Deborah Chan
The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, was held on Saturday, 19 May 2018, at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, in the United Kingdom. The wedding was a highly publicised event, with an estimated global audience of 1.9 billion viewers, and drew comparisons to the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. The ceremony commenced at 12:00 midday BST and was followed by a luncheon reception and a private evening affair. The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle broke with several royal traditions and included elements of African-American culture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Wedding | 19 May 2018 |
| Day of the Week | Saturday |
| Venue | St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, UK |
| Time | 12:00 Midday BST |
| Bride's Dress Designer | Givenchy/Clare Waight Keller |
| Groom's Family | British Royal Family |
| Bride's Former Profession | Actress, blogger, charity ambassador, advocate |
| Number of Guests | Hundreds of millions (globally) |
| Notable Guests | Serena Williams, Priyanka Chopra, Abigail Spencer, Gabriel Macht, Patrick J. Adams, Troian Bellisario, Oprah Winfrey, Elton John, George and Amal Clooney, Carey Mulligan, Marcus Mumford, Victoria and David Beckham |
| Music | Idris Elba (DJ), The Atlantic Soul Orchestra |
| Fireworks | Yes |
| Cake | Lemon and elderflower cake |
| Cake Baker | Claire Ptak |
| Cake Preparation Time | 5 days |
| Duration of Engagement | Less than a year |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Wedding date and duration
The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle took place on Saturday, 19 May 2018, at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, in the United Kingdom. The wedding ceremony commenced at 12:00 midday BST. The date was chosen based on the availability of family members, as the working royals have their calendars booked about a year in advance. The wedding day was not declared a bank holiday, unlike the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton.
The wedding was a historical event, drawing in roughly 1.9 billion viewers around the world, making it one of the biggest televised events in history. The peak viewing figures in the UK were reported to be 27.7 million, while the average audience was 11.5 million. In the United States, about 29 million people watched, and the global audience was estimated to be in the hundreds of millions.
The wedding ceremony was followed by a luncheon reception and a private evening affair. The couple's wedding cake was a layered lemon and elderflower cake decorated with peonies in shades of white and cream. The cake designer, Claire Ptak, spent five days preparing the couple's lemon sponge confection with her team. The bride made a speech at the evening reception, breaking with tradition. The Duke of Cambridge also gave a best man's speech. DJ Idris Elba and The Atlantic Soul Orchestra performed at the event.
Wedding Dinner Duration: How Long Should You Allow?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Wedding location
The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle took place on Saturday, 19 May 2018, at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, in the United Kingdom. The groom is a member of the British royal family, and the bride is American and previously worked as an actress. The wedding ceremony was held at the same venue as the weddings of Prince Harry's uncle, the Earl of Wessex, his cousin, Peter Phillips, and the blessing of the marriage of his stepmother, the Duchess of Cornwall.
The royal wedding was a historical event, drawing in roughly 1.9 billion viewers around the world, with peak viewing figures of 27.7 million in the UK and 29 million in the US. The wedding was also streamed live online on YouTube via the British Monarchy's official channel, 'The Royal Channel'. The BBC's chief news anchor, Huw Edwards, hosted the coverage for BBC TV.
The wedding ceremony was noted for the inclusion of African-American culture. The traditional wedding cake was replaced with an American-style lemon and elderflower cake decorated with peonies in shades of white and cream. The cake designer, Claire Ptak, based in London, was chosen in March 2018 and spent five days perfecting the confection with her team.
The bride's first wedding dress was a long-sleeved Givenchy gown, and she later wore a halter-neck, open-back dress by Stella McCartney. Meghan's makeup was done by her longtime friend and makeup artist, Daniel Martin, who opted for a natural look. The hairstylist for the private party was George Northwood. Notable attendees at the wedding include Serena Williams, George Clooney, and James Corden, as well as several of Meghan's Suits co-stars.
The Perfect Wedding Length: How Long Should It Be?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![The Royal Wedding - Prince Harry & Meghan Markle [DVD] [2018]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71l2XdQR6uL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Wedding dress
The wedding dress of Meghan Markle, now the Duchess of Sussex, was designed by British designer Clare Waight Keller, the artistic director of fashion house Givenchy. Markle chose Keller because she wanted to highlight the success of a leading British talent and because of the designer's elegant aesthetic and relaxed demeanour. The dress was made in Paris by a small team of ateliers and was kept a closely guarded secret until the wedding day.
The dress was made of double-bonded silk with three-quarter-length sleeves, an open boat neckline, and a train with a built-in triple silk organza underskirt. It featured only six seams and was without lace or any other embellishments. The dress was inspired by Audrey Hepburn's iconic Givenchy dress from the 1957 film Funny Face, as well as Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's wedding gown, which Markle had previously described as "everything goals". The dress was estimated to cost about $265,000, which the bride paid for herself.
Markle's veil was 5 metres (16 feet) long and 3 metres wide. It was hand-embroidered with a variety of flowers on its hem, including the California poppy, in honour of Markle's home state, and wintersweet, a flower that grows at Kensington Palace. The veil also featured symbolic sprays of wheat and took 500 hours to complete.
For the evening reception, Markle wore a halter-neck, open-back dress by Stella McCartney and an emerald-cut aquamarine ring that had belonged to Princess Diana.
Destination Wedding Ceremonies: How Long Do They Last?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Wedding guests
The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was a grand affair, with a traditional ceremony, a luncheon reception, and a private evening party. The guest list included several notable British royals and American A-listers.
The British Royals:
The wedding was attended by Prince Harry's family, including his brother Prince William, William's wife Kate Middleton, their father Prince Charles, and his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II. As is customary, the Queen had a significant influence on the wedding planning, including the guest list, venue, and dress design.
Meghan's Friends:
Meghan's friends also attended the wedding, including tennis star Serena Williams and actress Priyanka Chopra. Several of Meghan's Suits co-stars were present, such as Abigail Spencer, Gabriel Macht, Patrick J. Adams, and Sarah Rafferty. Meghan's longtime friend and makeup artist, Daniel Martin, was responsible for her natural-looking makeup on the big day.
Other Notable Guests:
The wedding also saw the presence of famous couples like George and Amal Clooney, Carey Mulligan and Marcus Mumford, and Victoria and David Beckham. Prince Harry's ex-girlfriends, Cressida Bonas and Chelsea Davy, were also in attendance.
Entertainment and Performances:
The evening reception featured a performance by DJ Idris Elba, who played songs like "Still D.R.E." and Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" at Meghan's request. The Atlantic Soul Orchestra also performed at the event. Elton John entertained the guests at the daytime luncheon. The wedding ended with a display of small fireworks above Frogmore House.
Tone Your Arms for Your Wedding Day: Quick Results
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Wedding planning
Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but with the right approach and attention to detail, you can create a memorable day that celebrates your love. Here are some insights and considerations to keep in mind as you embark on planning your special day:
Setting a Timeline
It's essential to establish a realistic timeline for your wedding planning. While every couple's situation is unique, engagements in the royal family typically last under a year, with most weddings taking place within 5 to 7 months of the announcement. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, for instance, announced their engagement on November 27, 2017, and tied the knot on May 19, 2018, which was about 6 months later. Setting a timeline will help you stay organized and ensure that you can secure your desired venue, vendors, and other essential elements for your big day.
Selecting a Venue
The venue you choose will set the tone for your wedding and significantly impact the overall experience. Consider the size of your guest list, the theme or style you envision, and any specific requirements you may have. For instance, if you're planning a royal wedding, venues with historical or cultural significance, such as St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, might be a fitting choice. Think about the atmosphere you want to create and whether the venue can accommodate your desired level of privacy and security.
Building Your Vendor Team
Surrounding yourself with a reliable team of vendors is crucial for a successful wedding. This includes professionals such as caterers, photographers, florists, musicians, and wedding planners. Research and select vendors whose style and expertise align with your vision. For instance, Meghan Markle's longtime friend and makeup artist, Daniel Martin, did her makeup for her wedding, ensuring a natural look that Prince Harry appreciated. When choosing vendors, read reviews, ask for recommendations, and communicate your expectations clearly to ensure a stress-free experience.
Designing the Dress
The wedding dress is one of the most anticipated elements of the big day. Whether you opt for a custom design or choose an off-the-rack gown, ensure that it reflects your personal style and makes you feel confident and comfortable. Meghan Markle's wedding dress was designed by Clare Waight Keller, and she wore two gorgeous dresses: a long-sleeved Givenchy gown for the ceremony and a halterneck Stella McCartney dress for the evening reception. Consider the weather, the venue, and your comfort when selecting your dress, and don't be afraid to incorporate unique details that make it truly yours.
Finalizing the Details
As your wedding day approaches, it's essential to finalize all the small details that will make your celebration unique. This includes selecting your wedding cake, curating the music or entertainment, and confirming the flow of events for the day. For instance, Meghan and Harry chose a non-traditional American-style wedding cake, a layered lemon and elderflower cake decorated with shades of white and cream peonies. They also had a notable guest list, including celebrities and members of the royal family, and their wedding ceremony incorporated African-American cultural elements. Ensure that you have a comprehensive timeline for the day and that all vendors and participants are clear on their roles and responsibilities.
A Wedding Celebration: The UK Timing Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The wedding ceremony of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry lasted for around 1 hour. The wedding, which took place on 19 May 2018, started at 12:00 midday BST.
The entire wedding celebration, including the ceremony, luncheon reception, and private evening affair, lasted from midday until the evening.
It is unclear how long it took to plan the wedding. However, the couple announced their engagement on 27 November 2017 and were married on 19 May 2018, giving them around 6 months to plan the wedding.
