Medieval Themed Weddings - Cashmere, Wool and Silk directory

Every couple's wedding fantasy is different. Some like modern design, others prefer mid-century elegance, and others like to reach a little farther back into history for their ideas. For a romantic and unique wedding style, consider hosting a Medieval themed wedding.

Set the tone for your wedding by sending invitations made of heavy parchment. You may even want to use old English inspired wording, and you will certainly want a flourish of calligraphy. This is a great way to let your guests know that your wedding will be something beyond the typical event. You may even wish to request that your guests come attired in period garb to enhance the atmosphere of your Medieval wedding.

Speaking of attire, the bride's gown will really be the one element that makes the Medieval theme clear. Brides in those days did not wear white gowns. Blue was a favored color, as it represented fidelity. Other popular colors included rich wine, gold and silver. The metallics were often used as embroidered accents. Appropriate fabrics would be heavy silks or velvet. Medieval gowns should have fitted bodices that meet full skirts. A basque (v shaped) waist would give your gown a great period look, as would long flowing sleeves.

Medieval dresses are also known for their beautiful open necklines. A square neck would be an especially attractive choice. The open necklines are fun, because they are the perfect showcase for unique handcrafted bridal jewelry. In Medieval times, precious stones had symbolic meanings, such as �heaven-bound� for sapphires or �love� for red jasper. An affordable alternative to a sapphire necklace would be to have handcrafted bridal jewelry created using blue Swarovski crystals (or deep red crystals as an alternative to red jasper). Medieval gowns can handle very elaborate jewelry, so treat yourself to something truly special.

Flowers are another way to bring your theme to life. Brides in Medieval times often carried bouquets of herbs for fertility and good luck. Orange blossoms were another customary choice. You could also select flowers in the rich red tones used for the gowns. What about the appropriately named �Dragon's lore� lily, which is deep burgundy with a golden center? Bouquets and flower arrangements should be flowing, rather than perfectly round. Another thing that should flow is the bride's hair. For a very romantic effect, intertwine a crown of flowers with softly flowing wavy hair.

The food is the heart of any wedding reception. Typical Medieval wedding feasts included hearty fare such as roast quail, venison, cheese, fruit, and oysters. Apparently, they were not big on vegetables, but serve a few anyway to suit modern palates. And of course, no Medieval celebration would be complete without mulled wine, mead, beer, and cider.

To really have fun with a Medieval themed wedding, you can include some of the popular entertainment of the era, like jugglers, magicians, and dancing in the round. The dancing was a very important part of the wedding festivities, because it offered a chance for single men and women to meet. Then, as today, weddings were a great place to meet your future spouse, because love is in the air.

Hosting a Medieval wedding is a way to make your wedding creative and enchanted. The more you go all out with the theme, the more fun it will be for you and your guests. And guests, raise a glass to the bride and groom with this Old English wedding toast: �I wish thee health, I wish thee wealth, I wish thee gold in store, I wish thee heaven upon earth. What could I wish thee more?� -- iS