Medieval Theme Wedding Favors and Decorations
Once you have decided upon a location, the style of wedding, what you and your guests will be wearing, and the menu has been planned, it is now time to turn your attention to decorating. How do you decorate that sparse reception room? What would be a great wedding favor gift for your guests? If you plan on having a peasant-style wedding, your decorations and color scheme should be simple and rustic. For example, choose colors like ecru, terra cotta, green and black. Decorations should include wildflowers, rustic style lanterns, earthen pottery, candles, bales of hay, etc. For a royalty-type wedding, your decorations will be more elaborate and rich looking. You should choose colors and decorations in rich jewel tones like royal blue, purple, emerald, burgundy, gold, and silver. Depending on the location and style of wedding you decide upon, you will need to look at different decorating options. This doesn’t mean you can not mix and match. If you find and idea that really appeals to you, use it no matter what the location. Wedding favors and decorations are only limited by your imagination, so mix and match, and have fun creating your own unique wedding favor ideas.
Wedding Flowers
The element that makes flowers of a medieval themed wedding distinct from other wedding themes is the prominent use of wildflowers and herbs. Rosemary, thyme, basil and garlic were often combined with wildflowers for bouquets and floral arrangements. This custom originated from what was then believed to be the mystical, even religious, significance of various herbs in both health and destiny. In keeping with styles of clothing, the flowers displayed should be rich, darker shades such as red, orange, purple, green, brown, and bright yellow. Suggested flowers include the Gloriosa lily (which has the appearance of crushed red velvet), ivy, red roses, amaryllis, birch twigs, holly branches, bittersweet, and parrot tulips. Wheat is another important choice for your floral arrangements. Wheat was symbolic of fertility and played a major role in medieval marriage ceremonies. Bouquets, especially the bride’s, should be large, overflowing, and hand-tied. Obviously, since this was long before the era of professional flower shops and Styrofoam used in fanciful centerpieces, all the flowers should appear as rustic and natural as possible.
