Royals' Weddings: William Vs. Harry

Prince William and Prince Harry's weddings were very different. While William and Kate Middleton went for a traditional approach, Harry and Meghan Markle chose to shake things up. From the dresses to the cake, the venues to the carriages, and the first kiss to the getaway cars, the two weddings sparked many comparisons. But which was better? Well, that's a matter of opinion. However, when it comes to TV ratings, Harry and Meghan's wedding was bigger.

Wedding cake

Prince William and Kate Middleton's Wedding Cake

Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding cake was an eight-tiered, traditional fruitcake covered in white icing and decorated with 900 sugar paste ribbons, bows, flowers, and leaves. The cake stood three feet tall and weighed 220 pounds. It was designed by Fiona Cairns, a luxury cake designer who was given a clear brief that the cake must not be "ostentatious or grand."

The cake adhered to the British wedding tradition of fruitcake, which has been a staple of royal weddings for centuries. Fruitcakes are well-suited to large celebrations as their dense structure and high alcohol content allow them to last for decades without refrigeration.

In addition to the main cake, the couple also commissioned a second, more informal cake, a chocolate biscuit cake from McVitie's Cake Company, which was one of Prince William's favourites.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Wedding Cake

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding cake was a departure from the traditional fruitcakes typically seen at royal weddings. Instead, the couple opted for a lemon and elderflower-flavoured cake, made by pastry chef Claire Ptak of Violet Bakery in East London. The cake was a staggered, tiered design, assembled at Windsor Castle on the morning of the wedding and presented on a striking gold stand. It was covered in Swiss meringue buttercream and adorned with 150 fresh flowers, including peonies and roses.

The cake reflected the couple's desire to incorporate seasonal ingredients and flavours, with the elderflower cordial syrup made from elderflowers at the Queen's residence in Sandringham. The choice of a lemon and elderflower cake also represented a shift in British attitudes towards baking, with a move towards cakes that prioritise flavour and balance over visual grandeur.

Wedding dress

The wedding dress of Catherine, Princess of Wales, was designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. The dress was a fitted white V-neck gown with a long-sleeved lace overlay. The lace embroidery was used to pay tribute to the United Kingdom, with motifs of a rose, thistle, daffodil, and shamrock, representing England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, respectively. The gown also featured 58 gazar- and organza-covered buttons at the back, fastened with Rouleau loops. The nearly 9-foot-long train was designed to echo an opening flower, with white satin gazar arches and pleats.

The choice of Alexander McQueen was influenced by the brand's devotion to craftsmanship and respect for traditional workmanship, as well as its combination of "tradition and modernity with the artistic vision" characteristic of the house's work. The dress was kept a closely guarded secret until the wedding day, with extreme measures taken to ensure its privacy.

The Princess of Wales' second wedding dress, also designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, was a white satin gown with a strapless neckline and a full circle skirt, accessorised with a fuzzy white shrug.

Wedding venue

When it comes to wedding venues, both Prince William and Prince Harry chose historic sites with royal credentials. However, the scale and style of their chosen settings differed significantly.

Westminster Abbey

Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding venue, Westminster Abbey, is a grand and spacious setting that can accommodate up to 2,000 guests. The Abbey has been the site of sixteen royal weddings over nine hundred years, including that of Henry I and Princess Matilda of Scotland in 1100. The couple's choice of Westminster Abbey reflected the future King and Queen of England's prominent position within the royal family.

St. George's Chapel

In contrast, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding venue, St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, is a more intimate space with a capacity of 800 people. The chapel, dating back to the 1300s, has hosted several royal weddings, including those of Prince Edward, Prince Charles, and Princess Anne's son. The venue's Gothic architecture and stone fan vaulting provided a beautiful and historic backdrop for the ceremony.

Comparison

While both venues offered a royal setting, the choice of Westminster Abbey for William and Kate's wedding emphasised the grandeur and tradition associated with the future monarch and his bride. On the other hand, Harry and Meghan's selection of St. George's Chapel indicated a preference for a more low-key and intimate celebration, reflecting their desire to step back from full-on attention-seeking royal roles.

Wedding carriages

You can choose from a variety of carriage styles, such as the Vis-à-vis carriage, which can accommodate 6 regular-sized guests, or the Cinderella-style carriage for a fairytale touch. Decorations like flowers and bows can be added to match your wedding theme, and you can even have a period-dressed coachman and trumpets for a truly regal entrance.

For an even more magical experience, some companies offer packages that include a red carpet, champagne, and horse decorations like plumes. These additional touches can make your wedding day even more memorable and create a grand arrival for the happy couple.

The cost of hiring a horse-drawn carriage will depend on various factors, including the date, time, location, and the number of horses and carriages requested. It's important to plan carefully and allow enough time for photos, travel, and any additional trips that may be required for your wedding party.

Wedding reception

When it comes to the wedding receptions of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, there are some notable differences and factors to consider.

Firstly, the venues for the receptions were different. William and Kate held their reception at Buckingham Palace, hosted by the Queen. In contrast, Harry and Meghan's reception took place at Windsor Castle's Frogmore House, hosted by the groom's father, Prince Charles. The choice of venue can set the tone and atmosphere for the reception, and each location offers unique features and experiences.

The guest lists for the receptions also varied. While there was likely some overlap, each couple had their own circle of friends and acquaintances. William and Kate's wedding party included siblings of the bride and groom, as well as close friends. Harry and Meghan's wedding party included some famous faces, such as Oprah Winfrey, George and Amal Clooney, and David and Victoria Beckham. The guest list can influence the dynamic and glamour of the reception.

The food and drink options at the receptions were another point of distinction. William and Kate opted for a traditional wedding cake, an elegant tiered fruitcake. In contrast, Harry and Meghan chose a non-traditional staggered lemon elderflower sponge cake. The choice of cake reflects the couple's personalities and tastes, adding a personal touch to the reception.

The entertainment at the receptions may have differed as well. While specific details of the entertainment are not widely available, it is known that William and Kate's reception included the traditional first dance and a balcony appearance. Harry and Meghan's reception entertainment might have reflected their own preferences and could have included surprises or unique performances.

Lastly, the speeches and toasts at the receptions would have been highly anticipated. As the best man, William likely gave a speech and toast at Harry's reception, and it was rumoured that he would read a poem or prose favoured by their late mother, Princess Diana. Harry might have returned the favour and given a speech at William's reception, adding a personal and heartfelt touch to the celebrations.

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