100+ Medieval themed wedding ideas (or Renaissance)

Planning a medieval themed wedding? Fantastic!
I want to help you infuse passion into your special day.
To make your research easier, I have gathered and created over 100 ideas (from details to big decisions) covering: 

• medieval themed wedding invitations,
• colors, decors and centerpieces,
• medieval themed favors,
• ceremony and clothes,
• party details, cake toppers,
• and much more!

All you need to create an unforgettable medieval wedding (or Renaissance)!

This article contains affiliate Links (see Disclosure page). If you purchase using my link, I receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Medieval or Renaissance?

Before we go any further, it is best to clarify what I will cover in this article.

• Medieval
  It refers to the Middle-Ages from the 5th to the 14th Century.
  The church dominates the society.
  Medieval art and architecture centers around religion.
• Renaissance
  The period latest from 14th to 17th century
  The state was supreme to the church.
  Renaissance art is influenced by Greek and Roman classics, more perspective, oil paintings and more real people.

However, what most people have in mind for their wedding is the transition period, a mix of both with the vibe of Renaissance fairs.
This theme includes:

• peasant themed weddings (rustic medieval), 
• royal themed weddings (royal medieval),
• knights,
• illuminated scripts,
• lots of feasting and dancing,
• and for those who enjoy it, a little bit of fantasy added with dragons or relating to Game of Thrones.
• Some will also enjoy including a little bit of Celtic into the theme.

Venue and colors

Special venue ideas

You can have a medieval themed wedding anywhere. It is all in the decor.
However, you can consider venues that fit best with your theme, such as:

• a farm setting or a barn if you are choosing the rustic medieval theme
• a garden or park with a "royal look"
• a castle like venue for a royal medieval theme wedding
• A monument with a large wooden room can work well too, or with weathered stones and stained glass
• Gothic style architecture can also be found around churches
• if you are looking for Medieval Fantasy, then a forest is a perfect location. With decor you can make it look magical or fairytale.

Colors

One of the first decision to make it the color scheme since stationery, flowers, decors and all will be relating to that decision.
If you don't have any ideas, I recommend you look at invitations in the next section and see what appeals to you most.
There is a wide variety of color choices for a medieval wedding.

For a Royal medieval theme, rich, colorful fabrics were used with intense colors and some gold accents.
If you are choosing a peasant, rustic medieval wedding, the colors were more neutral and pastels.

Otherwise, consider white with:

• Deep red
• Royal blue
• Bordeaux or aubergine
• Vibrant green or teal
• Earthy brown

And touches of gold or silver for the knight's armors.

Careful: I list a lot of ideas, but don't go overboard with your theme!

Medieval themed wedding invitations

The invitations and the stationery are some of the most important ways to convey the medieval theme of your wedding and how special it will be.
Design Elements to take into consideration to be in accordance with your theme are:

• The drawings or pictures - 
  Coat of Arms
  Knights on horses or not
  Ornate contours with nature themes - some with illuminated scripts style
  And if you go fantasy: Dragons
• The font - 
  There are lots of Medieval style fonts - e.g. Calligraphy fonts with double lines.
• The shape -
  You can go all the way and find a printer with parchment paper.
  Or you can just print an invitation that looks like old parchment.
  Scrolls are appropriate too, but not easy to send.
• Special medieval theme related words -
  Lady and Sir
  Old English words like "thou", "thine", "beseech",
  And typical sentences such as: "Thy presence is requested", "Let it be known throughout the land", "feasting and merriment to follow".

You can opt for original options.
Most have complete suites of medieval themed wedding stationery.
Here are some fun examples. Once opened, click on personalize to add your wedding's information :

Or you can opt for themed but classic stationery options; with a simple drawing related to the Middle-Ages or with a picture of you in Medieval costumes.
Here are some beautiful examples :

Don't forget to consider, as applicable, the:

• Save the date
• Wedding invitation
• RSVP cards
• Bridal shower invitation
• Rehearsal dinner invitation

Other fun elements

The details can also be important.
When the person received the invitation, seeing a special themed sticker, or a wax sealed at the back of the envelope can already trigger excitement!
Here are some examples:

Other formal invitations

You can also have fun in relation to your proposal to be groomsmen, bridesmaids, best man, maid of honour, ring bearer...
Here are some examples: 

Medieval wedding decors

Medieval themed centerpieces ideas

It is with centerpieces that you can have a lot of fun around your theme.
I have tried to collect ideas that you can order, personalize or make yourself.
Consider:

• Flowers with lots of green leaves - lush nature feel
• Balls of fruits
• Simple jar with candle and surrounded by moss - see example
• Lots of candles of varying sizes (see next section)
• A crown with placed leaves around (but not a baroque crown, it is the wrong period)
• Fantasy looking chalice
• Knight armor pieces
• and old looking leather embossed book

Candles & holders

You can also add candles to add to the ambiance.
You can consider 3 types of candles to decorate your wedding:

• Candles with medieval theme drawings, and your wedding date
• Candles with a picture of you dressed in medieval gowns, and your wedding date
• Simple candles just for lighting and mood

What conveys romance and olden times like candles? Too many candles could be a fire hazard, but candle holders can mitigate some of the risks and look even more fantastical. Candles make a charming centerpiece for the dinner table, but they can also be held by bride maids or used in the ceremony decoration.

And if you don't want to risk of fire, but do want the ambiance, consider some flameless candles:

Other table decor elements

The rest of the elements on the table can also be chosen around your theme.
But don't go overboard.
Always remember to remove one accessory once you are finished.

Consider choosing themed:

• Napkins
• Name card holder
• Table number or name
• Silverware
• Wine bottle labels
• Chalices and flutes
• ...

Other decor elements

The table is not the only place where you can have fun with the decor.
All around the events, you can include small touches of Medieval and Renaissance decors such as:

• Tapestry
• Fake armor backdrop
• A floral arch for the ceremony
• Royal flags
• Dragons (if fantasy)
• Stone walls

Flowers

Flowers and herbs were largely present in Medieval weddings.
Herbs were believed to have powers and that they could help the couple prosper and stay healthy ( Rosemary, thyme, basil...).
Wheat was the symbol of fertility and placed in bouquets.

Green ivy was also very present.

Lighting

Candelabre and candles are appropriate.

Favors for medieval wedding theme

Medieval themed favors

It can be really fun to create favors that are products related to your xx theme or at least decorated with your medieval designs or pictures.
Consider:

• velvet or satin bags filled with chocolate gold coins,
• beeswax candles,
• handmade soaps,
• lavender sachets (but know many people are allergic to lavender),
• small bottles filled with homemade herbal products
• mini old looking keys, horseshoe, or other relating to ancient times
• ...

Classic personalized favors

Or you can opt for the more traditional favors but that you personalize around the theme or just with pictures of you and the date of the wedding.
For example:

• stickers
• mug
• keychain
• magnet
• glass
• match box (the perfect match)
• photo block
• hand sanitizer (spread love, not germs)
• candy box
• mint box (mint to be)
• liquor bottle
• chocolate bar
• ...

Favor boxes and tags

Once again, you can personalize with a picture of your (themed or not) and find a box with decors related to your theme.
Here are some examples:

Ceremony & clothes

Officiant & program

If you are not going the traditional religious route, you can have fun with the officiant and the ceremony program.
Here are some ideas:

• officiant as a knight
• officiant holding the text on a scroll
• enjoy a ceremony with sentences from the Middle-Ages e.g. "Lord, art thou here this day in pledged troth of thy own free will and choice?" - see more ideas here
• And here is another suggestion for a complete ceremony
• If you have opted for a Celtic style, you can include the ancient hand fastening ritual where 3 cords placed over the couple's joined hands.
• You can have your guests welcomed by troubadours

Medieval theme vows - fun ideas

If you are writing your own vows, you can include some medieval related words or sentences, to make the audience smile and your partner swoon.
Here are some ideas:

• Here is a first short idea 
• add "for fairer or fouler"
• Find more medieval terms here

Dress and clothes

Wedding dress

Choose the dress you really want. This should not be about the theme but about you.
However, period dresses can include:

• corsets, a laced bodice effect,
• bell sleeves,  
• Velvet, silk, satin and brocade are typical fabrics
• gold details
• blue was traditionally incorporated into the wedding attire of both partners, whether it was the dress, a hair ribbon, or an accessory.
• princess gown with a billowing skirt or a long train,
• simple empire line dress  without too many details or embellishments.
• Brides considered blue to be a sign of purity

See example 1 (simple inspired)  -   See example 2 (more costume like)
See example 3 (modern inspired) - See example 3 (red)

Bridesmaid

There are plenty of options that would be appropriate for medieval bridesmaid’s dresses:

• princess-line dress
• drop waist dress
• Period costumes

Medieval Wedding Suit

• Blue is very frequent - so either a blue suit or another color but with blue details
• Long coat tails, embroidered details, and gold accents
• ties with fleur-de-lis, crests or medieval cross designs
• a period costume

Accessories

With the accessories, you can really make a classic look enter the period.

For the women, consider:

•  boots or flat shoes
• a medieval-style tiara or diadem instead of a veil
• flowered headpieces or crowns
• cloak or cape with embroidery
• Threading flowers in the hairdo

For the mend, consider:

• cloak or cape with embroidery
• swords

For all, embellishments with precious deep-colored stones such as emeralds, amethysts, sapphires...

Bouquet

If you already have a lot of embellishments in the dress, opt for a simple bouquet with mostly greenery

If your dress is simple (like the first example), you can pick green and one vibrant color of flower. Cascades of flowers would look good too.

Ring

Medieval wedding rings feature:

• metals: gold and silver for royals, bronze, latten and pewter for the others
• gemstones: for their beauty and mystical powers (sapphire protecting from evil, rubies purifying mind and body, emerald for wealth...)
• Note that diamond rings were not frequent.
• Learn more

Fun Medieval wedding photo ideas

Now, it's time to take pictures of the couple and the wedding party.
You will, of course, start with the classic pictures, but then you can also have fun.
Here are some ideas:

• Everyone in armor battling
• A guard of honor with bridesmaids and groomsmen holding swards
• Drinking from chalices around a round table
• In beautiful flower fields
• ...

Renaissance wedding ideas for the party

Transportation

Transportation between the events or just for the last 500 yards can be related to your theme. You can make a grand entrance!
You can consider:

• A vintage carriage
• Horse riding

Seating chart

Creating a fun seating chart is one of the easiest way to include your theme in your wedding.
Here are some ideas for medieval or renaissance themed seating charts:

• Name the table after herbs - and have a jar of each herb at corresponding tables
• Name the table after Kings and Queens
• Create a seating chart that looks like an ancient map
• Write the table name and guest names on scrolls of paper and attach them to a velvet fabric
• Create a flag for each table

Or you can keep a traditional-looking seating chart:

Cake shapes and Medieval cake toppers

With the cake, you can also have a lot of fun around your theme:

Option 1 - Traditional cake with decor

You can have traditional cakes (tiered cakes are totally appropriate) but with:

•  a few medieval related decors such as armors, swords, axes... or dragons (if fantasy medieval)
• a fun cake toppers with bride and groom in medieval setting!
• Or you can personalize a traditional cake topper with your photo, names or medieval themed designs
• a crow cake topper

Option 2 - Theme-shaped cake

You can have a cake in a fun shape but with a much simpler topper so that it is not overwhelming. For example:

• a cake in the shape of a Castle 
• a cake with lots of florals 
• Rectangular cake but with intricate medieval decor (old map, castle...)

Food / Menu

The Middle Ages are famous for the large feast with:

• long tables
• meat (goose, lamb, and venison)
• lot of spices (they were reserved for special occasions)
• lots of wine and beer
• platters of fresh fruits and nuts
• aged cheeses

Speech jokes

If you are a bridesmaid, groomsman, or a parent of the happy couple, you may have to give a speech.
A great wedding speech makes people say ohhhhhh and laugh.
The ohhhh part will come from personal stories about the couple.

But to make the audience laugh, the theme can be very useful.
Here are some jokes you could include:

• The groom is a free-lancer, a modern medieval knight willing to be hired
• The medieval theme  you choose is perfect, it goes really well with your middle-aged parents 
• I am sure he/she will battle a dragon for you
• Or get inspired by this article with medieval jokes and puns
• Find more medieval terms here

Guest book

Don't forget to have a guest book for people to write you special message you will enjoy reading and re-reading later in life.
You can go with a traditional guest book or you can imagine something more unique and creative:

• guests write on vintage looking paper, roll them and place them in a chest
• have people on leaf sticky notes and create a nature wall!

Activities - Entertainment - Music

And finally, to keep everyone entertain, you can plan for fun activities during the wedding.
Not all of them have to be related to your theme, but a few could be.
Here are some examples;

• A trivia challenge around medieval times
• A modified version of "him/me and her/me" with paddles - where questions place them in a medieval situation (who would wear the armors better, who would eat the most at ta feast, who would drink the most, who would go fight the dragon...)
• Jugglers, troubadours...
• Music - medieval instruments include harp, flute, bagpipes, lute, guitar, and mandolin. 
• A photo booth with props - swords, axes, crowns... and a medieval backdrop

Registry / wedding gift ideas

A registry is a curated list of gifts that a couple creates to make the wedding gift experience easier and more guided for their guests.
It is rarely related to the wedding theme and is more focused on building a home together.
You can create a traditional registry, including:

• tableware
• cookware
• bakeware
• appliances
• entertaining furniture or tools (bar cart, wine decanter...)
• linen
• home decor
• garden and outdoor cooking supply
• luggages
• ...

These can be created at:

• traditional shops
• on Amazon - see their Wedding registry system (which allows you to list from everything on the store!)
• online registries with cash options
• honeymoon registries

Don't forget to select products with various price points.

Or you can register for cash.

Other wedding events

Bridal showers and Bachelor Parties

The showers and parties don't have to be related to your theme.
But if you want to carry out the theme, you could consider:

• flower or basket weaving
• learning archery
• learning sword fighting
• axe throwing

Rehearsal Dinner

The rehearsal dinner doesn't have to be related to your theme.
But if you want to apply for it as well, you can use all the ideas already listed in this article.

Honeymoon

Once again, the honeymoon doesn't have to be related to your theme.
But you can keep enjoying your passion.
You could consider:

• Tour of Medieval castles in Europe - Scotland, France
• Puy du Fou Medieval theme park in France

Other period weddings:

• 1920s themed wedding
• Baroque
• Disco
• Victorian
• Viking
• Ancient Greece
• Ancient Egypt
• WWII
• See all