Medieval Wedding Guide

Vanessa Hand

Medieval Wedding Guide

About House Drakstonne In Medieval times many families worked together to accomplish the many chores that needed to be done. Families would also take in other people from outside to help. These groups of people lived together in house 'holds'. A 'hold' is a protected area of a village or castle. The house was given the name of the person who owned it, and that was how everyone referred to that home; for example House Smith, House Cooper, or House Drakstonne. I was introduced to the Society for Creative Anachronisms in 1989, and was enchanted. There were so many people who wanted to 'Live the Dream' and work together. Several of my new friends and I got together often to learn more about the Middle Ages and began sewing costumes and making jewelry at my home. I chose the name House Drakstonne to represent our group; Drakstonne means 'Stone of the Dragon.' (I just love dragons!) When I started selling jewelry and costumes at Medieval events, I was often asked for more medieval items people could not find. I added leather work and branched out into feast gear (eating equipment). Feast gear was very important during the Middle Ages. People had a set they would carry with them when they traveled. This usually consisted of a wooden bowl and a mug, but sometimes a plate and eating utensils, too. We searched through thrift shops all over the city, and collected a great assortment of rescued feast gear. When my own wedding was at hand, I gathered all the information I could on medieval weddings. When friends and family asked ‘why?’ about a custom or a costume, I would do the research and find out. Over the past few years I have enjoyed being able to share what I learned with other people planning their own medieval weddings, and hopefully making their wonderful day easier to plan.

I wish you brightest blessings!

Vanessa Hand Owner, House Drakstonne

House Drakstonne 1997

www.owl-lady.com

[email protected]

© 2002 HandSpun Publishing Text revised 1999 Vanessa HandBeard

HandSpun Publishing Company www.intuitivetimes.com

First Published 1996 in US

Creators of electronic books for download and CD rom

All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without prior permission in writing from the Publisher. CD created by Bill Martin Cover illustration by Vanessa HandBeard ISBN 0-9719562-0-0

Owner and Managing Editor, Vanessa HandBeard

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

Table of Contents and Master Checklist 6-18 Months Before

¨ Contact A Wedding Consultant (Pg. 9) ¨ Budget Planning (Pg. 9) ¨ Choose The Place/Date/Time Of Ceremony And Reception (Pg. 9) ¨ Before The Ceremony (Pg. 9) ¨ Ceremony (Pg. 10) ¨ Plans For After The Ceremony (Pg. 10) ¨ Ceremony Sites (Pg. 10) ¨ Make Appointment With Person Performing Ceremony (Pg. 11) ¨ Colors (Pg. 11) ¨ Select Catering (Pg. 11) ¨ Reserve Photographer and Videographer (Pg. 11) ¨ Transportation (Pg. 12) ¨ Hire Musicians For Ceremony (Pg. 12) Where To Look? ~ Recordings ~ Performers

¨ Flowers

(Pg. 13) Decorating ~ Carrying ~ Herb and Flower Meanings

¨ Rings (Pg. 14) ¨ Investigate Accommodations For Out Of Town Attendants (Pg. 15) ¨ Plan A Guest List With Names And Addresses (Pg. 15) ¨ Wedding Party (Pg. 15) ¨ Movie References (Pg. 15) ¨ Clothing!!! (Pg. 16) Wedding Dress ~ Veil/Headpiece ~ Men ~ Women ~ Accessories ~ Shoe Pattern ~ Where To Find Costumes ~ How To Make Costumes ~ Commercial Patterns

¨ Getting Guests To Dress The Part… (Pg. 20) 3 To 6 Months Before…

¨ Order Invitations, Programs

And Thank You Notes (Pg. 23) Printing/Calligraphy/Embellishments ~ Paper ~ Presentation ~ Programs ~ Announcement Sample Texts

¨ Invitation Mailing

(Pg. 24) A Few Words On Sealing Wax

¨ Reception Planning (Pg. 25) Hall ~ Entertainment ~ Tables ~ Words From The Guests

¨ Food (Pg. 27) Meat ~ Vegetables ~ Breads ~ Soups ~ Drinks ~ Desserts ~ Tips

¨ Cake (Pg. 32) ¨ Honeymoon (Pg. 32) ¨ Ceremony Decoration (Pg. 33) ¨ Plan Rehearsal Dinner (Pg. 33) ¨ Order Wedding Band Engravings (Pg. 33) ¨ Keep A Record Of All Gifts Received (Pg. 33) ¨ Check That All Bridal Attire Has Been Ordered (Pg. 33) 1997 House Drakstonne z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

2

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ 2 Months Before…

¨ Getting The Men Involved Too (Pg. 37) ¨ Order Favors For Reception (Pg. 37) Garter ~ Other Favors

¨ Shop For Wedding Accessories (Pg. 38) ¨ Confirm Flowers, Ceremony And Reception Reservations (Pg. 38) ¨ First Gown Fitting (Pg. 38) ¨ Start Addressing The Invitations (Pg. 38) 1 Month Before…

¨ Confirm Rehearsals (Pg. 41) ¨ Confirm Lodging For Out Of Town Guests (Pg. 41) ¨ Purchase Final Party Supplies, Wedding Album, Guest Book (Pg. 41) ¨ Gifts (Pg. 41) ¨ Have The Final Fitting On Your Wedding Attire (Pg. 41) ¨ Apply For Marriage License With Fiancee (Pg. 41) 1-2 Weeks Before…

¨ Finalize Decorating And Flowers Schedules (Pg. 45) ¨ Give Caterer Final Guest Count (Pg. 45) ¨ Confirm All Costumes (Pg. 45) ¨ Confirm Reservations (Pg. 46) Sites, Music, Photography, Videography, Transportation, Flowers, Food, Entertainment

¨ Pick Up Honeymoon Tickets (Pg. 46) ¨ Pack For Honeymoon (Pg. 46) Day Of The Wedding…

¨ Have Emergency Kit With You (Pg. 49) ¨ Get Hair Done (Pg. 49) ¨ Begin Dressing 1-1/2 Hours Before The Ceremony (Pg. 49) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Note: When something in the booklet is described as 'period', it refers to 'of that time period'.

1997 House Drakstonne

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

3

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

Sun is setting, and the clearing is quiet. Ribbons trail from branches high, and flower petals are strewn about. Animals peer silently from hidings, wondering what this evening will bring. There is magic in the air, all can feel it; and then movement from the hill..... People begin to arrive in the clearing, carrying a single candle not yet lit. Everyone is quietly murmuring in delightful anticipation. As the people settle into the gathering, the musicians can be seen arriving. The light flute, and soft drum.... Someone is adding a harp but cannot be seen. The monk arrives in a burst of energy (so unlike the friar) concerned about being late, and pulls himself together. People giggle as he passes, not able to help themselves, he is such a joyous person. The guests pull closer in a circle, the sun heavy with impending nightfall. The lighting of the candles begin. In a circle the flame moves, one lighting the next until the circle is complete. The music changes ever so slightly to signal the bride and groom. They are eager to share this moment with their friends and family, to declare their love for one another in a handfasting.

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

1997 House Drakstonne

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

4

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

Handfasting a nd the Medieval Wedding "When we are handfasted, as we term it, we are man and wife for a year and a day; that space gone by, each may choose another mate, or, at their pleasure, may call the priest to marry them for life; and this we call handfasting." Sir Walter Scott, The Monastery (1820), ch. 25.

Weddings during the Middle Ages were considered family/community affairs. The only thing needed to create a marriage was for both partners to state their consent to take one another as spouses. Witnesses were not always necessary, nor was the presence of the clergy. At this celebration, the couple exchanged gifts, (a ring, a piece of fruit, etc.) clasped hands and exchanged a kiss. The "vows" could be a simple as, "Will you marry me?" "I will." The role of the clergy at a medieval wedding was simply to bless the couple. In the later medieval period, the wedding ceremony moved from the house of the bride to the church. It began with a procession to the church from the bride's house. Vows were exchanged outside the church. The priest gave the bride to the groom, and then everyone moved inside for Mass. After Mass, the procession went back to the bride's house for a feast. Musicians accompanied the procession.

Modern Handfasting Traditions The essential elements are thanking the Higher Power for bringing this love into their lives. The cutting of the wedding cake usually includes feeding each other a small portion, and you can make a toast to each other and drink out of the other's cup, to show commitment to caring for each other. Jumping over a broom, or jumping over a crossed broom and sword (possibly held by the best man and the maid of honor) symbolizes the cutting of ties to parents and the ties being swept away. Medieval brides believed that knots symbolized good luck, hope, and steadfastness, so their bouquets were tied with numerous knots. Continue the tradition by giving your ushers tie clips or cuff links adorned with sculpted knots, or adorn a ring pillow or kneeling pillows with silken curtain cording knotted at each corner and finished with tassels. During the vows, have a friend bind your hands with a ribbon or embroidered cloth (try Celtic knots) while explaining the tradition to guests.

1997 House Drakstonne

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

5

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

NOTES

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It is by loving and by being loved that one can come nearest to the soul of another. -- George McDonald 1997 House Drakstonne

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

6

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

6 to 18 Months Before Contact a Wedding Consultant Budget Planning Choose The Place/Date/Time Of Ceremony And Reception Before The Ceremony Ceremony Plans For After The Ceremony Ceremony Sites Make Appointment With Person Performing Ceremony Colors Select Catering Reserve Photographer and Videographer Transportation Hire Musicians For Ceremony Flowers Rings Investigate Accommodations For Out Of Town Attendants Plan A Guest List With Names And Addresses Wedding Party Movie References Clothing!!! Getting Guests To Dress The Part

1997 House Drakstonne

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

7

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

NOTES

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Love is but the discovery of ourselves in others, and the delight in the recognition. -- Alexander Smith 1997 House Drakstonne

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

8

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

ü Contact A Wedding Consultant This sounds very 'serious', but hiring a wedding planner can cut your costs, plan your time, and make this most important time in your life a joyous and memorable one.

Looking back at my own wedding, I can see many places where a consultant would have saved me a few dollars, and a few arguments!

ü Budget Planning Set a tentative budget. Choose the type of wedding. How big? How formal? An Informal Wedding Attendants: 1-3 For Each Guests: 10-50 Reception: Home / Restaurant Entertainment: Pianist / Vocalist / Tapes Budget: $50-$3,000

A Semi-Formal Wedding Attendants: 2 - 4 For Each Guests: 50-100 Reception: Country Club / Home / Restaurant Entertainment: 4-Piece Band / DJ / Budget: $3,000-$10,000

A Formal Wedding Attendants: 4-8 For Each Guests: 100-500 Reception: Country Club / Home Entertainment: 1-2 5-Piece Bands / Orchestra Budget: $10,000-$50,000+

Be realistic. Marriage is a life change, and carrying in more debts can put a strain on the best of people. If you must take out a loan for your wedding, think it over carefully and weigh all the options, percentage rates and payments you will be paying.

ü Choose Place/Date Place Date/Time Time Of Ceremony And Reception Recently my sister-in-law became engaged. She and her fiancee have been trying to set a date. Sounds simple enough, find a nice time of year and pick a weekend. He is in school, and won't know when graduation will be taking place until later in the year. Families have to fly in from out of town. Holidays fall into play. Vacation time has to be scheduled, along with travel tickets to purchase (non-refundable in most cases). Reservations have to be made early if it is a busy season.

Think about all these things, and when you have torn apart the calendar you'll know it's time to take a break! Remember-- this is YOUR time, and if there is a special date the two of you want to pledge your love to each other, that is what is important. You will remember it all your lives. If there are people who cannot attend, make it up to them with a late reception sometime later in the year when they can all get together, perhaps during the holidays.

ü Befo re The Ceremony z

Ancient Spartan soldiers were the first to hold stag parties. The groom would feast with his male friends on the night before the wedding. There he would say goodbye to the carefree days of bachelorhood and swear continued allegiance to his comrades.

z

A medieval tradition involving knots is for the mother of the bride to tie the bride's belt in three knots, which the husband unties after the ceremony.

1997 House Drakstonne

z

The bride should carry three coins. One is given to the groom, one to the family she is leaving, and one tossed into the street in front of her new home for luck. ¢ Bring emergency repair and beauty items to the wedding, including a travel sewing kit, safety pins, hair spray, nail file, nail polish, extra stockings, etc.

6

Send out schedules letting your wedding party know where they are needed and when (rehearsal, pictures, etc.) a few weeks before the big day.

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

9

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

ü Ceremony z

Incorporate the traditional 'Bride Price' into the actual ceremony. After the father escorts the bride to the altar, have the best man present the father with the bride price.A bride price is what the groom offers the bride's family in trade for their daughter's hand. The dowry is what the family gives her to bring into the marriage.

z

Binding the hands of the bride and groom symbolizes the joining of the bride and groom into a new family.

P

If you have children attending the ceremony, ask them to help by handing out programs, candles, ribbons, etc.

P

Personalize the custom of walking under an arch as they do in military weddings. Use something personal to both of you.

P

Try a woodland-inspired ring pillow, made of tufts of moss placed on a small tray and trimmed with ivy and flowers.

ü Plans For After The Ceremony Decorating our wedding site were bright colored ribbons hung from surrounding trees, and from the rope sectioning off our area. After the handfasting, while the Justice took us aside for the official 'paperwork', we had someone assist the videographer and carry the long handfasting ribbon. We asked everyone to tie one of the small ribbons onto the larger one, and make a wish for us as they did that. Everyone loved it—and it was also a great way to fill the time and clean up the site!

P

An alternative to throwing rice is blowing bubbles. Hand out bottles and blowers before the ceremony starts.

z

A fire should be started in the couples new home as they return (if they don't have a fireplace, light a candle). A popular tradition in many countries is to escort the newly married couple in a loud and happy parade to the reception. Hire a bagpiper or a Renaissance-style singing minstrel to lead the way melodically.

P

If your Honeymoon trip doesn't begin right after your reception, try a small post-reception party for your friends and family.

z

In Britain it's considered good luck if a charwoman (bag lady or street person) appears, begs a coin from

the couple on their way to their reception (and they give her one). Celebrate your joy with a donation to your favorite charity. Have your best man or maid of honor mail it on the day of your wedding.

z

Tying shoes to the bumper of the car represents the symbolism and power of shoes in ancient times. Egyptians would exchange sandals when they exchanged goods. When the father of the bride gave his daughter to the groom, he would also give the brides' sandals to show that she now belonged to the groom. In Anglo Saxon times, the groom would tap the heel of the bride's shoe to show his authority over her. In later times, people would throw shoes at the couple, and now we just tie shoes to their car.

ü Ceremony Sites P

P

P

ideas.P Find out if that expensive reception site you love has special rates for off time of day or seasons.

Check local garden or park areas, and inquire what the restrictions are on decorating. The simplest site can look wonderful with a pavilion, arch or flowers. Check with area campgrounds. Many of them have wonderful wooded clearings perfect for an outdoor wedding. (And many have large picnic areas!)

1997 House Drakstonne

Check local restaurants, inns, hotels, parks (amusement parks as well), theme locations, for more

P

Check with a local Renaissance Festival for information on holding a wedding on site during the festival season.

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

10

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

ü Make Appointment With Person Performing Ceremony Do this far ahead, to find out your options. We had our person all picked out, she even helped plan the wedding. It was special to us even more since she was married on the same day a few years before. We got down to the last month, and she suddenly had obligations that prevented her from being in town the weekend of the wedding. We couldn't change the date, so we had to scramble to find someone else to conduct the wedding. We were honored to have a dear friend perform the handfasting, but it could have been less traumatic if we

had weighed a few more options way back at the beginning. If the person handfasting you is not ordained, make sure to have arrangements with a Justice of the Peace. Book the Justice early—we waited too long and were just lucky that he was so curious about the wedding that he raced across town between other weddings to officiate at ours! He was there appearing as a guest, and then we had a small ceremony with the witnesses to make it official. (He had a great time, and we made his list of top ten most unusual weddings.)

ü Colors P

Choose meaningful colors to accent your wedding. Blue symbolized fidelity; green is the color of fertility; red is the color of love and joy. Include the meanings of these colors in the wedding program for guests.

P

Use ribbons to define the alliances of families. For example, have the bride's family and guests wear green and gold, the groom's blue and white. Distribute the ribbons at the guest register or when everyone is arriving. While handing out the ribbons, explain the tradition.

ü Select Catering This doesn't necessarily mean go out and hire a professional caterer if you cannot afford it. Ask around, maybe someone you know (or your fiancee knows) is able to do this for a nominal fee plus the cost of food.

z

In medieval times one of the most precious commodities was food. Traditionally the guests brought a gift of food to the wedding, to help with the feast. We implemented that tradition in our wedding, wondering how

people would take it. They loved it! Guests brought dishes to the feast, and in many cases the containers or platters were the gift. We also received modern traditional wedding gifts, which surprised us. Most gifts were traditionally food. The reception was at our home, and set up with a few banquet type tables to hold the food. If you decide to try this (and I encourage it!) make sure there is ample space for outlets, such as a power strip.

ü Reserve Photographer And Videographer P

Set up a special corner of the reception area for your photographer to take the photographs in a medieval looking setting. Add banners, props, goblets, etc.

1997 House Drakstonne

P

Check the work of the videographer or photographer prior to the wedding. Sure it's nice for Uncle Pete to work the camera for free, but is that what you want to record this special event?

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

11

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

ü Transportation z

Before cars and limousines, male guests at Irish, Scottish, and German village weddings would kick off the celebrations with a wild foot-race from the ceremony to the reception.

ü Hire Musicians For Ceremony Where To Look? P

P

P Ask caterers, restaurant workers. P Call local music stores, local universities.

P

Recordings

Supplier: Nick Fritsch : Lyrichord Discs Inc. 141 Perry Street New York, NY 10014 Fax # 212 929 8245 Phone 212 929 8234 Lyrichord www address: http://www.lyrichord.com/ Lyrichord E-Mail: [email protected]

Word of mouth is the best way to find a band or anything else for that matter.

Medieval recordings are getting a bit easier to find, and can help greatly. Appropriate music adds atmosphere, and can be inexpensive. Lyrichord has a wonderful selection of authentic medieval music.

Check the local paper's arts calendar for local clubs, coffee houses, etc. Take an evening or two and go to all of the local clubs and bars. You get a ready-made audition this way.

Performers z

Period instruments include the flute, bagpipe, guitar, viol (forerunner of the violin), many types of horns, harp, drum (bhodrain or dhoumbek) and Irish pipes.

P

Modern synthesizers can sound medieval at many settings.

P

A single harpist, Celtic piper, lute/mandolin player or harp and violin duo adds a magical touch.

P

Have a wandering minstrel play love ballads during the receiving line.

1997 House Drakstonne

z

Irish dancers are wonderful entertainment during the reception.

z

Have a trumpet (or voice) heralder at the entrance area of the building. Check with local music groups at universities for a madrigal choir. The students might just show up for the opportunity to perform (don't forget to invite them to stay for the banquet.).

z

Have a "loud and joyous noise" herald your walk up the aisle.

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

12

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

ü Flowers Use herbs in the bouquet. It is even possible to include the roots in a flower water cap, and then the herbs can be planted in each person's gardens after the ceremony. Ancients used herbs, not flowers, in bouquets because they felt herbs (especially garlic) had the power to cast off evil. If a bride carried sage (the herb of wisdom) she became wise; if she carried dill (the herb of lust) she became lusty. Later flowers replaced herbs and took on meanings all their own. Keep in mind that they did not have florists back then and many items that they used were dried. The bride's bouquet was usually given to her by her mother and there was great significance in the types of items present in the arrangement. For example, the wheat was to wish the bride fertility, both in family matters as well as family crops. Usually there would be some flowers present which were native to the area around the bride's home, the groom's home, and 1 flower from where they would live after marriage. This was more of a peasant custom since they usually could not afford rings and this symbolized the couple's joining.

Decorating Flowers P

Place laurel branches, ivy trails or evergreens along the path of the bride and groom after the ceremony, to symbolize luck and fertility.

P

Have ushers hand out bags of herbs, sprigs of greenery, and flower petals, to sprinkle over the path of the couple as they make their joyous walk back down the outdoor aisle.

z

Vine arches are a symbol of growth, fertility, and renewal. Also, when you pass through an arch it is an entrance to a new world.

P

Line the site steps or walkway with rows of potted flowers in full bloom. Daisies, or chrysanthemums with many colorful blossoms per pot, or small evergreen trees decorated with ribbons and twinkle lights, and a spray for the arch. $ Wreaths of dried flowers and herbs can be used as gifts for the wedding party, or used in your own home to decorate. Garlands of flowers are appropriate for the wedding party to wear.

Carrying Flowers P

z

P

z

Have each attendant carry a bouquet made from a different flower but using the same greenery & general shape of bouquet. A wonderful look is a cascading hand bouquet with ivy trailing and many white or colorful flowers. $ Carry a single long-stemmed rose, roses or tulips trimmed with ribbons. Tie them together with green craft wire. Wrap about 4 inches of satin ribbon around the stems (toward the bottom). Add ribbons and pearls to the hanging ribbons.

z Include in the bouquet thistle and heather. P Arrange a bouquet according to the

Medieval brides believed that knots symbolized good luck, hope, and steadfastness, so their bouquets were tied with numerous knots. In Tudor England, brides carried marigolds that had been dipped in rosewater. They later ate them since they were thought to be aphrodisiacs.

P

Use mixed wildflowers with stalks of dried instead of baby's breath.

z

Welsh brides used to give their attendants myrtle in their bouquets, to be planted later; tradition held that if the plant grew, the grower would be married.

flowers

meanings.

P

If your wedding is in the evening, carry a candle instead of flowers. I can't think of anything more romantic.

1997 House Drakstonne

wheat

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

13

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

Herb Meanings Allspice ~ Compassion; Dill ~ Lust Or Optimism; ; Fennel ~ Strength; Worthy Of Praise; Rosemary ~ Remembrance; Mint ~ Great Virtue;

Parsley ~ Cleanliness Of Mind And Body; Sage ~ Domestic Virtues; Great Respect.

Flower Meanings Calla Lily ~ Magnificent Beauty; Chamomile ~ Energy In Adversity; Carnation ~ Woman's Love; Cherry-Blossom ~ Spiritual Beauty; Clover (Four-Leafed) ~ Be Mine; Clover (White) ~ Think Of Me; Daisy ~ Innocence; Dandelion ~ Coquetry; Fern ~ Fascination, Magic, Sincerity; Fir ~ Time; Fleurs-de-lis ~ Message; Honeysuckle ~ Bonds Of Love; Hyacinth (White) ~ Modest Loveliness; Hyacinth ~ Constancy; Iris ~ Message, My Compliments, Eloquence; Ivy ~ Fidelity, Friendship, Marriage, Wedded Love; LilyOf-The-Valley ~ Perfect Purity, Return Of Happiness,

Magnolia ~ Benevolence, High-Souled, Love Of Nature, Magnificence; Orange-Blossom ~ Chastity, Bridal Festivities; Orchid ~ You Are A Belle, You Flatter Me; Rose (Red) ~ Unity, Romantic Love; Rose (White) ~ I Am Worthy Of Your Love, Silence, Innocent Love; Rosebud (Red) ~ Inclined To Love, Pure And Lovely; Rosebud (White) ~ Too Young To Love; Tulip (Red) ~ Declaration Of Love; Tulip (Variegated) ~ Enchantment, Your Eyes Are Beautiful, Tulip (Yellow) ~ Hopeless Love, Violet (Blue) ~ Faithfulness, Love, Loyalty, Wheat ~ Prosperity

ü Rings z

It is unknown when wedding rings were first worn. They were probably made of a strong metal, like iron so that it wouldn't break easily which would have been a very bad omen. The early Egyptians believed that a circle was the symbol of eternity a sign that life, happiness, and love have no beginning and no end. A wedding ring was placed on the third finger of the left hand because it was believed that a vein ran directly from that finger to the heart.

z

Diamond engagement rings were given by medieval Italians, because of their belief that the diamond was created from the flames of love.

z

The ancient Romans believed that the vein in the third finger ran directly to the heart, so wearing the ring on that finger joined the couples hearts and destiny

Supplier of medieval and Celtic designs and castings: J&J Casting 2621 W. Northern Phoenix, AZ 85051 602-995-4948 http://www.jandjcasting.com/

1997 House Drakstonne

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

14

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

ü Investigate Accommodations For Out Of Town Attendants ¢

Find out from the guests if they would like information or help in finding lodging if they are not staying with in town relatives.

P

If they are not familiar with the city, try to find a map and information on lodging near their preference, the wedding site or your home. Also check for local shopping, drugstore, supermarket, and laundry/cleaners

near the hotel, as well as restaurants. No doubt there will be a few last minute items needed!

P

A wonderful alternative many people don't think about is Bed and Breakfasts. They can be amazingly reasonable in price, and what a treat!

ü Plan A Guest List With Names And Addresses Sounds so easy, doesn't it? It can be one of the most stressful items on your checklist. Begin with a specific number limit. Then begin with the actual wedding party, parents, and siblings/families. Make sure to decide whether or not you want small children attending. Most people are not offended if you state it early enough for them to find arrangements. Many people are glad to have a romantic night out without the children! Try to make the

list as complete as you can before asking around. Leave approx. 10 percent open for the family to remind you about Aunt Harriet or Uncle Robert. When things get out of hand, go for a walk and think about what this time is really about. Then attack the list again.

ü Wedding Party z

Many of today's wedding customs have evolved from the days of ancient Rome, when evil spirits were believed to threaten the bride and groom. Bridesmaids dressed similarly to the bride, and ushers' attire resembled the groom's. This was an attempt to confuse the spirits. If they could not tell the bride and groom apart from the attendants, they would not be able to carry out their plans.

z

From the Anglo Saxon days: When the groom was about to capture his bride, he needed the help of his friends, the "bridesmen" or "brideknights". They would

make sure the bride got to the church and to the groom's house afterwards. The bride also had women to help her, the "bridesmaids" or "brideswomen".

P

The titles "Maid of Honor" and "Best Man" are fast being replaced by "Honor Attendant" as couples throw convention to the wind in order to choose their dearest loved ones. Among the latest to enter the ranks of honor attendant for the bride are an elderly grandmother and a brother; a groom's honor attendant could be his father or his sister.

Movie References First Knight ~ Excalibur ~ Camelot ~ Monty Python and the Holy Grail (932 AD) ~ El Cid (late-1000s Spain) ~ Robin Hood (Errol Flynn) ~ Robin Hood (Michael Praed/Jason Connery) ~ Robin Hood (Disney) ~ Robin Hood Prince of Thieves ~ Robin and Marion ~ Robin HoodMen in Tights ~ Ladyhawke (based on 12th C French legend) ~ The Lion in Winter (about Eleanor of Aquitane 1997 House Drakstonne

and Henry II, ruler of England 1154-1189) ~ Braveheart (late 1200's Scotland) ~ Hamlet (set 1300/1400? 2 versions 1) w/Mel Gibson, 2) w/Laurence Olivier) ~ Rosenkrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead (Hamlet comedy) ~ The Warlord ~ The Princess Bride ~ Much Ado about Nothing ~ The Taming of the Shrew ~ Lady Jane (Grey, grandniece of Henry V)

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

15

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

ü Clothing!!! If you want everyone in period costume, think about what styles everyone will find comfortable. Renaissance peasants and Medieval clothing will probably be easiest to wear for those not accustomed to heavy, confining or unusual clothing. These are also the easiest styles to create.

z

Look at some historical costume books and pick out a time frame that suits you. Here are some basic categories to help you decide: Royalty (the most formal clothes from the era) Merchant class (good, modestly prosperous) Peasant (casual, outdoorsy, little decoration) Medieval (women gowns; men in Tights and tunics) Renaissance (women in tight bodices and full skirts; men in tights, breeches, pirate shirts, laced vests)

z

Clothes in Medieval society told people who they were, what rank and how powerful and rich they were. Edward III instigated "Sumptuary Law", which dictated what people could and could not wear; for example; • • • •

Pearl embroidery and ermine restricted to Royalty and Nobility. Gold cloth, jewels and linings of miniver fur could only be worn by Knights and those of higher rank. Cloth of silver, silver girdles (belts) and fine quality wool might be worn only by squires and those of higher rank. Commoners were only allowed to wear coarser wools and cloth. Silk and jewels being forbidden, even if they could afford them.

z

Pointed shoes came into fashion during Edward’s reign, and were also restricted. The nobility were allowed 24" of pointed shoe beyond the natural foot, gentlemen 12" and commoners 6 1/2"

z

Special devices were designed to attach to the knee, with a clip to hold the toe of the shoe up so the person could walk without becoming tangled in their shoe.

z

Many people could not afford clothes and hand-me-downs were quite normal. These were patched and repaired until they were completely threadbare and worn, then they were finally passed to beggars, who wore them until they disintegrated.

1997 House Drakstonne

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

16

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

Wedding Dress z

The white wedding dress was made popular by Anne of Brittany in 1499. Before that, a woman just wore her best dress.

z

Brides were sometimes stripped at the altar by the men getting favors (good luck tokens). Brides often had sleeves and bodices totally beribboned to avoid being stripped.

P

Choose colors that would have been found in nature. Pure white was definitely not period, since white was only worn by royalty. The fabric had to undergo several expensive processes to make it white.

P

Use natural fibers, such as linen. Brocades are wonderful, and can be found woven with metallic threads. They can be expensive, around $25 per yard, but well worth the look.

P

Some styles can be found in the movie references in this book. Keep these time periods in mind; high waisted "princess" style, late 14th century; simple tunic dress with draping sleeves, 12th century; Houppelande with fitted underdress, early 14th century.

Veil/Headpiece z

Maidens normally wore their hair loose, which symbolized virginity (married women wore their hair up and mostly covered). Another idea would be to get hair braided similar to the styles at renaissance faires, and add flowers and jewels. Fresh or silk ivy, silk or dried flowers, rose buds, etc., Are all wonderful in loose hair or woven into braids.

z

Anne of Cleves (early 1500's) supposedly wore a wreath of rosemary at her wedding.

z

Veils were not worn until the last hundred years or so. Try some variations of fresh flower or other type of headpiece.

1997 House Drakstonne

P

For a removable headpiece, use a piece of flexible wire (light coat hanger or heavy floral wire) and wrap it from end to end with white or green floral tape. Form it into a circle that fits comfortably on your head. Secure the two ends together with floral tape. Add the dried or silk pieces, or on the morning of your wedding gently secure fresh flowers or ivy strands to the circle in several places with floral tape. Leave it in the refrigerator, maybe on top of a wet cloth in a Tupperware container. You could add colored ribbons, pearls, cords, tulle or silk flowers to the headband as to your taste.

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

17

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

Women Chemise: Long sleeve floor length underdress. Gown: Long dress usually worn over fitted chemise. Skirt: Women - Long skirt, fairly full. Bodices: Vest laced up accentuating bosom.

Simple gown; Gown with underdress; Houppelande with underdress

Men Shirt: Long sleeved full poet type shirt. Vest: Leather if possible, or heavy cloth, laced. Breeches: Long pants, somewhat flared at the bottom for fullness when tucked into boots. Drawstring waist. Leather gauntlets at the cuffs of the shirt.

Short tunic, leggings; Long tunic, hood, leggings

Accessories For All $ Both men and women can use a good, sturdy leather belt. Look for them in thrift shops, or look for simple belt buckles and make your own. Knee high moccasins or boots for either sex, or "Mary Janes" for women work well, or flat pump style shoes in a natural color.

1997 House Drakstonne

A pouch to hang off your belt can be made of leather or fabric. Carry a cup made of wood, pewter or silver tied to the belt with a cord of leather by the handle or stem. The T-tunic was worn by both men and women. A nice full flowing cloak.

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

18

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

A Basic Guide To Footwear In The Viking Age By Jeff Clarke (Hafgrim Gunnarson) A Viking or medieval shoe is typically made from two pieces of leather, a sole and an upper, with sometimes an insert of leather). A design feature of these shoes is that the sole has a triangular extension at the heel, which fits into a triangular recess in the upper. This triangular heel set-up is a hallmark of dark age and early medieval footwear up until the year 1150 when round heels came into fashion (see figure right). Note also the shape of the sole, there is hardly any waist at all, the sides are nearly straight, this is in complete contrast to the waisted medieval sole underneath, note also the rounded heel on the medieval sole. Next, make a hole through both pieces of leather (upper and sole) with an awl then feed a needle with thread attached from each side and pull as tight as you can. Sew completely around.

When the shoe is sewn around the bottom it must be turned right side out. The seam is the weak spot of the Viking shoes, it is the seam that always breaks. Cut small openings at the markings, and lace up with leather cord.

Where To Find Costumes $ Ask everyone you know if they have anything in their

$ Look in thrift stores for things with a Medieval or

closets. Looking at clothes with alterations in mind, you can be surprised what you already have.

Renaissance flair. Women look for: long velvet gowns with fitted bodices, long sleeves, and full skirts; velvet or tapestry vests (especially those that lace up the front),peasant blouses, ruffled blouses, long skirts. Men look for full pirate-style shirts, velvet tunics, velvet or tapestry or leather vests, baggy trousers, boots. For simple peasant outfits, look for gauzy peasant blouses, pirate shirts, long cotton skirts, and leather boots and belts.

P

Place a small ad in the local costumer's guild, Renaissance guild, and SCA newsletters to borrow, rent, or have outfits made.

P Check out local costume rental. P Check with local theatrical companies

and college theater departments to see if want to sell their costumes.

How To Make Costumes The pattern for a simple tunic is this: Measure from the neckline to the knee. Double that length. Get that many inches of 60 inch wide fabric. The fabric is already folded length wise. Fold it in half again and lay it out on the floor. Find a comfortable large t-shirt and fold it in half, sleeves together. Place the shirt so the fold of the t-shirt is along the side fold edge of the fabric, and the neck opening is at the top fold. Cut an opening for the neck, not too big. Cut out the sleeve/body part. Sew sides together wrong side out, hem length, neck, and sleeves. Add trims.

Commercial Patterns 1997 House Drakstonne

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

19

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ Chemise: McCalls #7134, view A. No changes need to be made except length. Skirt: McCalls #6840. It is not historically accurate, but has a great medieval look to it. Bodices: Almost any vest pattern will work. Here are the changes that you should make. Square the neckline, it should not be a v - neck as shown on the pattern. Run boning down the two front seams to add strength and to keep the garment straight. Line your bodice to add extra strength to the garment and to give it a finished

appearance. Instead of button holes use grommets and lace it closed. Men's shirt: Simplicity #9035. (women's pattern), but the look of the neckline is perfect in either view A or B. The only changes that need to be done to this pattern is to lengthen the sleeves to the wrist and add a cuff. Men's pants: Simplicity 9605. Eliminate the pockets. (Men's pants: you can use a pair of sweat pants as a pattern if you are familiar with the way pants are sewn together.)

ü Getting Guests To Dress The Part P

Print on the invitation or reception card "Medieval/Renaissance Attire Optional".

P

Write a newsletter describing accommodations, sights to see, etc. Add a section called "Theme of the Wedding", describing some of the history, costume tips, whether there will be costumes available, or masks if it is a masked ball.

¢

Also try to get a caterer, photographer and minister who will dress in period clothing, and be prepared to get the clothing for them. $ For those guests who cannot come up with a suitable costume, make 'slip on' costumes -- tunics over pants for men, gowns for women.

P

Give guests a list of the movie references in the back to help them with costume ideas.

Armor pieces Tournament Productions

5421 Lake Murray Blvd #11 La Mesa, Ca 91941 [email protected] http://www.tournamentproductions.org/

Noble Style designs Ana's Accouterments P.O. Box 1625 Slidell, LA 70459-1625 504-641-7501 (9 am - 9 pm Central Time) [email protected]

1997 House Drakstonne

Pre made renaissance clothing Chivalry Sports Renaissance Store 7718 E. Wrightstown Road Tucson, AZ 85715 Our phone is--1(800) 730-5464 [email protected] Http://www.renstore.com Black Wolf Blades and Accessories 11940 Hidden Valley Rim Rd Boise, ID 83709

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

20

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

3 to 6 Months Before Order Invitations, Programs And Thank You Notes Invitation Mailing Reception Planning Food Cake Honeymoon Ceremony Decoration Plan Rehearsal Dinner Order Wedding Band Engravings Keep A Record Of All Gifts Received Check That All Bridal Attire Has Been Ordered

1997 House Drakstonne

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

21

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

NOTES

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It is with true love as it is wi th ghosts; everyone talks about it, but few have seen it. -La Rochefoucauld 1997 House Drakstonne

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

22

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

ü Order Invitations, Programs And Thank You Notes Printing/Calligraphy/Embellishments P For a small wedding, have a professional write each invitation in calligraphy (may be expensive). 6 Laserprint the invitations on a heavy parchment and using a type style that imitates calligraphy. Print in colored ink for more versatility. z Include ancient symbols in the invitation graphics. $ Accent invitations with watercolors for an artistic and inexpensive invitation.

P Decorative motifs that would work with the theme include simple flowers, fancy scrolls, heraldic symbols, and metallic embossing. Touches of rich, jewel-tone colors are very period, especially combined with gold or silver -- think of Medieval illuminated texts. P Add embellished color or gold/silver highlights if wanted.

Paper $ To save on invitations order cardstock paper and use a laser printer to print the invitations. Nice parchment stock is available from a local printer supplier, or use scroll paper.

P Print on ordinary white paper, then glue on a slightly larger sheet of 100% silk rag paper - really beautiful pearl color, with silk fibers clearly showing. Use period border from clipart.

Presentation P Fold or roll and tie with ribbon, or seal with wax. $ You can make a wax seal out of a metal button glued to a small plastic stick.

P Resemble an authentic wedding announcement of a Princess and Prince. By adding a few letters to the end of the town's name, you can make it more medieval sounding. For example; Salem could be Salemtown or Salemshire.

Programs ¢

Include schedule, and/or a list of the names of wedding-party members (including the officiator), with an explanation of their connection to you and your fiancé. P An order of service, the words to a special prayer or hymn may be printed in set type or calligraphy.

P Special rituals, such as the handfasting, may not be familiar to all attending. Feel free to add items from this guide in your personal programs. Include the meanings of the colors and flowers. P If the ceremony is to be celebrated in a language not spoken by all the guests, add the translation in the program.

Thank You Notes 6 Have your Thank you notes pre packaged, ready to address. As gifts arrive, write the address from the return address directly onto the thank you note envelope. Jot a note inside to thank the person for the particular gift, and it is ready to stamp and mail out after your honeymoon.

1997 House Drakstonne

P It is a special touch for both bride and groom to sign the note. $ Remember to budget the cost of stamps into the thank you notes as well as the invitations.

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

23

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

Announcement Text Examples Lady Rachael Gwynne Crowley And Lord Giles Chadwick Richardson Request the honour of thy presence At their marriage On Saturday, the thirtieth of April in The year of our Lord Nineteen hundred and ninety four The ceremony will begin at dark o'clock At Encanto Park Phoenix, Arizona Feasting and merriment will follow the ceremony Medieval/Renaissance-style garb encouraged

HEAR YE! HEAR YE! The honour of thy presence Is hereby requested At the marriage of Rachael Gwynne Crowley And Giles Chadwick Richardson On 30 April, 1994 In a medieval wedding ceremony At half-past the seventh hour In the eventide

HEARYEHEARYE Let it be known that on the 30th day of April In the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninetyfour The house of Crowley pledged its firstborn daughter Rachael To the house of Richardson in marriage to the firstborn son Giles At Encanto Park Phoenix, Arizona Giles and Rachael Richardson now reside at 1234 WestEast Avenue Phoenix, Arizona

On the eve of April the thirtieth, In the year of our lord Nineteen hundred and n inety-four At half past the seventh hour, The heads of Houses Crowley and Richardson Invite you to bear witness to the joining of Rachael To Giles In the bonds of matrimony And to share in the celebration Of the joining of these two houses At Encanto Park Phoenix, Arizona

ü Invitation Mailing P For extra special delivery to local guests, have your invitations delivered by a friend dressed as a herald!

P Rolled scrolls can be mailed in tubes from the post office or mailing store.

A Few Words on Sealing Wax… Stamps and sealing wax are available at most stationery stores. BUT… The post office really doesn't like it - it gums up their machines. However, there is no actual prohibition against using it. Even if you seal the inner envelope, the recipient will likely get an envelope full of little crumbled pieces of wax. You can ask your local Post Office if they can hand stamp the mail. They may have a limit or extra charge for this. Sealing wax is quite simple: melt the wax onto the area to stamp, and press the metal stamp into it. As with everything though, there are a few tips to make it easier. Melting the wax from another candle or lighting the wax stick itself will produce blackened wax. To avoid 1997 House Drakstonne

this, use the spoon method. Crumble pieces of wax into an old spoon. Warm the underside of the spoon over a candle. When the wax is melted, carefully pour it onto the envelope. Stamp with the seal. After creating the circle of hot melted wax on the envelope, breathe on the seal (which leaves it a bit damp from the moisture of your breath) so it will not stick to the hot wax. It is advisable to lightly coat your stamp every 5 uses to keep the wax from sticking and to make it easier to remove the stamp without damaging the image.

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

24

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ Any light vegetable oil will work, but cooking spray is the easiest and least messy. Wrap the envelope in a nice gold or silver ribbon; poor wax over a spot on the ribbon and then press the seal into the wax, sealing both ribbon and paper.

If you still want to use wax seals, you might want to have the envelopes hand-canceled or use a cardboard envelope. Another possibility is to forgo the wax and just use one of those red or gold initial seals from stationery shops.

ü Reception Planning P Look for buildings in stone, half-timbered wood, brick, or very rural. Find out about historic homes in your area, especially those with a Tudor or English cottage or castle look. z Outdoors settings are perfect for a Medieval wedding.

P If you have the space, a big white tent is nice & could be decked out with banners & garlands. These are available at most tent rentals companies, and they are not too expensive, considering they deliver, set it up, and take it down. The pavilions provide shade for the wedding itself, the cooks, and for the guests to dine under.

Hall P An abundance of color! A few well placed colorful banners can be all that transforms the area. $ Banners can be put together with fusible interfacing or glue (although sewing looks nicer). All you need is cheap, colorful fabrics, and maybe a few tassel or fringe trims. P Cloth 'shields' with coats of arms painted on can be hung above seats. P Decorate with tapestries hanging on the walls, black iron candle holders and medieval-style flags. P Use tulle/netting or another inexpensive white fabric to decorate with "swags"; add large bows or small sprays of flowers at each gathering where the swag is being held.

$ Borrow a hand-made suit of armor from a member of the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronisms). These people are very proud of their hand-crafted work, and most won't mind showing it off by sharing it with you. z Have a couple of the ushers/groomsmen carry a banner on a post during the processional. Present them to the fathers as a sign that you're giving them back their names/households in order to begin one of your own. $ Ring the site with a rope with colorful strips of cloth tied-on every foot or so. P Grapevine arches festooned with ribbons add a wonderful wooded feeling to an indoor reception.

Entertainment

If there is a considerable time-lag between ceremony and reception, don't forget your guests. z Entertainment has been in vogue for wedding receptions since medieval times. P Place paper and pens on each table for guests to use when inspiration strikes. P Keep young guests occupied and made to feel special by making up goody-bags with candies, puzzles, and tiny books.

1997 House Drakstonne

P Create your own personalized guest book from a quality photo album (the kind with real paper pages). Have your maid of honor collect a few signatures and best wishes per page.. Later, add snapshots taken by guests at the wedding as well as other keepsakes. P Entertain your guests with a treasure hunt or car rally, a great way to occupy them during a long break in the day. P For an outdoor reception, set up areas for croquet and badminton, complete with equipment and cool drinks.

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

25

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ P Between courses at the meal, invite guests (or hire people ahead of time) to entertain with stories, juggling, poetry, etc. z Include a Maypole dance in the festivities. Use different colored ribbons to represent each family name and have them woven together to represent the bonding of both families.

P Create a dragon out of cloth to cover something in the area. Ask guests to name the dragon. Select the winning name by popular vote. As a prize offer two tickets to the Renaissance Festival! z There is a Scottish tradition called a 'Scrammy' where the groom throws handfuls of small coins to the children of the local area as they leave for their honeymoon.

Tables z Ribbons have held a much-loved place in wedding traditions since medieval times, when they were worn as declarations of celebration and given to guests as mementos. Find a stationer, specialty printer or party supplier that offers ribbon printing services. Lengths of personalized ribbon, printed with your names and wedding date, can be used in the bridesmaids' bouquets and reception decorations, and tied around the stems of wineglasses. P For a regal touch at each place setting for your dinner reception, make napkin-rings from lengths of ribbon, looped and then sealed with a daub of wax impressed with your initials. Stamps and sealing wax are available at most stationery stores. $ Make inexpensive, original place cards out of homemade cookies, each iced with a guest's name. P Make the gift table look special by setting a display of family wedding portraits at one end. Include portraits of both sets of your parents and grandparents,

if you can. Place small folded cards in front of each portrait, calligrapher with the names of each couple and their wedding date. P Mount banners on poles or on trumpets carried by 'heralds', they could lead you to wherever you are headed, such as the altar, the banquet table, or your awaiting carriage. P Place the table for the wedding party in front of a wall and hang your family crest/banners behind the chairs where you will each sit. P Metal goblets, drinking horns, bits of armor, shields, banners, large candles along with flowers and ivy, make good table decorations. z Set two tables across one end for the 'head table' and two rows leading away from the head table like the arrangement in an old English manor house (U shaped). That leaves a 'playing' area in-between the rows of tables for the entertainment.

Pre made renaissance clothing Chivalry Sports Renaissance Store 7718 E. Wrightstown Road Tucson, AZ 85715 Our phone is--1(800) 730-5464 [email protected] Http://www.renstore.com

Words From The Guests… P We purchased 16 pieces of poster board, and stapled them to the wall of the reception area. My brother is a pretty good artist, and drew a message and some ivy across the top of the poster board. His message read: 'The wedding is over, the bride's all aglow; leave a message right here; to let them feel how you know (know how you feel didn't rhyme.)' We had

1997 House Drakstonne

a few baskets with crayons and markers. I still have the posters! P Place a colorful square of cloth at each reception table place-setting and a few fabric pens on each table. Ask guests to sign the squares, then use them to create a one-of-a-kind wedding wish quilt.

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

26

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

ü Food z Exchanges of food between the families of the bride and groom has been a hallowed tradition in countries around the world since ancient times. Symbolize the union of your families by offering guests home-made goodies prepared by both families. An afternoon family jam- or relish-making session, for instance, may garner good times as well as delicious gifts. z In the 15th century, fowl was popular at feasts--and the goal was to try to get the bird to look as life-like as possible. The cooks would put all the feathers *back on* the bird, along with its head and such. The ability to make the bird ultimately look alive was considered culinary genius.

Meat

Soups

Roasted chicken; beef; brisket; roasted Cornish hen; venison; sausages; peppered pork chops; rabbit; Mutton (lamb); quail; boar; fish. Roast beef with Yorkshire pudding; Cornish pasties (little meat and/or veggie pies); Chicken breasts in a sauce with raisins or currants, and lemon white, which is rice cooked with lemon rind and raisins.

Barley broth; oat and leek soup; onion and almond creme soup.

Vegetables Yams/sweet potatoes; green beans; baked acorn squash; parsnips; baked onions. Period salad ingredients include: chives, scallions, radish roots, boiled carrots, turnips; young lettuce, cabbage, asparagus, purslane and herbs with vinegar, oil and sugar; and cucumber served with vinegar, oil, and pepper.

Breads Crusty bread and cheese; homemade bread with honey butter.

1997 House Drakstonne

Desserts Bread pudding; baked apples and fruit tarts. Glazed fruit; apples; strawberries with bowls of powdered sugar and chocolate sauce for dipping. Pastries with pine nuts and sugar; cakes made with almonds and sugar; various preserves, made with sugar and honey; an abundance of candied spice.

Drinks Beer; cider; wines; water; ale; mead; milk.

Spices Cinnamon; cloves; mace; saffron; pepper; ginger; anise; nutmeg; parsley; basil; rosemary; thyme. Sugar was very expensive, used for nobles.

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

27

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

Recipes These recipes were found in Cariadoc's Miscellany. Each recipe was translated from the original old English text. To find the original versions of the texts, visit their web site at www.pbm.com/~lindahl/cariadoc/miscellany.html. I have included two of the original recipes here, along with several translated recipes.

Meat Dishes Pigge in Sage "Take a pigge; Draw him, smyte of his hede, kutte him in iiii quarters, boyle him til he be ynow; take him uppe, and lete cole; smite him in peces; take an hondefull or ii of Sauge; wash hit, grynde it in a morter with hard yolkes of egges; then drawe hit uppe with goode vinegre, but make hit not to thyn; then seson hit with powder of Peper, ginger and salt; then cowche thi pigge in dishes, and caste the sirippe theruppon, and serve it forthe."

(TRANSLATION) 1-1/2 lb. pork roast salt pepper 2 T. dried sage or 12 fresh leaves, chopped 2 t. parsley, finely chopped (omit if fresh sage used) 4 hard-boiled eggs, separated yolk and white 1/4 c. cider vinegar 1/4 t. salt 1/8 t. pepper 1/8 t. ginger Coat pork with salt and pepper. Roast at 325 (or boil in water) until done. Cool and slice. Process yolks with sage, parsley and vinegar until smooth. Chop whites as fine as possible, add with seasonings to vinegar mixture. Add more vinegar if sauce seems too thick. Arrange sliced pork on platter, serve with sauce. (If you like sage, this is a wonderful dish. If you don't like sage, it's a very good dish. The sauce would also be good as deviled eggs, if you left the whites whole and added a little cayenne pepper.)

Beef y - Stewed About 1 Lb+ Beef 3 Medium Onions W1/4 c. Chopped Parsley 1 Bouillon Cube 1/2 t. Cinnamon; 1/4 t. Cloves; 1 t. Sage; 1/4 t. Mace 1/8 t. Whole Grains Of Paradise (Grind) 4 Slices Bread Pinch Of Saffron 1 t. Salt Vinegar

broth from the meat. At the end of 45 minutes mush up the bread and add that, the saffron and salt, bring to a boil and serve.

Add fresh water to cover and bouillon, bring to a boil, add parsley, onion, and spices. Simmer about 45 minutes. Meanwhile, put bread to soak in water and

1997 House Drakstonne

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

28

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

Cormarye 1 t. Ground Coriander 1 t. Caraway (measured whole then ground) 1/2 t. Pepper 3 Cloves Garlic (.15 oz) 1 1/2 c. Red Wine 1/2 t. Salt 1 1/2 lb. Pork Roast 1/2 c. Chicken Broth Grind caraway in a mortar, then grind garlic with it (or use a spice grinder and a garlic press). Combine with coriander, pepper, wine and salt to make a marinade. Stick pork with a knife several times. Put pork in

marinade and let it marinate over night, turning it once or twice. Heat oven to 450 deg. , put in pork, turn down to 350 deg. , roast until it is done (170 deg. on a meat thermometer), basting with the marinade every ten or fifteen minutes. It should take about an hour and a half to two hours, depending on the size and shape of the roast; for larger roasts the rule is about half an hour/pound (if you use more than a three pound roast, you probably want to scale up the amount of marinade). Collect the drippings from the broth, combine with half their volume of chicken broth, simmer for at least 15 minutes and serve over the pork.

Vegetables Mustard Greens 1 1/4 lb. Mustard Greens (including smaller stems) 1 t. Salt 3 T. Oil 4 Slices Bacon 4 t. Vinegar

Wash mustard greens. Boil stems two minutes, then add leaves, boil 6 more minutes and drain. Fry bacon (6 minutes in microwave). Heat oil, add greens and stir, then add salt and cook five minutes. Crumble bacon and put over greens with vinegar. Stir it all up and cook another 3 minutes.

Caboges "Take fayre caboges, an cutte hem, an pike hem clene and clene washe hem, an parboyle hem in fayre water, an thanne presse hem on a fayre bord; an than choppe hem, and caste hem in a fayre pot with goode fresshe broth, an wyth mery-bonys, and let it boyle: thanne grate fayre brede and caste ther-to, an caste ther-to Safron an salt; or ellys take gode grwel y-mad of freys flesshe, y-draw thorw a straynour, and caste ther-to. An whan thou seruyst yt inne, knocke owt the marw of the bonys, an ley the marwe ij gobettys or iij in a dysshe, as the semyth best, and serue forth."

1997 House Drakstonne

(TRANSLATION) 1 Medium Head Cabbage 4 c. Beef Broth 4 lb. Marrow Bones Pinch of Saffron 1 T. Salt Breadcrumbs Wash cabbage. Cut it in fourths. Parboil it (i.e. dump into boiling water, leave there a few minutes). Drain. Chop. Squeeze out water. Put it in a pot with beef broth and marrow bones. Simmer until soft, stirring often enough to keep it from sticking (about 20 minutes). Add saffron, salt, enough bread crumbs to make it very thick. Simmer ten minutes more. Serve.

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

29

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

Armored Turnips 1 lb. Turnips (5 little) 10 oz Cheddar Cheese 2 T. Butter 1/2 t. Cinnamon; 1/4 t. Ginger; 1/4 t. Pepper

Boil turnips about 30 minutes, peel and slice thin, layer turnips and sliced cheese in 9"x5" baking pan, and bake 30 minutes at 350 deg.

Savoury Toasted or Melted Cheese 1/2 lb. Butter 1/2 lb. Cream Cheese 1/8 lb. Brie or other strongly flavored cheese 1/4 t. White Pepper Melt the butter. Cut up the cheese and stir it into the butter over low heat. You will probably want to use a

whisk to blend the two together and keep the sauce from separating (which it is very much inclined to do). When you have a uniform, creamy sauce you are done. You may serve it over asparagus or other vegetables, or over toast; if you want to brown the top, put it under the broiling unit in your stove for a minute or so.

Desserts Excellent Small Cakes 3 c. Flour 3/4 c. Sugar 3/4 lb. Currants = about 2 1/2 c 3/8 lb. Butter = 1 1/2 sticks 2 1/2 T. Cream 1 Egg Yolk 1/4 t. Nutmeg

2 t. Sack (sherry) Cut butter into the flour as one would for piecrust. Bake cakes about 20 minutes at 350 deg. Icing: about 1/3 c. powdered sugar and enough water so you can spread it.

To Make an Excellent Cake 2 c Flour 1 & 1/2 Sticks of Butter 2 c. Currants 1/4 t. Cloves 1/4 t. Mace 1/2 t. Cinnamon 1/4 t. Nutmeg 1/2 T. Sugar 2 T. Sack (or sherry) 1/4 c. Ale yeast settled out of homemade mead or beer (or 1 t dried yeast dissolved in 3T water) 1 T. Rosewater 8 Threads Saffron

1997 House Drakstonne

Icing: 1/8 Egg White (about 2 t) 1/4 t. Rosewater 2 T. Sugar Mix flour, spices, and sugar. Melt butter, mix up yeast mixture, and crush the saffron in the rosewater to extract the color. When the butter is melted, stir it into the flour mixture, then add sack, yeast mixture, and rosewater-saffron mixture. Stir this until smooth, then stir in currants. Bake at 350 deg. in a greased 10" round pan or a 7"x11" rectangular pan for 40 minutes. Remove from pan and spread with a thin layer of icing; cut into bar cookies.

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

30

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

Cheese and Flour Cake 2 c. Flour (1/3 whole wheat) 1/2-3/4 c. Water 3 T. Oil 1-1/2 t. Yeast 3 T. Milk 12 oz. Cheese 6 T. Honey 1 T. Sugar 1/4 t. Pepper Knead flour and water to a very dry dough, mix warm milk and yeast, let sit five minutes, add oil to dough,

knead in. Knead milk and yeast into the dough for about 5-10 minutes, until fairly uniform. Leave 45 minutes to rise in a warm place. Divide dough in about 8 equal portions, flour and pat, stretch, or roll out to size of pan (about 4"x7"); if you roll it out you can use 12 equal portions. Layer with sliced cheese. Bake 45 minutes at 350 deg. Drizzle the honey over it. Serve with mixed sugar and pepper for the guests to sprinkle over to taste. This should probably be done with sourdough instead of yeast, but we have not tried it that way yet.

Flathonys 1/2 c. Milk 4 Egg Yolks 1/3 c. Ale 1/4 c. Sugar 4 T. Butter 1 t. Salt

Bake a pie shell. Beat together milk, egg yolks, ale, sugar. Melt butter, add salt, beat into the liquid, trying to keep the butter from separating out (the hard part). Pour into the pie shell, bake at 350 deg. about 20-30 minutes. Sprinkle on sugar (about 1 T) after the flathony is reasonably solid.

Tips An easy trick to enhance a punch bowl is to float ice cubes with a rosebud or other edible flower frozen in the center of each. If you can find or rent them, get brass, silver, pewter, or wooden servingware. Pewter goblets are a great touch -- get a pair for yourselves so you can toast each other in style! Time may not permit you to eat at your reception, so have your caterer pack a basket of goodies from your reception for you to enjoy when time permits.

1997 House Drakstonne

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

31

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

ü Ca ke z

The wedding cake we know today was not around in medieval times. Instead, medieval guests brought tiny desserts, cookies, or 'bridecakes' and piled them together -- the forerunner of the wedding cake.

z

The tradition of the 'wedding cake feeding' came from the bride and groom eating off a common plate and feeding each other, possibly symbolizing the joining of the two as one through marriage.

z

The wedding cake was intended as a symbol of fertility. To ensure a life of plenty, the Romans broke a thin layer of cake over the bride's head at the end of the ceremony. Crumbs were then gathered by guests as good luck tokens.

P

A modern style wedding cake won't be too out of place. Decorate it with greenery and flowers, heraldic symbols painted with colored icing or decorate like a castle.

P

Bridecakes 1/2 cup butter 1/4 cup honey 2 cups oat flour or wheat flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1 cup rolled oats 1/2 cup currants 1/4 cup buttermilk Cream butter and honey together. Mix dry ingredients together and add the currants, stirring to coat them with Flour. Stir dry ingredients into butter-honey mixture and add butter milk to make a dough. Roll into balls and Flatten on greased cookie sheet. With a knife mark each with a Bride’s Cross (+). Bake in a preheated 350 Degree oven for 15 minutes. Recipe from Wiccacraft for Families by Margie McArthur.

Have a smaller cake especially for the bride and groom, decorated with symbols for their health and happiness. *NEW* - Pewter Wedding Cake Toppers by Fellowship Foundry

The styles include: Romeo and Juliet matching cake topper and goblets; 2 dragons, rearing up at each other to form a heart- cake topper and goblets; and variations on roses. Serving items and small toasting glasses available also! You can visit their website at http://www.fellowshipfoundry.com/ Contact Chivalry Sports for availability and pricing. (pg. 26)

ü Honeymoon z

It was believed that if the newly married couple were to drink mead each evening for the duration of one moon following the wedding, they were assured a male heir within one year. And, if that did occur, lavish gifts and accolades were bestowed upon the meadmaker (artisans that were highly revered at the time). In other words, the couple drank mead (honey wine) for one month (moon) ... Thus the word honeymoon. The mead was drunk from a cup passed down throughout the generations.

¢ Pay

for Airline Tickets and deposits

1997 House Drakstonne

Keep in mind that many people vacation at certain times of the year. Find a place that suits how you feel. Do you want to spend it on a beach? Mountains? Maybe backpacking through Europe. Check early with a travel agent to get all the plans settled far in advance so you can have a smooth transition from wedding to honeymoon. Supplier: Symphony Travel P.O. Box 37696 Phoenix, AZ 85069-7696 623-935-7750 [email protected] www.azsymphonytravel.com

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

32

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

ü Ceremony Decoration z Ribbons have held a much-loved place in wedding traditions since medieval times, when they were worn as declarations of celebration and given to guests as mementos. Decorate trees, benches, ropes and flowers/bushes with small ribbons approx. 8" long in bright colors. z Vine arches are a symbol of growth, fertility, and renewal. Also, when you pass through an arch it is an entrance to a new world. P Arches are rentable at most wedding/floral shops. You may be able to rent the vine spray.

P Ring the site [in a park] with rope with colorful strips of cloth tied-on every foot or so. P Hang homemade banners from the walls or from poles. At the top of the banner leave a sleeve opening. Slide a dowel through it. Pound a nail into either end of the dowel, and add rope. In a second large dowel add a cup hook toward the top, and hang the banner from it. This pole can be hammered into the ground for outdoor weddings.

ü Plan Rehearsal Dinner We did not do this, and we should have. No matter how small or informal, getting together the night before and getting everything scheduled is a good idea. Meet at a quiet coffee shop if you don't want something formal, or have it at one of your homes. Make sure everyone understands their proper times, places, and responsibilities. Planning the rehearsal dinner far in

advance lets everyone know to keep their calendar clear the night before the wedding. **Note- do not offer alcohol if you can avoid it… you don't want it to turn into a party. Schedule the dinner early and suggest everyone go home early and get some sleep!

ü Order Wedding Band Engravings z This is a wonderfully medieval tradition, and even dates back to ancient times when girls would have clay beads with the date and initials carved in it to wear as a charm necklace.

P Meet with your jeweler early, and confirm what should be engraved. Verify it more than once (by both parties) for date and spelling accuracy. If you approve the engraving and it is wrong, you will end up having to pay for new rings (or live with the mistake!)

ü Keep A Record Of All Gifts Received Mom always said "Write your thank you notes in a timely fashion", but even a few days can go by during this stressful time and you may not remember who sent you that lovely platter or bedding. Keep a record

of gifts with all the information - 'from' and date at least- in your card file or notebook. Write your thank you notes after you return from your Honeymoon.

ü Check That All Bridal Attire Has Been Ordered Double check everything; make a sketch of what you were looking for in the entire costume. Consult with a local seamstress, SCA member, or someone who

1997 House Drakstonne

might spot what may be missing. It can be heartbreaking to remember that wonderful item the night before the wedding.

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

33

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

NOTES (and Additional Recipes!)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction. -Antoine de Saint-Exupery 1997 House Drakstonne

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

34

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

2 Months Before Getting The Men Involved Too Order Favors For Reception Shop For Wedding Accessories Confirm Flowers, Ceremony And Reception Reservations First Gown Fitting Start Addressing The Invitations

1999 House Drakstonne

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

35

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

NOTES

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

All's fair in love and war. -Francis Edward Smedley 1999 House Drakstonne

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

36

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

ü Getting The Men Involved Too Make sure to have the men involved in every step here. Take measurements, fit them properly, and ask them what kind of look they want. Sometimes the schedule gets so hectic the men feel overwhelmed, and then left out (yes, personal experience speaking here.)

Make sure all the accessories are thought about at this time too. If the men are ordering any type of armor or blades, the orders must be well in advance.

ü Order Favors for Reception Garter z The garter toss is one of the oldest surviving wedding traditions. It was customary for friends, relatives, guests to accompany the bridal couple to the marriage bed. Guests would sit at the end of the bed with their backs to the bride and groom. Men would throw the bride's stocking over their shoulder and try to hit her nose, while women would do the same for the groom. As time went on, this became rowdier and rowdier to the point that some guests were all too eager to help the bride out of her wedding clothes. To forestall such impropriety, the garters were quickly removed and thrown to the mob as a distraction. Smart brides began having men compete for the garter usually a foot or horse race. Also, many would give out small colored ribbons called "favors" to guests as an attempt to avoid being turned upside down by men eager for their garter. It has evolved into the tradition we now know. Brides were sometimes stripped at the altar by the men getting favors. There are paintings depicting brides with sleeves and bodice were totally be-ribboned to avoid being stripped.

1999 House Drakstonne

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

37

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

Other favors z In the world of chivalry, a favor was often a lady's scarf or handkerchief, which she gave to her lover before he went into a battle or joust. z At Renaissance faires, favors are small pendants, ribbons, rosettes, tassels, or other wearable trinkets often given by the nobility. These favors represent the esteem and affection of the giver for the recipient. P Some wedding favor ideas: Parchment scrolls printed with a favorite poem and tied with velvet ribbon; miniature wreaths of dried flowers and herbs; velvet pouches filled with potpourri; small flasks of mead or fruit wine; tickets to a local Renaissance Festival; gold-foil-wrapped chocolate coins; little brass bells; bookmarks.

P A basket of home made candles, or beeswax candles can be placed in a basket by the table with the guest book. Guests can take a candle as they enter or leave the reception. The candles are easy to make and not expensive. Beeswax is available in all sorts of colors at craft shops. It is sold in sheets that you cut to size and roll around the wick to make a candle. Make two small candles sharing the same wick in wedding colors to symbolize the unity. P Put all the recipes for the reception food in a cookbook. This solves another problem as well; guests with various dietary restrictions and allergies can peruse the cookbook before going through the buffet and decide which things they can eat.

ü Shop For Wedding Accessories Remember all the little things; nylons, slippers, jewelry, hair ties/pins/flowers (and get extra!) Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, flower girl, ring bearer,

ushers… whoever is in the party needs to finalize their lists here.

ü Confirm Flowers, Ceremony And Reception Reservations After you have planned out what you want, getting any fresh flowers to arrive on time is critical to a fresh bouquet, or arrangement. I found a shop with a great company discount. I called a month in advance. I confirmed twice. I prepaid by credit card and paid the extra delivery fee. I sat on my wedding day and cried as the flowers were still sitting at the shop a 45 minute drive from my house. When I called the shop, they

said they were ready for me to pick up. On the ticket the clerk read to me, it stated I had prepaid the delivery charge and left the information, phone number and directions. I strongly suggested the owner drive the 45 minute drive to bring me the flowers that morning. This happened three years ago, and see how vivid the memory is? Confirm everything one more time….

ü First Gown Fitt i n g Pay close attention to whether or not you can sit comfortably in the dress, walk well and dance in the shoes, and laugh with the veil/headdress on.

Take your maid of honor along to see how to help you get into the dress on your wedding morning.

ü S tart Addressing The Wedding Invitations Remember that list you made? Confirm each address before addressing and stamping. Invitations and postage add up pretty fast, and wasting even a couple can start to get frustrating. Make sure to have

1999 House Drakstonne

someone help, make a party out of it with your bridesmaids or friends, or a romantic evening with your fiancee.

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

38

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

1 Month Before Confirm Rehearsals Confirm Lodging For Out Of Town Guests Purchase Final Party Supplies, Wedding Album, Guest Book Gifts Have The Final Fitting On Your Wedding Attire Apply For Marriage License With Fiancee

1999 House Drakstonne

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

39

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

NOTES

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One word frees us of all the weight and pain in life. That word is love. -Sophocles 1999 House Drakstonne

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

40

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

ü Confirm Rehearsals 6 Send out schedules letting your wedding party know where they are needed and when (rehearsal, pictures, etc.) a few weeks before the big day.

ü Confirm Lodgi ng For Out - Of - Town Guests P Make sure everyone has the address, phone number and "how to get there" from the airport to the hotel. Send an extra copy for them to leave with the

people at home who could not attend so they can be reached.

ü Purchase Fin al Party Supplies, Wedding Album, Guest Book 6 Decide what you want ahead of time, and call around to find out where to find the items. Party supply stores are great, but can be time consuming and expensive if you just walk in and buy everything you want there.

$ Use the yellow pages and call around first, since you are buying in large quantities call restaurant suppliers for rental or large purchase discounts.

ü Gifts P A new take on the Scottish tradition of the groom giving his bride an engraved "wedding spune" is to give the mothers of the bride and groom silver serving spoons engraved with your initials and your wedding date. z An ancient tradition is to have a bead inscribed with the initials and date of the wedding. P Other gift ideas: bookmarks; mugs with names

and the wedding date on it; small flasks of mead or fruit wine; a thank you scroll rolled up with a gold ring around it (and a gift certificate to their favorite store or restaurant). P Showering gifts upon the bride and groom is a given at weddings, but it is the thoughtful couple who, in turn, give their new in-laws gifts in thanks and remembrance of the day.

ü Have The Final Fitting On Your Wedding Attire At your final fitting, pay close attention to how the outfit moves with you, the comfort, and don't forget to try sitting and dancing in it. Try on everything; the headpiece if you can, the shoes, etc. Make sure it is

all working together. If there is a problem, speak up! Don't worry about complaining, that is why you are trying it on so far ahead.

ü Apply For Marriage License With Fiancee Check with your county about special requirements for the license. Many counties and states vary, and wait times/processing times vary also. I sat in the office for

1999 House Drakstonne

three hours the same morning I was to pick up my family at the airport. Thank goodness for flight delays!

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

41

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

NOTES

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A good marriage is like a casserole, only those responsible for it really know what goes in it. -- Anonymous 1999 House Drakstonne

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

42

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

1 to 2 Weeks Before Finalize Decorating And Flowers Schedules Give Caterer Final Guest Count Confirm All Costumes Confirm Reservations Pick Up Honeymoon Tickets Pack For Honeymoon

1999 House Drakstonne

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

43

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

NOTES

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, half shut afterwards. - Benjamin Franklin 1999 House Drakstonne

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

44

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

ü Finalize Flowers And Decorating Schedule Confirm all decorating schedules with your volunteers, and make sure to have a few extra people just in case.

Give each of them the full schedule, just in case they need to fill in for someone else.

ü Give Caterer A Final Guest Count If finances allow, plan for 10 percent more people than you have on the list. Otherwise, check your numbers

one last time (and get a second count from someone helping) to avoid a shortage.

ü Confirm All Co stuming Get every piece of accessories together with the costumes, and have them ready for a final fitting. A 'dress' rehearsal the night before can eliminate wedding day panic for everyone in the wedding party.

1999 House Drakstonne

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

45

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

ü Confirm: Sites, Music, Photo, Video, Transportation, Transportation, Flowers, Food, Entertainment This is where that handy notebook will really pay off.

ü Pick Up Honeymoon Tickets Try to pack them in a very safe place that you both will remember. Also pack any visas, passports, itineraries and other information you will need.

Leave a copy of your itinerary with both families in case of emergency.

ü Pack For Your Honeymoon Cover all you need for where you are going; suntan lotion, winter clothing, etc.

1999 House Drakstonne

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

46

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

The Day of the Wedding Have Emergency Kit With You Get Hair Done Begin Dressing 1-1/2 Hours Before The Ceremony

1999 House Drakstonne

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

47

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

NOTES

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To keep your marriage brimming, with love in the wedding cup, whenever you're wrong, admit it; whenever you're right, shut up. -- Ogden Nash 1999 House Drakstonne

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

48

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

ü Have Emergency Kit With You This reminder needs to be given to each member of the wedding party, not just the bride! Travel sewing kit, safety pins, hair spray, nail file, nail polish, extra stockings, tissue.

Extra money, identification (wallets) - make sure you have a pouch or something to hold them. Water bottle, hard candy, aspirin or other pain reliever. Any medication you may need to take for that day.

ü Go To Hairdresser Or have hairdresser come to you. Practice the style a week or so in advance, you don't need any surprises!

ü Begin Dressing One And OneOne- Half Hours Before The Ceremony Again, this should be practiced about a week before. There are many accessories that go with a wedding outfit, have them all available during the rehearsal and pack them all together for the wedding day.

Deep breath and enjoy!

1999 House Drakstonne

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

49

•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ•œ

Thank Yous Thanks to my husband Matthew, my daughters Amber, Kellie and Ashleigh, Wanda, LaJeanne, Becky and everyone else who spent countless hours doing research, editing and putting up with all the long evenings. Thanks Gael for your wonderful ideas and help! Thanks also to the Wild Wolf Women of the Web, (www.wildwolfwomen.com) for their love and support. Couldn't have done this without you all!

Credits: - Barbara Kuehl, Compiler Of The Medieval & Renaissance Theme Wedding Faq http://paul.spu.edu/~kst/bib/bib.html - Art Used With Permission From Arttoday (http://www.arttoday.com) - "A Natural History Of Love," By Diane Ackerman -Some Food Item Ideas Are From "The Original Mediterranean Cuisine" By Barbara Santich, Prospect Books, 1995. - Recipes From "Cariadoc's Miscellany"(C) By Davi d Friedman And Elizabeth Cook, 1988, 1990, 1992. - "A Basic Guide To Footwear In The Viking Age" By Jeff Clarke (Hafgrim Gunnarson) - Kirsten Nichols At http://www.bibiana.com/ For The Commercial Pattern Information.

ISBN 0-9719562-0-0

1999 House Drakstonne

z - Historical Fact P-Tip 6 - Time Saver $ - Money Saver ¢- Don't Forget

50