Harry And Meghan's May Wedding Date Revealed

On 19 May 2018, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot in a fairytale wedding at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. The couple's wedding date was unusual as it fell on a Saturday, breaking with the royal tradition of having weddings on weekdays. The ceremony was attended by 600 guests and was televised to an audience of 11.5 million people.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding date

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 date was significant for a number of reasons. Firstly, it fell on the same day as the FA Cup Final, which Prince Harry's brother, William, normally attends in his role as President of the Football Association. Secondly, it was a break from royal tradition, as royal weddings usually take place on a weekday. Finally, the date fell on a Saturday, allowing crowds to gather and celebrate the occasion, despite it not being declared a bank holiday.

The wedding ceremony was conducted according to the Christian liturgy for Holy Matrimony as set out in Common Worship of the Church of England. The service included a passionate sermon by Bishop Michael Curry, the first black presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, who quoted Martin Luther King Jr. and emphasised the redemptive power of love. The ceremony also incorporated elements of African-American culture, with a gospel choir and a performance by The Kingdom Choir, a gospel group.

The choice of date also had some interesting implications for the wedding celebrations. Due to the FA Cup Final, Prince William was unable to attend the football match, marking a departure from tradition. Additionally, the couple's decision to hold the wedding on a Saturday meant that there was no procession through London, as is customary for royal weddings. Instead, there was a procession through Windsor, with the couple sharing their first kiss as a married couple outside St. George's Chapel.

The date of the wedding also had some logistical considerations. With the wedding falling on a Saturday, the royal family announced that they would pay for the wedding, with the costs estimated to be around £32 million. The security costs were expected to be lower than those of the 2011 wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and by the end of May, they were estimated to be between £2 million and £4 million.

In summary, the choice of 19 May 2018 as the wedding date for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle carried significant cultural, traditional, and logistical implications, making it a memorable occasion in the history of the British royal family.

Wedding venue

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were married on Saturday, 19 May 2018, at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, in the United Kingdom. The wedding ceremony was held in the morning, commencing at 12:00 midday BST.

St George's Chapel is a striking example of Gothic architecture, dating back to the 1300s. The chapel has a capacity of 800 people, making it a more intimate space compared to Westminster Abbey, which can accommodate 2,000. The choice of venue was a deliberate decision by the couple, signalling that they were "not going to be full-on attention-seeking royals".

The chapel has hosted royal weddings for centuries, including the weddings of Prince Edward, Prince Charles, and Princess Anne's son, Peter Phillips. It is also the final resting place of several monarchs, including King Henry VIII and Jane Seymour.

The wedding ceremony was conducted according to the Christian liturgy for Holy Matrimony, with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, officiating. The service incorporated elements of African-American culture, including a gospel choir and a sermon by American Bishop Michael Bruce Curry, who quoted Martin Luther King Jr.

Following the ceremony, there was a carriage procession through Windsor, and two receptions were held. The first, hosted by the Queen, took place in St George's Hall, and the second, hosted by the Prince of Wales, was held later in the day at Frogmore House. Frogmore House was also the site of the couple's engagement portraits.

Wedding guests

The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on 19 May 2018 was a star-studded affair, with a guest list including A-list celebrities, members of the public, and royalty.

Around 600 people were invited to the ceremony, which was held at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. The guest list included tennis ace Serena Williams and her husband, Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian, Indian actress Priyanka Chopra, and stylist Jessica Mulroney. Several of Markle's Suits co-stars were also in attendance, including Patrick J Adams, Troian Bellisario, Rick Hoffman, Vanessa Ray, Gina Torres, Gabriel Macht, and Sarah Rafferty.

Two of Prince Harry's ex-girlfriends, Cressida Bonas and Chelsy Davy, were also invited. Other celebrity guests included George and Amal Clooney, Idris Elba, James Corden, Tom Hardy, Carey Mulligan, and Marcus Mumford. Longtime royal friend Sir Elton John and his husband, David Furnish, were also in attendance, and John performed at the lunchtime reception hosted by the Queen.

In addition to the celebrities, there were also a number of notable royal guests, including Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Queen herself.

The couple also invited 2,640 members of the public to the grounds of Windsor Castle, including 1,200 people who had demonstrated strong leadership in their communities.

Wedding outfits

Spring is the perfect time to experiment with colours and designs outside your comfort zone. Here are some tips for wedding guest outfits for the spring season.

Colours and Patterns

Spring is all about pastel hues, floral prints, and playful patterns. You can't go wrong with light shades like dusty blue, pink, lilac, sage green, and yellow. Floral wedding guest dresses are also perfect for the spring season.

Fabric and Details

For warm-weather spring weddings, lightweight fabrics such as cotton, linen, or tulle are ideal. Look for details that nod to the season, such as ruffled necklines, open backs, or cut-outs.

Silhouette and Length

When it comes to silhouette, consider leg-baring midi and mini dresses or a sleeveless ankle-length number. For black-tie weddings, opt for floor-length gowns or jumpsuits in fresh colours or floral prints. For more casual celebrations, simple sun dresses paired with strappy sandals or espadrilles are a great choice.

Wedding Guest Outfit Ideas

• A one-shoulder style is a fun and elegant dress to take you through all your spring weddings. While dusty blue is a great option, this design also comes in various stunning hues.
• A unique asymmetric halter neckline, sleeveless design, and a flowy skirt make this satin midi dress from Petal & Pup a stand-out choice. It also comes in an array of solid, spring-ready colours.
• This midi-length dress from Revolve screams sexy with a plunging neckline and a high slit. It has self-tie shoulder straps that you can adjust for the perfect fit, and the crepe fabric and button accents add a touch of sophistication.
• This body-skimming dress from Revolve is both sexy and elegant, and the front cutout adds a unique flair. It has a lightweight and comfortable fabric, and the pastel blue colour is ideal for spring.
• If you want to make a statement, this cut-out strapless jumpsuit from Lulus is a must-have. It comes in several different colours, including black, green, and red, and its wide-leg cut and fluttering tier will help accentuate your curves.
• For a formal spring wedding, intricate detailing is a great feature. This floral appliqué maxi dress from Bronx and Banco offers a beautiful textured pattern and a plunging neckline. It's made from lightweight and breathable polyester, so you can wear it worry-free at any outdoor event.
• This off-the-shoulder maxi dress from Lulus is a great formal option. The elegant neckline and sexy slit add a bit of drama, and it's available in several different alluring colours.
• This cowl-neck convertible midi slip dress from The Dessy Group offers bold hues and a unique neckline for a spring ceremony. It comes in over 20 colours and inclusive sizing (XS to 3X), and its 100% polyester fabric provides excellent breathability.

The Date of Harry and Meghan's Wedding

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle got married on Saturday, 19 May 2018, at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, in the United Kingdom. The wedding date was unusual as historically, British royals have chosen to marry on weekdays.

Wedding reception

The wedding reception is a time for celebration and a chance to let your personality shine through. Here are some ideas to make your wedding reception memorable:

• Venue and Decor: The venue and decor can set the tone for your reception. Consider a venue that reflects your style as a couple. It could be a rustic barn, a chic art gallery, a botanical garden, or even a beach resort. Decor can include fairy lights, flower walls, hanging lights, chandeliers, or a combination of modern and vintage elements.
• Theme: Choosing a theme can help guide your aesthetic decisions. Some popular themes include rustic, vintage, bohemian, celestial, or a travel theme. You can also combine themes, such as a regencycore wedding with lavish details and abundant florals.
• Food and Drinks: Food and drinks are an important part of the reception. Consider a menu that reflects your cultural background, or opt for a unique twist on classic dishes. For drinks, signature cocktails or a whisky/wine tasting bar can add a special touch. Don't forget the wedding cake, which can be traditional or incorporate unique flavours.
• Entertainment: Keep your guests entertained with music, games, or other activities. Live music, such as a jazz band or a string quartet, can set the mood. You could also have a DJ or a close friend act as the MC. If you want to get everyone involved, organise some lawn games or a photo booth with fun props.
• Speeches and Toasts: Wedding receptions are a great time for meaningful toasts and speeches. These can be given by the wedding party, family members, or close friends. It's a chance to share stories, offer well-wishes, and even roast the newlyweds a little!
• First Dance: The first dance as a married couple is a special moment. Choose a song that is meaningful to both of you, or surprise your guests with a fun, choreographed routine.
• Guest Activities: Involve your guests in the celebration with interactive activities. This could include a polaroid camera for guests to take photos and leave with a note in a guest book, a build-your-own cocktail bar, or a fun wedding favour bar where guests can create their own favour bags.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding reception included two parts. The first was a luncheon reception hosted by the Queen in St. George's Hall, with canapes and performances by Elton John. The second was an intimate evening affair hosted by Prince Charles at Frogmore House, with DJ Idris Elba and a speech by Meghan, breaking royal protocol.

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