’ll have a lot of control over the design of your dress. Just remember that cost will be a factor. If you decide to go for off the rack, remember that for a perfect fit, some alterations may be required.
You’ll also probably need to spend a little time in your medieval wedding dress before the big day. Historical clothing (especially types with corsetry involved) fits and feels different than modern clothes. To make sure you feel comfortable and don’t spend all your time tripping over your train or feeling short of breath, spend an afternoon wearing your gown and all the right underthings. That way, when the big day comes, you’ll be the picture of perfection.
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This is one way to spice up your otherwise ordinary wedding. A medieval wedding certainly perks up the interest of most people this is why you can be sure that most of your invited guests will surely be attending. But the downside of this type of wedding might be, as the article states, is the wedding gown itself! It’s hard enough to look for an authentic medieval gown, let alone wearing one!
Very interesting and enjoyable post!
It would be great to have some photos of what these types of dresses look like. Also, as a guy, it I would like to have some idea of what I would be wearing to look proper next to my wife in such a dress.
Then I’d have to wonder how that would fit in here in Norway! Is there such a thing as a Viking type wedding dress?