Franklin Dean
Royal weddings are steeped in tradition and protocol, and the dress code is no exception. From the bride's gown to the guests' attire, there are specific guidelines and unwritten rules that shape the sartorial choices for these grand occasions. Royal weddings are a chance for guests to showcase their interpretation of formalwear, often with a nod to British designers and milliners. For the royal family, the dress code is influenced by longstanding traditions, with the Queen having the final say on the bride's wedding dress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Male guests' attire | Uniform, morning coat or lounge suit |
| Female guests' attire | Day dress with a hat |
| Bride's attire | Long sleeves, high neckline, no shoulders on display, white or cream dress, British designer |
| Groom's attire | Military uniform |
| Bride's bouquet | Must contain myrtle |
| Wedding bands | Welsh gold |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Royal wedding guest attire
For women, the dress code is typically a formal day dress with a hat and closed-toe shoes. The length should be tasteful, either slightly above, below the knee, or tea length. Garish patterns are not acceptable, and neither is black (considered a colour of mourning) or white (reserved for the bride). Subtle patterns or bright, vibrant colours are ideal. Shoulders should be covered, and the outfit should be free of cut-outs or sheer details. While not a requirement, many women choose to wear hosiery, and heels should not be higher than two or three inches. Small handbags are also recommended, as they are more practical for the event.
It's important to note that these dress codes are not just for show—they are a way to respect the royal family and the traditions associated with their weddings. As such, guests are expected to adhere to these guidelines and bring their finest fashion game.
Finding Your Dream Dress: Weight Loss Woes
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Royal wedding hats
Royal weddings are a hotbed for creative and extravagant hats. Guests are expected to wear hats or fascinators, which are considered acceptable headgear for the occasion. While women are not required to remove these accessories when entering a church, it is considerate to do so for those seated behind.
Royal weddings have seen a plethora of unique and statement hats over the years. At Princess Eugenie's wedding, Emma Louise Connolly wore a hat that resembled a puffy headband with a heart on the belt, a playful and unconventional choice. Princess Beatrice, on the other hand, opted for a swarm of butterflies as her headpiece at the wedding of Peter Phillips and Autumn Kelly. Princess Diana's sister-in-law also stood out with her vibrant colour choice at Meghan and Harry's wedding.
Kate Middleton, now known for her elegant fashion choices, has had some adventurous moments with hats in the past. At Camilla and Charles' wedding, she wore a feathery fascinator that resembled a hedgehog, a bold and youthful choice. At Meghan and Harry's wedding, she chose a wide, flat Philip Treacy hat adorned with floral detailing under the brim, a more subtle yet chic statement.
Some royal family members have also made their mark with their hat choices. Princess Diana attended a wedding wearing a periwinkle-and-white hat with an exaggerated brim, a memorable and stylish look. Queen Elizabeth has also been known to make a statement with her hats, such as when she wore a blue linen hat with curled ribbon embellishments during her trip to Malaysia.
Choosing the Perfect Wedding Dress Cover-Up
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Royal wedding groom attire
For a royal wedding, the groom's attire is typically a military uniform, reflecting their military rank. For example, Prince William wore a military uniform for his wedding to Kate Middleton. However, Prince Harry did not follow this tradition, possibly because he is no longer an active member of the Armed Forces. Instead, he wore a morning coat, a formal and traditional suit featuring a single button, peak lapels, and tails.
For those who are not part of the royal family, a royal-themed wedding may include a white tie tuxedo with a tailcoat for the groom, or a shoulder cape to convey power.
Indian ceremonial wear is also an option for grooms, with the regality of sherwanis and the sleek, tailored finesse of Achkans and Bandhgalas. Maroon Velvet Bandhgalas, for instance, add a rich touch of plush elegance, while also being comfortable.
The key to a groom's confidence is the perfect fit and fabric of his wedding attire. Accessories such as brooches, mojari, and shawls can also elevate a groom's ensemble, adding a touch of embellished grandeur.
Summer Wedding Guest: Choosing the Perfect Dress Color
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$43.99
$39.19 $48.99
Royal wedding bride attire
Royal weddings are steeped in tradition and protocol, and the bride's attire is no exception. From the design of the dress to the choice of accessories, there are several rules and customs that royal brides typically follow.
One of the most well-known traditions is the wearing of a tiara. For many royal brides, the wedding day is the first time they don a tiara, often borrowing a sparkling heirloom from their family or in-laws. Princess Diana, for instance, wore the Spencer Tiara, an heirloom owned by her family. Another tradition is that the bride's bouquet must contain myrtle, a custom started by Queen Victoria, who was given a myrtle plant by Prince Albert's grandmother.
Royal brides usually opt for dresses with sleeves and higher necklines for modesty, as royal weddings are held in churches. Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana, and Kate Middleton all wore dresses with sleeves, and Kate's gown had a low-cut yet elegant neckline. Out of respect for the monarchy, royal brides are also expected to wear a dress by a British designer. Kate Middleton's iconic Alexander McQueen gown was designed by Sarah Burton, and Meghan Markle, despite favouring American and Canadian fashion brands, wore a dress by British designer Clare Waight Keller.
The Queen has the final say on the wedding dress, approving the design before the big day. This tradition has been followed by brides including Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, who showed their dress designs to the Queen for approval.
In addition to the dress, royal brides often incorporate other symbolic elements into their attire. Princess Eugenie's custom gown featured an off-the-shoulder neckline and a dramatic train, with a meaningful silhouette that showcase the scar on her back from a childhood scoliosis operation.
Wedding Dress Code: To Include or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$59.99 $68.99
Royal wedding jewellery
Royal brides often borrow or are gifted heirloom jewellery on their wedding day to celebrate the rich history of their new family. For instance, Queen Elizabeth wore a two-strand pearl necklace, which was composed of two necklaces that are always worn together. The shorter strand, strung with 46 pearls, belonged to Queen Anne, the last Stuart monarch. The longer strand, with 50 pearls, belonged to Queen Caroline, Queen Consort to King George II. Elizabeth also wore an elegant platinum engagement ring set with diamonds from her mother-in-law, Princess Alice of Battenberg's, personal collection. The tiara that she wore, the Queen Mary Fringe Tiara, was originally given to Queen Mary as a wedding present from her mother, Queen Victoria, in 1893.
Another tradition is that the bride's bouquet must contain myrtle. This tradition was started by Queen Victoria, who was given a myrtle plant by Prince Albert's grandmother. After the wedding, the bride's bouquet is left at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at Westminster Abbey.
Royal wedding bands are also steeped in tradition. For over a century, royal wedding bands have been made from Welsh gold from the Clogau St. David's mine in North Wales. This gold has a higher percentage of pure gold than the usual 18-carat gold, giving the jewellery its rich colour.
Meghan Markle wore a borrowed tiara from Queen Elizabeth, also known as the Queen Mary tiara. Harry gave Meghan a new engagement ring, designed using diamonds from his mother's collection. As a wedding day gift, Harry also gave Meghan his mother's Asprey aquamarine ring, an emerald-cut aquamarine surrounded by small diamonds set in 24-carat gold.
Wedding Dress Alterations: How Much Can You Take In?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Morning dress is the daytime formal dress code for men at a royal wedding. This includes a morning coat, waistcoat, tie, and striped trousers. Navy or grey suits are customary, and garish waistcoats or ties should be avoided.
Women are expected to wear a day dress with a hat. Tights are also recommended. It is customary for the bride's bouquet to contain myrtle, started by the tradition of Queen Victoria who was given a myrtle plant by Prince Albert's grandmother.
Royal brides traditionally wear either white or cream dresses with long sleeves and no exposed cleavage or shoulders. The dress designs usually require the approval of the Queen before the wedding. The wedding day is also typically the first time a new royal wears a tiara, often a sparkling heirloom from their family or in-laws.
