Planning A Royal Wedding: A Step-By-Step Guide

Royal weddings are known for their extravagance and tradition. From Queen Victoria to the Duchess of Sussex, royal weddings have been a cause for wider celebration and the setting of new wedding trends. If you want to make your wedding feel royal, there are several elements you can incorporate to make it feel special. From selecting a stunning venue, to choosing a show-stopping cake, to adding lush florals, you can create an elegant and memorable event. Here are some tips to help you plan your own royal wedding.

Select a stunning venue

Selecting a venue is one of the most important decisions when planning a wedding. When it comes to creating a royal wedding atmosphere, the venue you choose will play a significant role in achieving that elegant and regal ambiance. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you select a stunning venue that will leave your guests in awe:

Opt for Historic and Grand Venues

When it comes to royal weddings, historic venues with a rich past are often a perfect choice. Consider venues with a connection to royalty or those that have hosted royalty in the past. This could be a palace, a castle, or a grand estate. For example, Kensington Palace in London, with its royal history and stunning gardens, offers multiple venues within its grounds, including the King's Gallery and the King's Drawing Room.

Choose a Venue with Stately Interiors and Lush Gardens

Look for venues that exude opulence and grandeur in their interior spaces. Ballrooms, banquet halls, and stately homes with exquisite furnishings, ornate details, and sweeping staircases can create a regal atmosphere. Don't forget the outdoors; lush gardens, manicured lawns, and picturesque backdrops are ideal for outdoor ceremonies and provide a beautiful setting for photographs.

Select a Venue that Aligns with Your Vision

Think about the overall vision and theme of your royal wedding. If you're planning a modern royal wedding, consider venues like art galleries, well-designed restaurants, or warehouse spaces. For a more natural and whimsical feel, outdoor venues such as parks, backyards, or venues with extensive garden lands can be a perfect choice.

Consider the Size and Capacity

Before finalising your venue, have a good understanding of your guest list. Consider the number of guests you plan to invite and choose a venue that can comfortably accommodate them. Additionally, think about the flow of your event and how guests will move throughout the space. The maximum capacity of a room may not always provide a comfortable amount of space, so consider the venue's recommendations for a more enjoyable guest experience.

Location and Convenience

If you're expecting a large number of out-of-town guests or having a destination wedding, consider choosing a venue that is conveniently located near hotels or accommodation options. This will make it easier for your guests to access and ensure they have a comfortable stay.

In-house Catering and Vendors

Some venues offer in-house catering and have pre-approved vendors, which can impact your overall budget and planning process. Venues with in-house catering may charge a price-per-plate, so be sure to factor that into your decision. Additionally, some royal venues have a list of preferred or pre-approved vendors, so it's essential to review these options and choose a venue that aligns with your preferences and requirements.

Remember, a royal wedding venue should exude elegance, opulence, and a sense of grandeur. By selecting a venue with historical significance, beautiful interiors, and stunning outdoor spaces, you'll be well on your way to creating a memorable and regal celebration.

Wear a royal wedding dress

Wearing a royal wedding dress is a key part of achieving that royal wedding look. There are several traditions and guidelines that royal brides follow when it comes to their wedding gowns. Firstly, the dress is typically white, in keeping with the longstanding tradition set by Queen Victoria when she married Prince Albert in 1840. British designer Norman Hartnell created the Queen's silk gown, adorned with pearls, and white has been the colour of choice for royal brides ever since.

Royal wedding dresses also usually feature sleeves and a more conservative neckline, providing coverage and modesty. This is partly due to the fact that royal weddings are held in churches, so modest silhouettes are preferred. The Queen must also approve the final version of the wedding dress, as she did for Kate Middleton's Alexander McQueen gown by Sarah Burton.

Another tradition is that the bride's wedding ensemble includes a tiara, often borrowed from family or in-laws. The wedding day is usually the first time a new royal wears a tiara, and it serves as her "something borrowed". Princess Diana wore the Spencer tiara, which was owned by her family, while Kate Middleton borrowed the Cartier Halo tiara from the Queen.

In addition to the tiara, royal brides often incorporate other heirloom jewellery into their wedding outfits, such as Meghan Markle, who borrowed a stunning heirloom diamond bandeau from the Queen to wear with her veil. Royal wedding dresses also tend to have sweeping skirts, long trains, and elegant, formal styling.

Incorporate myrtle and other flowers

Flowers play a significant role in royal weddings, with myrtle being a particularly special flower that has been included in royal wedding bouquets since 1840. The tradition began with Queen Victoria, who was gifted a posy of myrtle flowers by Prince Albert's grandmother in 1845. She loved the flowers so much that she planted a sprig in her garden at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, and the same myrtle bush still flourishes there today.

Myrtle, often referred to as the "herb of love" or the "flower of love, marriage, and lasting fertility", holds a significant meaning for royal brides. The inclusion of myrtle in a royal wedding bouquet is a nod to tradition and a symbol of the bride's innocence. When incorporating myrtle into your wedding, consider the following:

• Bouquet: The most traditional way to include myrtle is in the bridal bouquet. Every royal bride since 1858 has carried a sprig of myrtle in her wedding bouquet. You can combine the myrtle with other flowers that hold special meanings, such as hyacinths for constancy or lily of the valley for a return to happiness.
• Garden Display: If you want to showcase the myrtle in a more prominent way, consider a garden display. Queen Victoria's garden terrace at Osborne House, where her original myrtle plant was grown, has been opened to the public. You can take inspiration from this and create a similar garden display, featuring myrtle plants and other floral arrangements.
• Centrepieces: Flowers are also commonly used as centrepieces at royal wedding receptions. Abundant floral centrepieces can add a touch of luxury to your wedding. You can mix myrtle with other flowers or greenery to create elegant and meaningful centrepieces.
• Floral Arch: Another way to incorporate myrtle into your wedding is by having a floral arch. A floral arch can be used during the ceremony, creating a beautiful backdrop for photos. You can include myrtle along with other flowers and greenery to create a lush and romantic arch.
• Aisle Decoration: Flower petals carpeting the aisle is another way to create a luxurious royal look. You can use myrtle petals or mix them with petals from other flowers to create a romantic and fragrant walkway for the bridal procession.

In addition to myrtle, you can also incorporate other flowers that hold special meanings or sentiments. For example, Kate Middleton included Sweet William in her bouquet as a tribute to her new husband, William. You can research the symbolic meanings of different flowers and choose ones that represent love, happiness, and any other sentiments that resonate with you.

Invite guests with unique invitations

When it comes to invitations, it's all about creating a sense of luxury and elegance. Here are some ideas to invite your guests in style, fit for a royal wedding:

The Design

Keep the invitation design classic and elegant. You can mimic the style of previous royal wedding invitations, such as the one used by Prince William and Kate. Use thick textured paper and opt for letter-pressed invitations. Include special touches like ribbons, gold foil, gold edges, or even a stamped wax seal to add a sense of opulence.

The Wording

Keep the wording formal and simple. Use royal phrasing, such as "requesting the honour of your presence" instead of "pleasure of your company." Address your guests with formal titles, such as "Mr.", "Mrs.", or "Dr." Use a traditional font, such as calligraphy or a classic serif font, to give a sophisticated feel.

The Envelope

Make a statement with the outer envelope. Consider using black lacquer boxes to hold the invitations, adding a touch of modern elegance. Alternatively, you could use envelopes in rich colours like ultraviolet or Pantone's colour of the year to make them stand out.

The Details

Include unique and intricate details that reflect the royal nature of the event. Create your own wedding crest to be featured on the invitations. You could also incorporate a monogram or a family coat of arms if you have one. These details will add a sense of heritage and tradition to your invitations.

The Presentation

Present your invitations in a way that showcases their importance. Consider using a luxurious box or a silk ribbon to hold the invitation suite together. You could even add a small gift or favour along with the invitation, such as a small bottle of champagne or a personalised item, to give your guests a taste of the extravagance they can expect at your royal wedding.

Remember, a royal wedding is about history, memory, and attention to detail. These invitation ideas will surely impress your guests and set the tone for your special day.

Arrive in a horse-drawn carriage

Arriving at your wedding in a horse-drawn carriage is a great way to make your big day feel truly royal. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Firstly, select a carriage that aligns with your royal aesthetic. The Ascot Landau is a popular choice for royal weddings, with its bright and lovely design, allowing for excellent visibility of the newlyweds. It has been used by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, and his wife, as well as Prince William and Kate Middleton's bridal party. Alternatively, if you're anticipating rain on your wedding day, consider opting for the Scottish State Coach, an enclosed carriage with large glass windows and transparent panels in the roof, providing a great view for onlookers. This coach was used by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in 1969.

Next, choose your horses! The Royal Family typically uses Windsor Grey Horses, which have played a significant role in ceremonial events since Queen Victoria's reign. For Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding, the carriage was pulled by a team of Windsor Greys, including a father-and-son duo, Storm and Tyrone. If you want to follow royal tradition, you could also include two outriders on horseback, accompanying the carriage.

Now, let's discuss the procession route. If your wedding venue is a castle, like Windsor Castle, you can plan a route that takes you through the town, along the main streets, and eventually back to the castle. This provides an opportunity for the public to celebrate with you and catch a glimpse of the happy couple. Ensure you have an escort, like the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, for a truly regal touch.

Finally, don't forget the small details that will make your carriage ride memorable. Decorate your carriage with flowers or ribbons that match your wedding colours. You could even include a 'Just Married' sign at the back of the carriage, adding a whimsical touch.

Arriving in a horse-drawn carriage is a magical way to make an entrance on your wedding day and will undoubtedly leave your guests feeling like they've stepped into a royal fairytale.

Frequently asked questions