Renaissance Themed Wedding Ideas
A Renaissance-themed wedding is an out-of-the-ordinary way to celebrate your love with friends and family. Perfect for an outdoor or indoor affair, a wedding that takes a cue from the Renaissance era evokes the ultimate in romance. It doesn’t get much more traditional than castles, knights and maidens for your big day. If you love the look of Renaissance tradition but aren’t sure where to start, you’ll be happy to know that many Renaissance ideas can be incorporated into your theme without having to search far and wide for either the supplies or the budget to pull it off.
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Decorations
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There are many different ways to decorate for a Renaissance wedding, but all decor should follow a specific color theme. Try green and black or gold and silver, or celebrate with a color wheel of red, orange, purple, yellow and brown. Any combination of these colors can give you the look you’re going for. String ivy around the venue for the ceremony — line the center aisle with it, drape it over an archway, or include it in bouquets or wreaths. Bunches of wheat can also be used as decoration; they symbolize bounty and fertility and were readily available during the Renaissance. Stick to wood and iron candelabras, vases or any other piece of decor. A family coat of arms makes for a nice focal point at the reception, and you can also use crowns or pewter mugs as centerpieces.
Flowers
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The flowers for your wedding should be reminiscent of the time period — red roses, amaryllis, holly branches, lilies and tulips. Give flower girls woven baskets instead of the modern satin ones, and have female attendants wear flower wreaths in their hair. At the reception, place flower centerpieces on the tables in baskets or wooden vases. You could also simply tie them in bundles with thin pieces of ribbon and lay them on the tables.
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Favors
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Bestowing a gift on each guest will make everyone feel like royalty at your Renaissance-themed wedding. Give every guest chocolate gold coins in velvet pouches, or send your friends and loved ones home with miniature loaves of bread. Anything with a castle or dragon theme works well, as do “earthy” favors such as jars of honey, flower seeds and lavender sachets.
Food
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Renaissance-era food is not much different from what we have today, so the ingredients are readily available for your wedding reception. Rich and hearty soups, salads and high-quality cheese all work well as first courses. A roast basted in orange juice and rose water, followed by a covering of sugar and spices, is a popular entree. Vermicelli pasta and even plain old macaroni dressed up with whatever sauces you wish are also appropriate for the theme. Side dishes may include meat pies, apple or pear pastries, rice or roasted chestnut dishes.
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References
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