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How can a Renaissance theme be carried over to other members of the bridal party, from the bridesmaids to the ring bearer and flower girl?

Very seldom do we ever provide a Wedding garment for a bride which does not have their entire bridal party in the role as well. That is part of the fun!

Accessories play a major role in achieving a medieval look. What accessories does Maiden Faire offer?

The medieval look is one that has a sleek body line yet very full skirts, often puddling on the floor. Look for sleeves which are oversized and bell shaped. This medieval look can be accented with headdresses, girdles (bead belts) and even a mantle (cloak).

The Renaissance and Elizabethan look includes fuller skirts which were often supported by a wired under skirt known as a farthingdale. A modern hoop skirt works just fine or even a crinoline if you want more comfort. A bumroll is another undergarment piece, kind of like a 3/4 donut pillow if you will, that gave the popular full hip look of these gowns. Another garment piece which was popular during these periods is the partlet which has a lovely tradition. This vest type piece would be worn open by maids and worn closed by married women. Imagine walking down the isle with the partlet open and then closing the partlet before walking back down the isle as a Mrs. The Surcoat is also another piece that can be worn as an accessory as well as the girdle and headdresses. How about carrying an ornate period fan instead of a bouquet?

Although the Maiden Faire product list does not include hoop skirts or corsets, we do have bumrolls, headdress, partlets and wired collars, chemises (blouses), cloaks and even girdles.

Not only does Maiden Faire design wedding attire, but you also clothe patrons of Renaissance faires. What advice can you offer those who are searching for the proper attire to develop their persona?

My first advice would be to speak with your costume mistress or master and find out your requirements of dress. Some Faires and Guilds are quite strict in what they allow. Therefore, when ordering your garment you must know how authentic it must be. For example, some may allow printed cottons, however this is not a fabric that is accepted as period correct.

Next, look at some of the many wonderful portraits from that time. Know what the sumptuary standards where and what class your character is to be. All of these things are tremendous factors in creating a garment to match your persona.

Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers about Maiden Faire?

Maiden Faire is just one of many wonderful seamstresses which you can find on the Internet. Although we have a large web site, we also have a public shop for which clients can make an appointment. What I would like to mention at this time is not so much about Maiden Faire but rather, what I would like to suggest as factors to consider when selecting a seamstress. First, if using a web site, they should have their terms and conditions on their site. Make sure they do and read them! If not, ask why and what they are. Next, do they offer any kind of a guarantee? Most seamstress companies simply cannot offer refunds on custom garments but they should be willing to repair or replace it should your find a quality problem. If they will not guarantee their quality in some manner, again you should ask why? If you want a gown that reflects your own personality and you want to inject your own touch, look for a company that will work with you in custom design. There are a lot of seamstress, such as Maiden Faire, that will do this, so you should know that you have this option and are not just stuck with a design that another person, with a different personality, created ... no matter how beautiful it may be. Finally, give yourself and the seamstress plenty of time. Custom garments can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months depending on what is involved such as custom order fabrics and hand work like embroidery or beading.

photos courtesy Maiden Faire