Celtic Wedding questions?

Question

I am planninga celtic medeival wedding and i am stuck on a few things...I am trying to decide what to use as table covers! My tables are picnic table style (its outdoors) and i want to try to be authentic what should i use? I am really stuck on decor ideas to i want it to be authentic but pretty i know they wouldnt have had alot of decor but i still want something. I would also appreciate any other info anyone can give me on the celtic or medeival wedding theme...Thanks All !

Answer 1

Congratulations!  That sounds like a great idea.  Maybe you could try tablecloths of lace?  For theme ideas, instead of numbering the tables, you could name them Irish towns?  You could use alternating green, orange and white satin bows on the chairs to bring in the Celtic theme...

Good luck!

Answer 2

OK. First, you need to decide on which one you want, Celtic, or Medieval.

For Celtic: One way to theme your Celtic wedding is to focus upon the history and tradition of one of the seven Celtic nations. Those seven nations are considered to be: Scotland ~ Wales ~ Cornwall ~ Isle of Man ~ Spain ~ Brittany ~ Ireland

Three of these countries, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland seem to hold the most appeal for a themed wedding.

Choosing a family heirloom, such as a coin, watch, rings, or cross that has been passed down for generations is another way to take Celtic wedding themes to the next level. Have that symbol imprinted on your wedding invitations, napkins, or even as part of your wedding cake design.

Scottish

Celtic traditions often involve the men wearing kilts. For the man not accustomed to this practice, he may be more comfortable in a tuxedo vest in plaid. Bridesmaid dresses can even be found in plaid, such as this Jim Hjelm dress or from Watters and Watters. A plaid wedding often looks nice outdoors, in light shades of greens and other pastels. For a winter wedding, deep hunter greens, burgundies, and navies make a nice color palette for a plaid-themed wedding. Other decorating ideas for a plaid wedding include: Plaid ribbon bow on the wedding invitation ~ Bridal bouquets wrapped in plaid ~ Aisle runner in plaid ~ Tablecloths or runners in plaid ~ Plaid cake design

Having bagpipe music playing throughout a plaid and/or Scottish Celtic themed wedding is a rich addition to the overall ambiance of the day.

Celtic Knots

If you want to have a wedding theme that boasts of a symbol of your love and marriage, finding a Celtic knot may be your answer. Although the symbolism of various knots are disputed, using a Trinity or Love Knot in a wedding as part of the theme is entirely appropriate. Use knot charms on your guest book, in champagne glass handles, in jewelry, as part of your cake design or wedding cake topper, and on your programs and invitations. A number of unique wedding favors may also feature Celtic knots, like bookmarks, candles, or pins.

Celtic knots and scrollwork are often found on crosses, as well. If you have access to a historical church or are planning a destination wedding, consider hosting your wedding ceremony at a site with Celtic architectural features. Picking a historical location can really make your theme come alive for yourselves and the guests.

Claddagh Symbol

Originally an Irish Celtic symbol, the claddagh ring is worn by many today to symbolize love, loyalty, and friendship. Wearing the ring a certain way can signify your romantic involvement. For this reason, a number of couples may choose theme their Celtic wedding around the Claddagh ring design. The two hands holding the crowned heart may appear as charms on the guest book, ring bearer pillow, or as part of guest favors; additionally, using the symbol on other items makes the wedding theme come full circle. The symbol can be used on: Invitations ~ Programs ~ Thank you notes ~ Napkins ~ Wedding cake toppers ~ Bridal jewelry

Search out unique stores and small boutiques owned by someone of the Celtic heritage you are theming your wedding upon. They may carry the accessories you need in order to make your ceremony and reception come together, or be able to incorporate Celtic graphics into the accessories.

Medieval Wedding:

Your reception can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. You are sure to find Renaissance musicians to provide background music. If not, there are many wonderful recordings of Medieval music available through specialty music stores and by mail order. Ask your friends if they know of any minstrels, jugglers, or acrobats who would be willing to entertain at your wedding.

I would suggest cutting evergreen branches and decking the rafters with them, and garlands of flowers for the heads of the wedding party. The most impressive way to decorate the reception hall, in my opinion, is to borrow personal banners, those of your group and neighboring shires, etc., and deck the walls with those. Lots of color.  

You could also use real ivy and wrap it around the tent poles everywhere. Or have shields with your mutual coats of arms painted on and hung above your seats. Use white heavy linens for table cloths with table runners for the head tables and ivory table cloths with pansies in baskets as centerpieces. Borrow a hand-made suit of armour from a member of the SCA. Candlelight and/or firelight is a nice touch. Baskets decorated with greenery and dried flowers are also good choices.

Centerpieces/Favors:

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.  Some other favor ideas: Parchment scrolls printed with a favorite poem and tied with velvet ribbon ~ Miniature wreaths of dried flowers and herbs ~ Quill pens with a clever note attached ~ Velvet pouches filled with potpourri ~ Small flasks of mead or fruit wine ~ Tickets to a local Ren. faire (you might get a group rate) ~ You could buy flower seeds (in bulk) and have a print shop print up medieval-looking envelopes for the seeds, maybe with your SCA arms or a picture of a happy couple in medieval dress ~ Gold-foil-wrapped chocolate "coins", custom imprinted with a

suitably medieval-looking phrase ~ For the sewing-machine set, you could make miniature (or full-sized) "jester's caps" out of parti-colored fabric in the wedding colors. Jingle bells on the tips add a special touch, and then the guests can ring their bells to get the newlyweds to kiss (instead of tapping their glasses). You could even require that someone "cut a caper" or tell a joke in order to get you to kiss ~ For those more interested in fantasy stuff: glass hand-blown unicorns or other little figurines of glass or pewter (elves, wizards, etc) can be fun little keepsakes, though this might get expensive.

Answer 3

We have a Renaissance Festival here;  might find ideas here

http://www.renfestival.com/asp/theme.asp...

Answer 4

How about a tartan print? You can buy fabric and use it right off the bolt, no sewing required. Just fray the edges. The plaid will tie in nicely with the celtic theme, and you can get it in just about any color cobination imaginable. Get some extra to toss on the ground so people can lounge on the grass picnic-style. It's a great ay to create a comfy casual outdoor party atmosphere. Also, hang a few small windchimes in some trees, or on some of those wrought iron plant hangers. It really adds to the atmosphere. Also, if the reception wil take place after dark, add some hanging laterns with votive candles. You can hang them or just set them around.