7 Medieval Wedding Dresses in a Modern Style
In this article, let’s think outside the box by looking at medieval-style wedding gowns! We’ll dive into the traditions behind medieval wedding dresses, show you some fabulous and varying styles, and provide examples of some of the most breathtaking medieval wedding dresses out there.
Readeth on my lady and discov’r the quaintest dresses thee’ve ev’r laid eyes upon. Sorry, couldn’t help myself with a little nod to old English!
Why Choose A Medieval Wedding Dress
It understandable if you haven’t considered this style before, or you feel it’s out of your comfort zone. However, there are many, many reasons to choose a beautiful medieval wedding dress.
1. Memorable
When it seems like everyone you know is getting married, it can be diffcult to find a dress that stands out and makes a lasting impression. One thing I can certainly say about medieval wedding gowns is that they’re completely distinctive and wonderfully unique in appearance. Right from the corseted bodice down to the beautiful trumpet sleeves.
2. Sync With Your Venue
Medieval dresses can be worn for any wedding. If it’s the dress you want, it’s the dress you should have. However, if you’re lucky enough to be marrying in a historical setting such as a castle or an abbey, a medieval dress will certainly enhance that coveted medieval style.
3. The Romance Of It All
There’s just something about this style of dress that screams romance. Perhaps its the sense of enduring tradition, maybe the sumptuous fabrics and floaty skirts or simply their fairytale-like appearance. Whichever reason you most identify with, you’re sure to feel the love in the air the moment you slip into a medieval wedding gown.
Which Gown Style is for You?
Whether you’re going for a completely traditional take on medieval or a slightly more updated version, there are many beautiful gown variations out there to choose from.
Traditional
A traditional medieval gown is likely to be jewel-toned in colour with a dramatic, voluminous skirt and a corseted bodice. This is perfect if you’re looking to embody the classic look of a medieval bride, if your wedding is medieval-themed or you’re simply wanting to move away from a white gown and go for a bolder bridal look.
Modern
If you love the idea of a medieval-style dress, but the reality of a replica is too much for you, opt for a more contemporary design with medieval influences. Identify the elements that you love (such as gorgeous trumpet sleeves), and subtly incorporate them into your blended bridal look.
7 Medieval Style Wedding Gowns
Now, on to the dresses! Though it’s a time long passed, there are a great number of wedding dress designers out there designing gowns that truly capture and celebrate the medieval style. Below are seriously stunning examples, including my top picks for each style.
1. Fairy Tale Style Medieval Wedding Dress
Marrying the love of your life should feel like the final page of a fairy tale — with the gown of your dreams to match! Live your happily ever after in this stunning dress by Etsy seller CelticFusionDesign.
2. Modern Medieval Wedding Dress
by Azazie
If you’re wishing for a subtle medieval touch on an otherwise modern gown, wedding boutiques like Azazie are a good place to shop. This breathtaking diamond white gown is one of my top picks.
3. Sleeveless Medieval Wedding Dress
A spring/summer wedding or a ceremony abroad deserves a dress like this beautiful lace-up corset gown. It has all of the beloved features of a medieval wedding dress, but with the coolness of a sleeveless bodice.
4. Game of Thrones White Meereen Dress + Cape
by Hidylle
Game of Thrones is the epitome of medieval fantasy looks. One of my favorite shows of all time may have come to an end, but that doesn’t mean you can’t relive Game of Thrones in all its glory on your wedding day. This handmade replica can be paired with a statment necklace for a stunning look.
Or, for that matter, wear this gown at a party around Halloween time and all eye will be on you – Mother of Dragons!
5. Galadriel Elvish Style Medieval Gown
A mix of boho meets medieval style sounds like an absolute dream. This stunning design by 5 star Etsy seller CostureroReal is the real-life proof. The dress is handmade to order, and could be the perfect look for a beach wedding or for brides wishing to inject a small medieval touch to a bohemian aesthetic.
6. Celtic Medieval Wedding Dress
by LoreTree
For a truly romantic medieval bridal look, a Celtic style gown is a wonderful choice. This stunning silk chiffon dress is composed of a fluid tunic in pure silk and a detached corset belt. The tunic dress is made with two layers of silk chiffon, guaranteed to take your future spouse’s breath away.
7. Affordable Medieval Wedding Dress – Etsy
Brides on a budget needn’t rule out this opulent looking style. Take this particular design from 5 star Etsy seller CostureroReal — an equally beautiful medieval design for a fraction of the cost.
The History Of Medieval Weddings & Gowns
Amazingly, the basic structure of a medieval wedding day has long endured and is very similar to our weddings today. A religious blessing, the exchanging of vows and rings, followed by a feast with friends and family. That being said, there are some interesting practices that while not unrecognisable, haven’t exactly stood the test of time either!
Announcements
Today you may wish to announce your engagement in the local paper or, more likely, spread the word all over Facebook and Instagram! In medieval times, however, a notice would be placed on the church doors for the whole town to see.
The Cake
If you’re dreaming of a delicious tiered vanilla cake with pure white frosting and an adorable bride and groom topper, it’s lucky you’re marrying in the 21st century. Medieval couples would instead be gifted with a pile of small buns stacked into a pile over which they would have to share a kiss. A successful smooch was an indication of a long and happy marriage, adorable!
The Gown
Forget those crisp white and ivory gowns, ladies of years gone by would be decked out in jewel-coloured dresses for their big day. Blue was also a popular colour believed to symbolise the brides’ innocence and purity. If you hadn’t already guessed it, this is where the blue in some old, new, borrowed and blue originated!
The Hair
Love those oh-so-natural curls styled with a bohemian flower crown? Well, we all have brides of medieval times to thank for that. Their hair too was traditionally styled loosely and adorned with flowers. Now that’s what I call timeless style!
What Does A Medieval Wedding Look Like
This is a question with a few different answers. Your wedding day can take on many different forms, depending on whether you opt for a historically faithful interpretation of a medieval ceremony or a day simply influenced by this theme.
Introduce the traditions listed above to add a fun historical element. Additionally, opt for dramatic medieval decor and have guests sit around a long banquet-style table for dinner. You’ll feel instantly transported to another time to celebrate your union!
Alternatively, incorporate a few select traditions into your day that speak to you. For example, try blue cuffs on your dress or style your hair with a traditional flower crown. Combining these elements with your medieval gown will give a classical twist on an otherwise modern wedding day.
Whether you’re definitely opting for a medieval gown, or you’re slightly inspired to discover a more unique look for your wedding day, I hope your eyes are open to something new and exciting as you search for the one.
We are certain you’ll look perfect on your wedding day, whichever gown you choose. May all of the love and luck in the world come your way!
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