Costumes

We kindly request that our honoured guests come dressed in their finest medieval regalia!

This can be anything from Robin Hood and Maid Marien to Crusader Knights and anything in between. 

 "BUT WAIT!" I hear you ask. "I don't OWN any medieval regalia!" 

Well, that sounds like a you problem. 

HOWEVER! We've below we've complied a list of ideas, guides, and websites that might help you for the big day!

A Quick Note About Historical Accuracy:

We are not expecting rigid adherance to historical accuracy. Please do not stress! Want we want most of all is for everyone to have fun coming to our costume wedding!

Relax! I have noted no less than five historical anachronisms in my outfit, and do I let it keep me up at night? Yes No! Have fun! That's the most important thing!  Anything that feels medieval should be fine! 

That being said if you would enjoy getting more involved in your costumes, here are some guides for our 14th century do. 

Lords

• A “Robin Hood” (Bycocket) or Wide-Brimmed Hat
• A knee length tunic (with a white or coloured undershirt) with a nice belt to go around
• A robe
• Brightly coloured leggings, tights, or stockings
• A pair of simple shoes

Of course, long robes are also quite fashionable, so feel free to channel your inner Gandalf or Saruman.

Ladies

• A “Robin Hood” (Bycocket) hat, shawl, or habit
• A simple “medieval” looking dress with an underdress or undershirt with a nice belt
• Brightly coloured leggings, tights, or stockings
• A pair of simple shoes

Or if you don't fancy those...

Some alternative outfits to consider might be:

• A friar or priest
• Robin Hood and or/a Merry Man
• A Crusader Knight (chainmail and tabard rather than full-plate)
• A Jester or minstrel
• A Scottish Highlander

Costume Suppliers

Robes/Tunics/Dresses and hats should both be available from Amazon just by typing “Medieval ___” into the search bar. Most brown or black shoes will do – so long as they are not too obviously modern. A pair of simple loafers, slip-ons, or ballet shoes will likely be fine. Costumes can also be found from LARPing websites. We’ve found the following stores to be useful – though be warned some are based in other countries and may not arrive in time:

• https://www.celticwebmerchant.com/en/
• https://armstreet.com/
• https://www.battlemerchant.com/en/
• https://www.etsy.com/uk/
• https://www.amazon.co.uk/

The more colourful the better! Clashing colours were considered highly fashionable. White is not discouraged as we are not having a traditional wedding dress.

A pair of thermals worn under your costume might be advisable depending on the weather, and please be advised that Hedingham Castle is an old building with steep stairs.

What to Avoid

There are a few costume ideas that will stand out for being a little too modern. Here are a few things to avoid.

• Magic Wands/Staffs/Glowing Swords! You're quite magical enough!
• Ruffs! About 200 years too early.
• Corsets! We get it, we all want to channel our sexy inner pirate, but again, about 200 years too early.
• Tricorn Hats! We'll be far too concerned that you're going to start swinging from the chandeleer and demanding our gold.
• Full Plate Armour! Now, if you can rent a full suit of full plate armour, we might be impressed enough to let you get away with it. However, a suit of chainmail is far more appropriate. 
• High Heels! Not only a little out of time (modern heels were invented in the 17th century), but potentially dangerous on the castle steps. 
• A member of the Enterprise Away Team. Anyone who dresses as a member of a Star Trek Away Team will be killed on sight.