Planning A Royal Wedding On A Budget

Planning a wedding is a special time, and if you want to make your wedding feel like a royal occasion, there are many ways to add a touch of regal elegance to your big day. From the invitations to the flowers, there are many aspects of a royal wedding that you can recreate.

Firstly, the location is key. Royals often marry in grand, historic buildings, such as castles, stately homes, or churches. The bigger the better! You could also consider a venue with both indoor and outdoor options, in case of unpredictable weather.

Next, the invitations. Royals tend to favour very traditional, elaborate invitations with gold borders and elegant writing. You could include a family crest or monogram for an extra regal touch.

When it comes to flowers, go big! Royal weddings often feature lush, abundant florals, from flower petals carpeting the aisle to floral arches and centrepieces.

The bridal party is also usually large, with several bridesmaids, groomsmen, page boys, and flower girls. The bride's dress is often traditional and extravagant, with a long train, beadwork, lace, and embroidery.

Finally, don't forget the food! Royal weddings often feature a show-stopping cake and an elaborate wedding breakfast. You could even have two cakes, like Kate and William, who had a traditional fruit cake and a chocolate cake.

Choose a stunning venue

The venue is one of the most important aspects of a wedding, and if you want your big day to feel royal, you'll need to select a location that is truly fit for a king or queen. Here are some tips to help you choose a stunning venue that will make your wedding feel like a royal occasion:

Opt for a Traditional Church

Most royal weddings take place in churches, so if you want to emulate that traditional aspect, start by finding a large, grand church in your desired location. Westminster Abbey in London, where Prince William and Catherine Middleton tied the knot, is a great example of a majestic church that has played host to numerous royal weddings over the centuries.

Consider a Historic Chapel

If a church doesn't quite fit your vision, consider a historic chapel instead. St. George's Chapel, located within the grounds of Windsor Castle, has been the venue of choice for several royal weddings, including those of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank. The gothic-style chapel, founded in the 14th century, certainly fits the bill for a stunning venue with its rich history and regal surroundings.

Choose a Grand Estate

If you prefer a non-religious ceremony, consider hosting your wedding at a grand estate or manor. Nanina's in the Park, located in New Jersey, offers exquisite ballrooms, luxuriant gardens, and elegant interior spaces that provide the perfect backdrop for memorable weddings.

Think About Guest Size and Comfort

When selecting your venue, it's important to consider the number of guests you plan to invite and ensure that the location can comfortably accommodate them. Additionally, think about the comfort of your guests—while royal weddings tend to have large guest lists, you don't want your guests to feel cramped or crowded.

Opt for a Scenic Backdrop

Whether you choose a church, chapel, or estate, consider the visual appeal of the venue and its surroundings. Opt for a location that offers a scenic backdrop for your ceremony and photographs. Beautiful gardens, grand architecture, or a picturesque natural setting can all contribute to a stunning venue that will enhance the royal feel of your wedding.

Remember, your wedding venue sets the tone for the entire celebration, so take the time to find a location that truly embodies the elegance and grandeur you desire.

Send out elegant invitations

Sending out invitations is a crucial part of planning a wedding, and if you want to make yours feel royal, there are several things to consider. Here are some tips to help you create elegant wedding invitations:

Choose the Right Paper

Select thick, textured paper for your invitations. The weight and texture of the paper will give your invitations a luxurious feel. This is an essential detail to get right, as it will create a sense of elegance and sophistication even before your guests open the envelope.

Elegant Design and Typography

Keep the design and layout of your invitations formal and elegant. Consider using gold foil, ribbons, or even a stamped wax seal to add a regal touch. As for the wording, simple and formal language is best. You can also specify the dress code on the invitations, such as lounge suits or morning coats for your guests.

Create a Royal Crest

Add a unique touch by creating your own wedding crest. This will give your invitations a truly regal feel and showcase your attention to detail. A crest can be a beautiful way to incorporate your initials, wedding date, or even a family motto or symbol.

Guest List Management

Managing your guest list is crucial when sending out invitations. Create a list of guests, including their addresses, and decide on the number of invitations needed. It is important to know how many guests will be attending as soon as possible, so be sure to request that they RSVP by a specific date, ideally 1.5 to 2 weeks before the wedding.

Sending Out the Invitations

When sending out your elegant invitations, it is essential to do so well in advance. This will give your guests enough time to plan and ensure they can attend your special day. Sending out invitations early also sets the tone for your wedding and will create a sense of anticipation among your guests.

Remember, your wedding invitations are a reflection of your special day, so take the time to choose the right design, paper, and wording. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating elegant invitations that will impress your guests and set the tone for your royal-themed wedding.

Incorporate flowers and lush florals

Flowers are a key feature of royal weddings, so if you want to make your wedding feel like a royal one, be sure to incorporate plenty of lush florals.

For the ceremony, consider lining the aisle with flower petals and creating a floral arch under which the happy couple will stand. You could also decorate the church with bows and floral arrangements on the pews. If you're getting married in a non-religious venue, you can still incorporate flowers by creating a floral backdrop for the ceremony.

When it comes to choosing the types of flowers to include, royal brides often carry bouquets featuring myrtle, which has been a symbol of matrimony within bridal bouquets since the wedding of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's eldest daughter in 1858. Myrtle has been included in the bouquets of Princess Eugenie, Duchess Kate, and Queen Elizabeth. You could also take inspiration from Meghan Markle, who chose a bouquet of scented sweet peas, lily of the valley, astilbe, jasmine, astrantia, and Forget-Me-Nots. Or, like Princess Beatrice, opt for jasmine, pale pink and cream sweet peas, ivory spray roses, and pink O'Hara garden roses.

For the reception, flowers and lush greenery can be used to decorate the venue, including the pillars, windows, and tables. If you're feeling particularly royal, follow in Kate Middleton's footsteps and line the aisle with trees, or create a floral archway at the entrance to the reception venue.

Wear a royal wedding dress

If you want your wedding to be like a royal wedding, the bridal gown is a key component. Here are some tips and historical references to help you select a royal wedding dress:

Royal Wedding Dress Traditions

Royal brides typically wear British-designed, locally-made, extravagant traditional white dresses with long trains. These dresses are often formal and elegant, with a sweeping skirt, a long train, and an even longer veil. Beadwork, lace, embroidery, and other intricate details are common.

Royal Wedding Dress Colours

While white is a popular choice, royal brides have also opted for other colours in the past. For instance, Duchess Wallis Simpson wore a signature "Wallis blue" dress, while Queen Elizabeth II chose a satin Duchesse gown with floral embroidery and crystal and pearl appliqué.

Royal Wedding Dress Designers

When it comes to designers, there are several favourites among royal brides. David and Elizabeth Emanuel, Norman Hartnell, and Alexander McQueen are just a few who have designed iconic royal wedding dresses.

Royal Wedding Dress Details

Pay attention to the small details that can make your dress stand out. For example, consider adding a long veil, floral embroidery, or sparkling gems and sequins. You can also incorporate meaningful symbols or family jewels, like Meghan Markle, who borrowed a stunning heirloom diamond bandeau from the Queen.

Royal Wedding Dress Silhouette

The silhouette of your dress is important to achieve that regal look. Go for a sweeping skirt that falls elegantly to the floor, or opt for a dress with a sexy front slit that showcases your legs. A long train is also a must-have for that dramatic entrance.

Remember, your wedding dress is a reflection of your personal style and the theme of your wedding. While taking inspiration from royal weddings, make sure to choose a dress that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and regal on your special day.

Plan a glamorous engagement shoot

To make your wedding feel royal, here are some ideas to incorporate:

• Select a stunning venue, like a gorgeous estate, a large traditional church, or a historic building.
• Borrow and wear heirloom jewellery, like Meghan Markle did, borrowing a stunning heirloom diamond bandeau from the Queen.
• Choose classic, rich hues like blue, purple, gold, white, and crimson for your wedding palette.
• Invest in gorgeous flowers, with lush florals and flower petals carpeting the aisle, a floral arch over the couple, and abundant centrepieces at the reception.
• Send out unique invitations with thick textured paper, letter-pressed invitations, your wedding crest, gold foil or edges, and maybe even a stamped wax seal.
• Select a royal wedding dress that is traditional, with a sweeping skirt, a long train, beadwork, lace, and embroidery.
• Arrive separately in carriages or black cars, as is traditional for royal couples.

Now, for your engagement shoot, here are some ideas for a glamorous session:

Plan the outfits:

• Floral halter dress with rose gold diamond earrings and crystal ankle-wrap heels.
• Sequin brocade plunging V-neck cocktail dress with a black diamond cuff and ankle-tie black heels.
• Green keyhole wrap midi dress with a cushion-cut green zircon ring and silver metallic crystal heels.
• Black draped long dress with a gold chain wallet and transparent ankle-strap pumps.
• Metallic open-back dress with spear dangle earrings and silver glitter pointed-toe pumps.

Choose a stunning location:

• A historic hotel lobby with old-world charm and lavish interiors.
• A botanic garden or a national park with lush greenery and colourful flowers.
• A beach or pier with a romantic backdrop of the ocean and a stunning sunset.
• A cemetery with grand mausoleums, tranquil lakes, and a gothic romance ambiance.
• A museum or theatre with a glamorous and dramatic backdrop.

Incorporate unique props:

• Include your pet in the photos for a sweet family portrait.
• Use a drone to capture aerial shots of you and your partner.
• Add a playful element, like a pillow fight or a sledding session.
• Bring along a pretty umbrella or a printed blanket for unexpected weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions