Choosing Your Time Period
If you feel like like there are thousands of possibilities for food, atmosphere and attire that all fall under the definition of "medieval", you're right. The Middle Ages are generally recognized as being the time period between the mid fifth century (400s AD) to approximately the mid fourteenth century (1350AD). That's a long time period, with literally hundreds of different cultures.
If it's accuracy you're after, decide first what time period you'd like to replicate for your wedding. It will all be easy from there as you discover the details that made that time period charming. We'll outline just a few favorite eras here.
Anglo Saxon Theme Accessories
Anglish and Saxon history go back thousands of years apiece, but history tends to put the two together and think of them in context of their influence on English history, about 400-1050AD. Think of long skirts with cording around the waistline for women, and long veils with simple but fetching circlets over the hair. For your groom and his attendants, try gorgeously trimmed tunics and long pants. Fur was also popular during this period; you may prefer to go faux with materials that closely replicate the real thing.
Go online to research traditional foods of the period and add your own elegant and updated twist. For instance, you may adore the idea of serving pheasant and plums--but you won't want to make your guests share a plate or eat with just their fingers and a knife! The Anglo Saxons also loved bright, rich colors but were limited as to their dyes. Try bright saffron yellow, deep blue and russet red table cloths and wedding favors.
Scandinavian Theme Accessories
The so-called "Viking" age overlapped the Anglo Saxon era beginning about 800AD. Drinking horns, a roaring fire and bridesmaids with intricate braided hairdos will add atmosphere to this fun and festive wedding theme.
Fish was popular among coastal Scandinavians, so consider an elegant seafood dish for an entree. Decorate the reception hall in crisp colors, especially bone white. Checked patterns were also popular during this time. Have your guests' favors wrapped in red and white checked squares of cloth and tie a Scandinavian-style charm to each.
The Era of Romance
After the mid eleventh century, Norman and French fashion became all the rage, and so did chivalry and elegance (the first versions of the King Arthur stories were written during this time). Do up your hair in gorgeous ribbon-wrapped braids. Dress in a figure-hugging gown that flares out below the hips, and have your bridesmaids do the same. Your groom will look dashing in a "parti-colored" (two-colored) long tunic and long, loose pants. He's king for a day, so have him wear a simple circlet if he'd like.
March the wedding party down the aisle to the tune of a delicate harp or mellow reed instrument. For the reception hall, accessorize with curling ribbons and delicate flowers, such as tea roses, posies and violets. Give scented handkerchiefs to ladies as wedding favors, and something made of leather for the men (such as a leather book cover).
Other accessories will fit all of these time frames. Candles lighting the hall will add ambiance (but always practice safety when adding lighted materials to your celebration). Medieval music of all types will fit the "feel" of your celebration; look for sample sound files online before you choose your wedding march music. Have fun with this theme--it's the romantic wedding every bride dreams of!