Romeo and Juliet Theme
the most romantic...
A
wedding cannot realistically be based on a play, but the general ideas of young,
romantic love, with the poetry of Shakespeare in an Italian setting, provides
boundless inspiration for an idyllic and beautiful ceremony.
Invitations
Hand written invitations using
calligraphy and cream parchment, either professionally written or do-it-yourself
- with the aid of an instruction book.
Alternatively use an appropriate 'old
English' font and have them printed or make your own on a home computer. Roll
them and tie them with a ribbon and wax seal
The Venue
Look for the Italian influence of
neo-classical architecture. Here in the United Kingdom there are many such
'Palladian style' Country Houses, many of which are licensed for weddings. The
classical styled rooms with ornate ceilings, columns, statue filled alcoves and
sweeping staircases form the perfect romantic backdrop for this wedding.
Formal Italian gardens, with lily pond
and statues would add to the ambience.
On a smaller scale, this style of
architecture is found in many buildings from the beginning of the 18th century,
throughout the country.
An enquiry to a County Council
Registration Service will supply you with a list of all available licensed
venues in their area.
Examples of houses on the Grand Scale:
The National Trust: Stourhead Others are
privately owned and a perfect example is found at Stowe in Buckinghamshire Other
reception venues include Holkham Hall Norfolk, Wilton Wiltshire, and many
buildings in Bath. Transport: To arrive on horseback would be authentic or
carried in a sedan chair.
Music
Gentle romantic music, possibly from the
ballet - Romeo and Juliet. There are also many specialist musical groups who
perform the authentic music of specific eras and countries, using the
instruments of the time and often wearing historical dress.
Poems and Readings
(Hint: Hire out of work actor for
readings/poems) Sonnets by Shakespeare: Sonnet XVIII 'Shall I compare thee to a
summer's day?' Sonnet XLII 'When most I wink, then do mine eyes best see' Sonnet
CXVI 'Let me not to the marriage of true minds'
Read the play
for inspiration: here are a few quotes …
Romeo: (On first seeing Juliet) 'Did my
heart love till now? Forswear it sight! For I ne'er saw true beauty till this
night.
Romeo: Then plainly know that my heart's
dear love is set On the fair daughter of rich
Capulet: As mine on hers, so hers is set
on mine; And all combin'd, save what thou must combine By holy marriage; when,
and where, and how We met, we woo'd, and made exchange of vow, I'll tell thee as
we pass; but this I pray, That thou consent to marry us today.
Juliet: My bounty is as boundless as the
sea My love as deep; the more I give to thee The more I have, for both are
infinite.
Juliet: If that thy bent of love be
honourable, Thy purpose marriage, send me word tomorrow.
Clothes
Romantic style, young and fresh.
Groom's party: The 'Byron' look -
pirate style shirts, open at the neck - showing a tantalising glimpse of hairy
chests; tight trousers. You could go the whole hog and hire historical costumes,
but check that the menfolk are willing as some of the tights are quite
revealing!
Brides party: Pastel shades, soft,
dreamy, flimsy fabric; long flowing skirts - not too full, with closely fitted
bodices, long tight sleeves and scoop neckline.
Ribbons.
Natural flowers, delicately arranged,
nothing formal or rigid.
Alternatively, opt for historical
costumes but be careful that they are not too heavy and more formal.
Flower girl preceding bride
scattering rose petals.
Hairstyles: long, gently curled
(including the men!)
Setting the scene
Small instrumental group such as a string
quartet to provide the music. Perfumed candles, pot pourri, soft lighting,
gentle colour scheme - anything that adds to the romantic atmosphere.
Food
Italian style menu - large help yourself
selection of Italian hors d'oeuvres is good to start for a buffet meal.
Italian wines.
Evening Entertainment
Masked or costume ball on a 'Shakespeare'
theme
