Renaissance Wedding Dress

First Things First

Before you begin looking for Renaissance wedding dresses, take some time to get acquainted with this historical time period.

• Check out books from your local library.
• Look up Renaissance period dresses on the Internet.
• Search through period costume books for more great ideas.
• Keep a notebook of the features you like best.

Once you've gotten at least a little idea of the type of dress you want, you can begin searching.

Where To Find a Renaissance Wedding Dress

As you begin searching for your Renaissance wedding dress, you'll find that you actually have several options available.

Order Online

The Internet offers prospective buyers a wide variety of selections. You can order your dress online, but before you buy, consider the following points.

• Be sure the site you are visiting is secure before you give personal information, such as your name, address, credit card number, etc.
• Check out their return policy. If you are unhappy with your purchase, can you return it? How long do you have?
• Do they custom fit your dress, or do you have to strictly order from what is available. As you plan your dress budget, you may have to allow for additional expenses in alterations.
• What do they guarantee about their products?
• What fabrics are used?
• Can you see actual photos of the dress or just descriptions. You'll want to know just what colors and fabrics make up your wedding dress!

Sew It Yourself

Are you an accomplished seamstress? If so, why not sew your own dress? Give yourself plenty of time, however. Renaissance wedding dresses typically use lots and lots of sometimes cumbersome material. Look for material on sale at various fabric stores or even online. A word of caution-If you are very confident in your skills, you might want to hire a professional. The material you purchase will be expensive, and the dress may cost more in the long run if you mess up and have to buy more material.

Hire a Seamstress

If you are very particular about your dress, this is probably your best option. Find a seamstress that you trust, and work closely with her in the designing and sewing of your dress. Plan periodic meetings with her so that you both can discuss any changes or additions that you'd like. Since she can measure and fit you as much as is needed, your dress should fit perfectly. If not, she can fix it.

Rent a Dress

If you don't want to actually purchase your dress, you can always rent one. Check out your local phone listings for costume dresses, and search the Internet, too.

Accessories and Details

Don't forget the accessories and details! As you familiarize yourself with the costumes of the Renaissance era, you'll probably notice the rich fabric and exquisite details, as well as the gorgeous accessories. You can choose to wear a beautiful headdress or veil, or you can go bareheaded. You might want to arrange a circle of flowers for your head.

Types of Renaissance Wear

There are actually several different types of Renaissance wear, so be sure you check them all out before you narrow down your choices.

• French Renaissance
• Elizabethan Renaissance
• Italian Renaissance
• Tudor Renaissance

For a good selection, be sure and visit the following Websites:

• Arcane Lore
• Lindsey Fleming
• Raspberry Beret
• Enchanted Costumes
• Swords of Honor
• Very Merry Seamstress
• Something Else Studio

Related Wedding Articles

How to Buy a Wedding Dress

Hiring a Wedding Planner

Wedding Dress Preservation

Beach Wedding Dresses

Informal Wedding Dresses