Royal Wedding Attire: Dressing To Impress For The Big Day

how to dress for a royal wedding

Royal weddings are high-profile events where guests are aware that their fashion choices will be scrutinized. Guests are expected to dress up and make a fashion statement. For instance, at Princess Eugenie's wedding, Meghan Markle wore a navy ensemble by Givenchy, the designer of her own wedding dress. Similarly, at the wedding of Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene, Karolina Kurkova wore a navy coat with a studded, ankle-length train. At the same wedding, Roberta Armani wore a cape and a hat that mimicked the shape of a tulip. At Prince Felix's wedding, Beatrice Borromeo wore a light pink pantsuit with a unique headpiece. At royal weddings, guests often wear monochrome outfits, such as model-turned-actress Cara Delevingne, who wore a fitted tuxedo and a top hat to Princess Eugenie's wedding.

Characteristics Values
Colour Navy, pink, yellow, red, royal blue, lavender, white, grey, orange, black, monochrome
Dress style Tailored pantsuit, light, ruffled, trumpet-style, gown, coat dress, high-low dress, geometric, tuxedo, cape, tulip-shaped topper, dress and matching fascinator
Accessories Hats, gloves, heels, brooches, headgear, veils, wreaths, shawls, tiaras
Other Studded, ankle-length train, dashing little hat, impressive high heels, bold colours, statement accessories

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Royal wedding guest outfits: formal, fashionable, or both?

Royal weddings are typically high-profile events, with the public scrutinising every detail, including the guest list and their outfits. So, when attending a royal wedding, guests are likely to go the extra mile with their attire. While royal wedding guest outfits were once formal and traditional, they have evolved to become fashion statements.

When it comes to dressing for a royal wedding, it's important to strike a balance between formal and fashionable. The key is to opt for elegant and sophisticated looks that are also stylish and modern. For women, this could mean choosing a dress in a classic silhouette with a unique twist, such as an unexpected colour or a statement accessory. For instance, at Princess Eugenie's wedding, Meghan Markle wore a chic and simple navy ensemble by Givenchy, the designer of her own wedding dress. Model-turned-actress Cara Delevingne also attended Princess Eugenie's wedding in a fitted tuxedo and top hat, an edgy and unexpected look. At the wedding of Prince Felix of Luxembourg and Claire Lademacher, Beatrice Borromeo wore a light pink, tailored pantsuit with a one-of-a-kind headpiece.

For men, a well-tailored suit is always a safe choice, but adding a touch of flair with unique accessories or a bold colour can elevate the look. At the royal wedding of Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene, Elton John added his signature flair to his dressed-up look with a pair of pink glasses.

It's worth noting that the dress code for a royal wedding may vary depending on the venue, time of day, and cultural traditions. For instance, a royal wedding held during the day may call for more subdued colours and modest styles, while an evening reception could be an opportunity for guests to wear more glamorous and extravagant outfits. Additionally, certain cultures may have specific dress codes or traditions that guests should respect and adhere to.

Overall, when dressing for a royal wedding, it's essential to consider the formality of the occasion while also allowing for some personal style and fashion-forward touches. Striking the right balance between formal and fashionable will ensure that guests look polished and sophisticated while still standing out from the crowd.

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Hats and headpieces: the bigger, the better

Hats and headpieces are a staple of royal wedding attire, and the bolder and more unique, the better. When it comes to royal weddings, guests often opt for statement headwear that is creative and eye-catching.

Beatrice Borromeo, for instance, wore a minimalist yet striking headpiece to Prince Felix's wedding. It featured two tendrils extending from behind her ear, with a contrasting colour that made it stand out. Similarly, at Princess Eugenie's wedding, Cara Delevingne rocked a fitted tuxedo with a top hat, a bold and edgy choice for a royal wedding.

Princess Diana, known for her iconic sense of style, often chose bold hats for royal weddings. At Camilla Dunne's wedding, she paired a chic teal outfit with a large and dramatic hat. Crown Princess Marie-Chantal and Princess Maria-Olympia have also been noted for their choice of headwear, with Maria-Olympia's hat resembling a silvery Medusa.

It's not just about the size, but also the creativity and uniqueness of the design. At the wedding of Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene, Roberta Armani wore a magnificent topper that mimicked the shape of her hat, adding a unique twist to her ensemble.

So, when dressing for a royal wedding, don't be afraid to go big and bold with your hat or headpiece. It's an opportunity to make a statement and showcase your personal style. Whether it's through size, colour, or an unexpected design, your headwear choice can be a memorable part of your royal wedding attire.

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Monochrome: a safe choice

Monochrome is a timeless and elegant choice for any occasion, and it seems to be a popular trend among guests at royal weddings. It is a safe and classic option, and when done right, it can be a fashion statement.

For Princess Eugenie's wedding, Meghan Markle opted for a chic and simple navy ensemble, a colour that is a safe choice for a royal wedding. The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, also chose a navy dress with sky-high heels for her own wedding, adding a modern twist with a high-low hemline. At the same wedding, a London TV personality chose a monochromatic royal blue outfit, complete with a geometric fascinator, a bold and fashionable statement.

If you want to stand out, you can take inspiration from Princess Clotilde Courau, who attended the wedding of Prince Albert II and Charlene Wittstock in a head-turning ruffled red dress with black accessories. Alternatively, for a more subtle look, you could opt for a light pink, like Beatrice Borromeo, who wore a tailored pantsuit and a unique headpiece to Prince Felix of Luxembourg's wedding.

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Royal wedding-appropriate hemlines: how short is too short?

When it comes to dressing for a royal wedding, it's important to strike a balance between style and appropriateness. Hemlines can be a tricky aspect of this, as you want to look fashionable without showing too much skin. So, how short is too short when it comes to royal wedding attire?

It's safe to say that a royal wedding calls for a more conservative approach to dressing. While you don't have to adhere to the strictest of standards, it's best to avoid anything that could be considered revealing. A good rule of thumb is to choose a hemline that hits just above or at the knee. This length is elegant and classic, ensuring you won't show too much leg during the ceremony and celebrations.

For those wanting to wear a shorter hemline, it's advisable to opt for a dress or skirt that falls no shorter than a few inches above the knee. This will ensure you maintain a tasteful and refined look. It's also worth considering the overall style and cut of your outfit. A shorter hemline can be balanced by choosing a more modest neckline and ensuring the fit is not too tight or revealing.

If in doubt, take inspiration from previous royal wedding guests. For instance, at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, Victoria Beckham demonstrated how to strike the perfect balance. Her outfit was both stylish and appropriate, featuring an elegant hemline that fell just above the knee. Similarly, at Princess Eugenie's wedding, Meghan Markle opted for a chic and simple navy dress, which was perfectly complemented by impressively high heels and a dashing little hat.

In conclusion, when dressing for a royal wedding, it's best to veer on the side of caution when it comes to hemlines. Opting for a length that is slightly longer than you might usually choose will ensure your outfit is respectful and tasteful. By choosing a hemline that falls around or just above the knee, you can still showcase your personal style while adhering to the occasion's traditional elegance.

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Accessories: to dare or not to dare?

When it comes to accessorising a royal blue dress for a royal wedding, there are plenty of options to consider. The key is to strike a balance between enhancing your dress and maintaining traditional wedding guest etiquette.

For a classic look, silver or platinum jewellery is a safe bet. Delicate necklaces, earrings, and bracelets can add a touch of elegance without overpowering the dress. Silver shoes, such as strappy sandals or classic pumps, are also a good choice for a modern, sophisticated look. Gold jewellery and accessories can also complement a royal blue dress, adding warmth and richness to your outfit. Gold shoes or a gold clutch can be a stylish choice, and gold and pearl earrings bring a touch of elegance. For a bold statement, consider orange accessories, which provide a striking contrast to the blue.

If you're attending a daytime wedding, a sunhat or straw hat can be a great addition, while a pretty scarf or wrap is perfect for an evening event. Hair accessories such as sparkling headbands, hair clips, or combs can add a touch of glamour, especially for an updo hairstyle. When it comes to makeup, a natural look with neutral shades on the eyes and a bold red or soft pink lip can complement the dress, while a nude lip creates a more subtle look.

While not required, a purse or bag can add another level of polish to your look. A clutch in a neutral colour like black, silver, or gold keeps the focus on your dress, while a metallic clutch adds glamour. A lightweight shawl or wrap in a complementary colour like silver, grey, or soft pastel can add warmth and elegance, especially for weddings in cooler climates.

Frequently asked questions

Royal weddings are typically formal events, so it's best to dress up. You can also use the wedding as an opportunity to make a fashion statement. If you're wearing a hat, feel free to get creative—the more ornate, the better.

Monochrome appears to be a popular choice for royal weddings. Navy is also a good option, as are bright colours.

Some outfit ideas for women include a pink, tailored pantsuit with a unique headpiece, a navy blue ensemble, or a fitted tuxedo with a top hat.

Men can also dress up and add flair to their outfits. For example, they can wear a vest, or add accessories like pink glasses, or studded gloves and a brooch.

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