Lindsay grew up going the the Renaissance Festival every year and Craig loves all things fantasy. Plus it sounds like fun!
We prefer our guests to come in costume, both for aesthetic and because it will be more fun for everyone! The Renaissance Festival is one of those events where you'll feel more comfortable/like you fit in if you dress up. Also, although the wedding will be in November, who knows what the weather will be like in Texas? Wearing formal wear in the Texas heat is no fun, but costumes can be lighter-weight and pleasant. Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes!
The wedding party will be dressed in upper class Renaissance attire. Feel free to match that style or choose something else! The theme of the weekend of November 4th is Roman Bacchanal, but people will come dressed in a variety of costumes regardless. Some common theme ideas: Medieval, Victorian, Tudor, Italian & French Renaissance, Fairytale, Pirate, Highland, Elven, etc.
If you're feeling crafty, Renaissance patterns for Men and Women are available at your local fabric stores. Costumes are available for purchase from local costumers (especially in October) or may be purchased online (Ebay.com, Etsy.com, Museumreplicas.com, renstore.com, pendragoncostumes.com, etc.). If you prefer to rent costumes, check online for costume rental locations in your area, or the Belrose Costume Rental Shoppe at the Festival's Front Gate opens at 8:30 a.m. every festival day and has costumes that rent from $16 to $100 depending on what social class costume you prefer.
The name(s) written on the invitation, or if your invitation says "Family," will have tickets included. If you'd like to bring an extra guest, they will need to purchase a day-ticket from Will Call (at a discounted price when you give the name of the wedding party, "Givenslock"). Please let us know on your RSVP card so we can take it into consideration for the reception!
Tickets for wedding guests will be available for pick-up at Will Call on Nov 4th. A photo ID will be required to pick these tickets up. Don't forget to get your pin that will identify you as part of our party! If you need to purchase additional tickets, go to the Will Call booth with the wedding party's name (Givenslock). Tickets for adults will be $20 each and children are free since the wedding is on a Sunday.
The festival gates open at 9:00 a.m., and traffic going to the faire can get heavy (especially coming from Houston). It would be good to aim to arrive by at least 10:30 since the park is large and it can take some time to get oriented/walk to where you want to go. Feel free to come as early as you want and enjoy the festival before the wedding also!
Parking is free, and there are handicap accessible parking spots located near the front gate.
The wedding will go on as planned, rain or shine! If it rains, the ceremony may be moved to a covered venue in the park. The reception area will be covered. Since the park is all outdoor, if there is rain in the forecast please come prepared!
Since the park is large with a lot of walking involved, it will be best to ship the gifts to our home address (350 E Las Colinas Blvd. #4046, Irving, TX 75039) before the wedding. Thank you!