Medieval Wedding - Part 1 - The Medieval Bride
Let us start with the most important. Everything revolves around our medieval bride.
You, the bride, who really wants to incorporate the medieval bride, should take into account some medieval costumes. Though customs varied by geography, religion, superstition and specific period, we can mention a few. For example, the medieval bride could not marry without the consent of his father. We see an exception to this rule in the movie Braveheart, when William Wallace escapes with his bride in the middle of the night.
You could be bought, and it was not necessary that your husband ever met you, or even see you until the wedding day. You could live in the house of your in-laws until that day comes. The value of the brides were usually measured in cattle, land and production.
To mislead "evil spirits", your bridesmaids would dress exactly like you. Sorry, no exclusive dress for you! In Germany there was not the traditional "you may kiss the bride. " Instead, the Groom would step on the foot of the bride to seal the marriage. Yes, love in medieval times hurts not only the heart but also your toes ...
 |
| Imagine this guy stepping on the foot of this poor lady ... |
Makeup
In true medieval era, there was nothing like the industrial cosmetic we have today. Girls made use of various tricks to have a "good" makeup. "Good" makeup is a generous term, since many tricks, although effective, were not particularly healthy. Berries (like blueberries) rubbed on the face were used as "blush". So far so good, you can try this trick without major damage. The medieval tricks we do not recommend are: swallowing arsenic to get a pale appearance (pallor was considered the standard of beauty); apply belladonna (one of the most toxic plants in western world) in the eyes to dilate your pupils, using lead-based facial creams (the desired pale aspect was acquired because of the lead poisoning the pretty face) and use of stale sheep urine to bleach the hair.
It was also fashionable in the period to pluck eyebrows and the hair just above the forehead, because a wide forehead was considered something attractive.
High society established the standards of beauty. The reason for paleness being considered standard of beauty stemmed from the assumption that the high class is not exposed to work in the fields. Peasants had darker skin tones due to the work under the sun.
For that and everything else, it is important to remember that your medieval wedding does not need to be historically accurate like that, apply a little bit of imagination and forget about sheep urine and large forehead. ;)
In short, makeup saw little use, because it was considered improper by the Church. Women of respect used little or no cosmetic at all. Only the prostitutes at the time exaggerated makeup. Real ladies were quite subtle (except maybe by the smell of urine in their hair), and the servants and peasants did not wear makeup at all. The only ones who could use makeup in a socially acceptable way were actors and actresses, and only on stage or in their performances.
If you want to ensure a medieval makeup for your wedding and is in doubt, take the films with medieval themes as inspiration. Have Lady Marion as a model!
Below are some videos that might be useful:
In true medieval era, there was nothing like the industrial cosmetic we have today. Girls made use of various tricks to have a "good" makeup. "Good" makeup is a generous term, since many tricks, although effective, were not particularly healthy. Berries (like blueberries) rubbed on the face were used as "blush". So far so good, you can try this trick without major damage. The medieval tricks we do not recommend are: swallowing arsenic to get a pale appearance (pallor was considered the standard of beauty); apply belladonna (one of the most toxic plants in western world) in the eyes to dilate your pupils, using lead-based facial creams (the desired pale aspect was acquired because of the lead poisoning the pretty face) and use of stale sheep urine to bleach the hair.
It was also fashionable in the period to pluck eyebrows and the hair just above the forehead, because a wide forehead was considered something attractive.
High society established the standards of beauty. The reason for paleness being considered standard of beauty stemmed from the assumption that the high class is not exposed to work in the fields. Peasants had darker skin tones due to the work under the sun.
For that and everything else, it is important to remember that your medieval wedding does not need to be historically accurate like that, apply a little bit of imagination and forget about sheep urine and large forehead. ;)
 | ||
| Medieval bridesmaid |
Below are some videos that might be useful:
Hairstyles inspired by medieval fantasy (Lord of the Rings and The Mists of Avalon):
Arwen inspired makeup (Lord of the Rings).
READ OUR COMPLETE SERIES ON MEDIEVAL WEDDING:
Medieval Wedding - Introduction
Medieval Wedding - Part 1 - The Medieval Bride
Medieval Wedding - Part 2 - Guests
Medieval Wedding - Part 3 - Medieval Wedding Venue
Medieval Wedding - Part 4 - The Ring
Medieval Wedding - Part 5 - Medieval Wedding Gifts
Medieval Wedding - Part 6 - Feast
COMING SOON:
Medieval Wedding - Part 7 - Table etiquette
Medieval Wedding - Part 8 - Clothing
Medieval Wedding - Part 10 - Dress the Bride
2 comments:
Thanks for your comment, Chris.
Due to the fact that you posted your e-mail address, I deleted the content in order to preserve your privacy.
Post a Comment