Seven Steps To A Fabulous Fit For The Renaissance Festival

Every year, thousands of people wear handmade period or fantasy costumes to the Maryland Renaissance Festival. Whether they choose to go as fairies, maidens, knights or royalty, many costumers dress up to make their experience more immersive and memorable. However, anyone new to costume designing who wishes to make their own garb for this year might feel overwhelmed at the thought of designing their own clothes. From collecting various accessories to paying for hats, blouses or corsets, the first costume can feel like an expensive, time-consuming challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are seven tips for creating an affordable DIY ensemble worthy of the fair.

Step 1: Create A Budget

Professional costume designers can spend thousands of dollars on their handmade costumes, but thankfully, a fun fit can cost as much or as little money as the designer wishes. Figuring out how much to spend is up to you, but regardless of the amount, making a budget is key. Small details and extra layers can add up quickly. Keeping a set budget and recording your expenses can help in making better purchasing decisions and staying on track with your design.

Renting a costume from the Renaissance Festival’s “Renaissance Rentals” booth is an alternative option. Costumes are rented on a first-come, first-serve basis and all costumes must be returned to the booth by 6:00pm.

Step 2: Choose A Genre

While the Renaissance Festival is technically set in 16th century England, all kinds of costumes are welcome at the fair. The festival even has a Celtic Celebration weekend (September 20-21) and a Pirate Adventure weekend (September 13-14). Since almost anything goes at the fair, visitors can choose from a wide variety of genres for their costumes. Besides the usual knights and maidens, warlocks, Vikings, ogres and elves are only some of the many characters and genres to choose from. Some visitors make costumes based on historical, video game, literary or movie characters. Even if an idea is only somewhat on theme, it will fit right in at the festival. So, make sure to plan ahead by picking out the costume’s design before purchasing or making items.

Step 3: Make A Shopping List

Once you know what you are making, list all the essentials. One of the most avoidable problems is forgetting a critical piece until the last moment. For example, if you are making a fairy costume, list wings, a skirt or pants, a headdress, shoes, and a staff or wand. This will help you make sure you have everything you need during the creation phase.

Step 4: Scour Thrift Stores

Most basic pieces for a Renaissance Festival costume are hidden among the racks of thrift stores. Finding staple items such as pants, skirts, belts and shirts at a thrift store can drastically reduce the total cost of a costume. Similarly, antique stores often carry unique jewelry pieces and accessories for a lower price.

Step 5: Search Online For Harder-To-Find Pieces

After searching the racks and shelves of discount stores, you may find that your costume is still missing a few important pieces. Items like corsets and on-theme boots are often harder to find and require searching online. Vendors such as Amazon and Etsy often have these items in stock. Amazon generally has affordable items while Etsy has quality, handmade items. Looking to save money but still want a little flair added to the costume? Consider buying one special item that fits within your budget.

Step 6: Ask Friends With Costume Experience For Help

Once you have all the pieces of your costume, you may find that a few require alterations. While you can certainly learn online how to make quick fixes, it may be wiser to have an experienced acquaintance sew the clothing for you. Also, reach out to friends and neighbors who have made their own costumes in the past. They may be able to teach you how to make props or accessories, or they may let you borrow theirs.

Step 7: Leave Room For A Festival Souvenir

Part of the fun of costume designing is collecting new pieces over time, and there is no better place than the Renaissance Festival to find a few perfect trinkets for your outfits. There are vendors for every budget at the fair. Pelts, satchels, notebooks, mugs and jewelry are a few outfit staples available around the fairgrounds.