It’s easy to know how to address someone at a Renaissance Faire: check out their costume and compare it to your own. Then just follow the below modes of address!
At a Renaissance Faire, what sets the nobility apart from the peasants isn't measured by gold or silver—it's about who’s wearing the most stylish costume. If your garb is more regal than the person you’re greeting, then they should be addressed as if they are lower than yourself on the social ladder. Lesser beings, on the other hand, must remember their station when addressing members of the lavishly costumed nobility.
For example, the Earl of Warwick could refer to the Earl of Pembroke, a person of similar social standing, as Pembroke, My Lord, Cousin, or Sir, depending on the circumstance. Coming from a merchant or peasant, the Earl would be addressed as My Lord or My Lord Earl.
So follow along and have a merry good time the next time you find yourself at faire!
Children: My lad/lass, good young sir/lady, or young lord/lady.
Serving woman: Wench (Be wary of addressing travelers as such unless they've demonstrated a willingness to play.)
Merchant: Goodman/Goodwife, or by their name or profession, such as Master Patrick or Master Brewer.
Friend: Cousin
Surly child or in jest to a friend: Sirrah (Used as an insult if said to one’s better.)
Well dressed but not of the nobility: Sir/Mistress
Judges, constables, bureaucrats: Your Honor or Your Worship.
Members of clerical orders: Sir Priest
Archbishops and Bishops: Your Grace
Dukes and Duchesses: Your Grace
Nobility: My Lord/Lady. If you know their rank, then add this address along with their rank (i.e., “My Lord Earl”)
Royalty: our Highness or Your Grace. (When referring to the King or Queen in the third person, you may use His/Her Majesty. But never call them this directly.)