"Need Advice: Invited to Medieval/Renaissance Wedding" Topic

Colleagues,

Younger friend is marrying some kind of medieval/renaissance fair re-eanactor and the whole wedding will be so themed. The guests are asked to dress accordingly. I (a male) want to be a good sport and have a good time, but I do not want to be photographed in anything which might … impede my current or future professional prospects, or otherwise be the source of everlasting regret. Do you have any practical suggestions? Thanks.

So I guess a court jester costume is out?

Hire a bodyguard to smash the camera of anyone who takes your picture.

rent a punch costume . no one will know its you behind the mask.

I would suggest going late renaissance, possibly toward the drab end of 30 Years War. That way, you'll still present a dashing appearance without looking like you just came from Central Casting. Sword is optional….

I (a male) want to be a good sport and have a good time, but I do not want to be photographed in anything which might … impede my current or future professional prospects, or otherwise be the source of everlasting regret.

This continues to baffle me?

I could see how having a photo of you as an SS trooper during a reenactment or a Klan costume for Halloween could have detrimental effects on future employment, but Renfaire costume?

I really don't get it.

Just nothing with tights…

I'll second the 'no hose' rule!

They are an awful piece of clothing to wear.

I've been to a Viking wedding and that was great (was at a themed site too, so in a long house).

I doubt it would harm your job prospects. Most people at a fancy dress party wear far more outlandish attire.

Plague doctor.

Elizabethan-era Puritan.

Dress Kilt

" impede my current or future professional prospects, or otherwise be the source of everlasting regret."

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Okay, I had a medieval/renaissance wedding so I feel I can give some good advice here… and my advice is to stop worrying about it. You're worried about standing out, but remember, everyone else is going to be in costume, so being in costume means blending in with everyone else attending.

My whole family dressed up except for my father, who wore a suit and tie. And my father stands out in every photo, and anyone who sees the photos always mockingly asks about the guy who wore the suit. My father regrets not going in costume for that one reason alone, he stood out from everyone else.

Wear a simple swordsman garb, green and browns, Jerkin and pants, nothing too flashy, and you won't be noticed out of the crowd. Everyone else is going to be dressed in their finery, and will be standing out in the equivalent of medieval neon lights, so you should not be drawing attention.

Just say no.

Feign illness that day and stay home sick if you are that worried about your future professional prospects. Of course, there are those of us who are professionals who really don't care about the media coverage of what they do in their personal life. Besides, if you do go in costume and someone does take your picture, what would the media do with it? You can honestly say, "I dressed in that costume for the benefit of my friend who was getting married, one of the most important days of his life and I didn't want to spoil it by not dressing as requested."

"what would the media do with it"

I think you're taking the OP a little too literally. I think the gentleman just wants suggestions for a non "medieval/renaissance fair re-eanactor."

Be sick and send a super nice present.

A monk's cassock should be fairly innocent.

Be a man not a mouse ( apologies to Extra crispy). wearing tights can be OK provided your tunic is long enough to cover your butt plus a bit more. Older guys can wear a tunic that is floor length

Your friend thinks enough of you to invite you to her happy day so go for it. Go to a local costume shop ask for a Henry V111 style costume or Romeo etc.

As for impeding your professional prospects as long as you keep the costume on you should be OK. Later pictures of you as Renaissance prince may actually help as it would show not only your self confidence but an ability to fit in.

Send a portrait of yourself to attend in your place.

Can you go as a Landsknecht?

"I dressed in that costume for the benefit of my friend who was getting married, one of the most important days of his life and I didn't want to spoil it by not dressing as requested." Thanks, Jovian – that's a great way to think about it.

I believe I will get over myself and go with the flow. Thank you, everybody, for your suggestions and comments.

It's renfest/medieval, doesn't most men's costumes have a hat, mask, hood and/or helmet? Just wear it so your face isn't very visible. If nobody can identify the knight in the back of the shot, how will if affect you?

The other side of the coin, why would you want to work somewhere with people who have no sense of humor or adventure? I'm a professional. My quirky hobbies, painting miniatures and reenacting, are always pluses rather than negatives. It ends up being a fun icebreaker conversation starter.

I like MahanMan's answer. but if you have the money go before and go to the nice ren sutlers and buy the expensive outfits. just make sure pants and nice coat. If a teenager likes it cause its kool, you might want to buy something else