Royal Wedding Guest List: Who Gets Invited To The Reception?

The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was a much smaller affair than the 2011 nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton, with only 600 guests in attendance at the ceremony and lunchtime reception, and 200 at the evening party. However, 2,640 members of the public were invited to watch the couple's arrival at Windsor Castle. Notable attendees included the Queen and Prince Philip, Prince William and Kate Middleton, and Priyanka Chopra.

Guests are expected to arrive an hour before the wedding starts

For royal weddings, guests are expected to arrive an hour before the wedding starts. This is to ensure that they don't trip over Queen Elizabeth II as they make their way in. It is also important to note that the seats are allocated, so arriving early to secure a good seat is not necessary.

In general, it is recommended that wedding guests arrive 15-30 minutes before the time stated on the invitation. This allows for some buffer time in case of traffic or other delays. However, it is important to note that arriving too early can inconvenience the couple, especially if they are taking pre-wedding photos or want some privacy before the ceremony.

If you are a member of the wedding party, it is a good idea to arrive at least an hour before the ceremony to help with any last-minute preparations and to ensure that you are ready and in place for the start of the wedding. This will help to reduce stress for the couple and ensure that the ceremony starts on time.

For large weddings, it is especially important to arrive early as it may take longer to find parking, get to the ceremony location, and find a seat. In some cases, there may be specific schedule protocols to follow, such as a limited time window to occupy the venue.

Overall, it is important to respect the couple's time and space before the wedding while also ensuring that you arrive in a timely manner to avoid causing any delays to the ceremony.

Guests are not allowed to take photos

Royal weddings are grand affairs, with hundreds of guests in attendance. For instance, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding had 600 guests in St. George's Chapel, with over 2,000 others waiting on the grounds of Windsor Castle. The chapel only has room for 800 guests, but Prince Charles sent out 600 invitations. Similarly, Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding at Westminster Abbey had 1,900 guests, while Prince Charles and Diana's nuptials at St. Paul's Cathedral welcomed 3,500 guests.

With so many guests in attendance, it is important to maintain decorum and ensure that the event proceeds smoothly. One way to achieve this is by requesting that guests refrain from taking photographs during the ceremony. While it is understandable that guests would want to capture their own memories of the special occasion, there are several reasons why this may not be advisable.

Firstly, the use of flash photography can be disruptive and interfere with the work of the professional photographer(s) hired to capture the event. This can result in less-than-ideal photographs for both the guests and the couple, with camera flashes and guests' arms blocking the view.

Secondly, allowing guests to take photographs can create a sense of competition or distraction, with guests focusing more on capturing the perfect shot than on celebrating the couple. This can detract from the solemnity and joy of the occasion and create an unpleasant atmosphere.

Thirdly, in the case of royal weddings, there may be security or privacy concerns that necessitate a ban on photography. Royal weddings often involve high-profile guests, and the release of unofficial photographs could potentially compromise the safety or privacy of those in attendance.

Finally, from a logistical standpoint, managing guests' photography can be challenging. With hundreds of guests, it would be difficult to ensure that everyone has a clear view or the opportunity to take photographs without disrupting the event.

Therefore, it is common for couples, including those having royal weddings, to politely request that guests refrain from taking photographs during the ceremony. This can be done through signage at the venue, announcements by the officiant or ushers, or by including a polite request in the wedding program or invitation.

By following this request, guests can contribute to a more seamless and enjoyable event, allowing the couple to fully focus on their special day.

Guests are not allowed to use their phones

While it is unclear whether all guests at a royal wedding are invited to the reception, there are strict rules regarding the use of mobile phones.

Royal weddings are steeped in tradition and etiquette, and there are many rules that guests must follow. One of these rules is that guests are not allowed to use their phones during the ceremony. This is known as an "unplugged" ceremony, and it is becoming increasingly common for couples to request that guests put away their phones and other devices.

The official Etiquette Book for royal weddings is very clear on this matter: "Needless to say, turn OFF your cell phone." Guests are allowed to have their phones on their person, but "under no circumstances are they allowed to use them". This rule is in place to ensure that the wedding guests are fully present and engaged in the ceremony, rather than being distracted by their phones. It also ensures that the professional photographers can capture clear, uninterrupted shots of the happy couple.

There are several ways to communicate this rule to the guests. One option is to include a note in the wedding program, requesting that guests silence their phones and refrain from taking photos until after the ceremony. Another option is to put up signs at the venue, although these can be easy to miss or ignore. A more effective method is to have the wedding officiant make an announcement before the ceremony begins, gently reminding guests to put away their phones and enjoy the moment.

It is important to note that this rule only applies to the wedding ceremony itself. Once the ceremony is over, guests are usually allowed to resume normal phone activities, although it is polite to refrain from posting photos of the bride and groom on social media until after the couple has posted their own photos.

By following these guidelines, guests can ensure that they adhere to the expected standards of behaviour and avoid causing any disruption to the royal wedding ceremony.

Guests are expected to wear British designers

When it comes to royal weddings, there are a lot of rules and expectations surrounding guest attire. While these guidelines may seem strict, they are intended to ensure that the event is elegant and respectful. One important aspect is that guests are expected to wear British designers, particularly if they are British themselves. This tradition of keeping things patriotic is a way to show support for local talent and businesses.

For female guests, the choice of outfit can be a delicate balance. It is important to avoid wearing white, cream, or black, as these colours are typically reserved for the bride or considered too sombre for a daytime celebration. Instead, light pastel colours or floral prints are often a suitable choice. Additionally, bare legs are generally frowned upon, and hosiery or tights are recommended. When it comes to headwear, a fancy hat or fascinator is expected, but it should not be too large or elaborate as to block the view of other guests.

For male guests, the dress code is typically more straightforward. "Morning dress" is common, which includes a black, navy, or grey suit with tails, a waistcoat, and striped trousers. It is also customary for men to wear a tie or waistcoat in subdued colours, avoiding anything too garish or flashy.

At the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, many guests followed these style guidelines. Notable mentions include Victoria Beckham, who wore one of her own designs, and Oprah Winfrey, who wore a custom Stella McCartney dress.

Overall, while there may be a lot of expectations and unspoken rules surrounding guest attire at royal weddings, the most important thing is to respect the traditions and celebrate the happy couple in style.

Guests are expected to wear hats

When it comes to royal weddings, guests are expected to wear hats. This tradition is steeped in history and is a staple of British wedding culture. While hats are not mandatory, they certainly add a sense of occasion and fun to the festivities. However, it is important for guests to ensure that their headwear is not too elaborate or over-the-top. The key is to avoid drawing too much attention away from the bride.

For female guests, the royal wedding is an opportunity to showcase their style and creativity through their choice of hats. From dainty fascinators to wide-brimmed headpieces, the options are endless. It is customary for female guests to wear hats to a royal wedding, and this tradition is taken seriously. In the past, female guests at royal weddings, such as Princess Beatrice and Victoria Beckham, have been known to don statement-making fascinators and hats, adding a touch of glamour and elegance to the occasion.

Male guests also have the option to wear hats, but it is not a requirement. According to British etiquette, men are expected to remove their hats upon entering a church unless it is of religious significance, such as a turban or yarmulke. Male guests at royal weddings have been seen sporting top hats and military garb, adding to the pomp and ceremony of the event.

It is worth noting that guests should be mindful of the size of their headwear, ensuring that it does not obstruct the view of those sitting behind them. Additionally, the wedding date may dictate the type of hat chosen, as it is customary in the UK to wear straw hats after Easter.

The royal wedding hat tradition is a unique aspect of British culture, adding a touch of elegance and festivity to the celebrations. Guests are encouraged to express their personal style while adhering to the general guidelines of appropriateness and respect for the occasion.

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