Junior Rasmussen
Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding was a grand affair, with the couple tying the knot in 2011 at Westminster Abbey. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, or the Prince and Princess of Wales, have had a fairy-tale romance, from their first meeting at the University of St. Andrews in 2005 to their loving glances at the BAFTA awards in 2023. They have shared many sweet moments, from waving to crowds at the Order of the Garter Service to their visit to Cardiff, Wales, to celebrate the start of Black History Month. Their royal wedding was no exception, with the newlyweds departing Buckingham Palace in a decorated blue Aston Martin convertible, bearing the license plate JUST WED.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Couple's Name | Will and Kate |
| Full Names | Prince William and Princess Kate/Catherine |
| Date of Wedding | 29 April 2011 |
| Wedding Venue | Westminster Abbey |
| Car Used After Wedding | Blue Aston Martin Convertible |
| Car License Plate | "JUST WED" |
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What You'll Learn
The wedding ceremony
The Processional
The wedding party proceeds down the aisle. In a Catholic ceremony, the priest and ministers walk to the altar as part of the processional. The groom enters first, followed by the best man, groomsmen, maid of honour, bridesmaids, ring bearer, flower girl, and finally, the bride, escorted by her father.
Opening Remarks
The minister or officiant welcomes the guests and addresses the couple's family and friends, speaking about the couple and why they are ready for marriage.
Affirmation of Intentions
The minister asks the couple if they are present of their own will and if they want to marry their partner.
Exchange of Vows
The couple exchanges their wedding vows, declaring their commitment to each other.
Exchange of Rings
The couple exchanges rings, a symbol of their commitment, often accompanied by the words, "With this ring, I thee wed."
Unity Ceremony
If desired, the couple can include a unity candle, sand ceremony, or any other symbolic ritual to unite their families and signify their union.
The Pronouncement
The officiant declares the couple married, and they share their first kiss as a married couple.
Recessional
The newlyweds lead the way back up the aisle, followed by the wedding party and guests. The guests offer blessings and shower the couple with rice or flowers.
Remember, this is just one example of a wedding ceremony order, and you can personalise it to reflect your unique connection and incorporate elements that are meaningful to you.
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The official wedding portraits
The couple's wedding was a grand event, with the ceremony held at Westminster Abbey, and the United Kingdom even declared a bank holiday to allow citizens to partake in the festivities. The official portraits reflect this formality, with William and Kate's portrait appearing more stiff when compared to the more relaxed wedding portraits of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
In contrast to William and Kate's formal portrait, Harry and Meghan released three official wedding portraits, taken by Alexi Lubomirski, two days after their royal wedding at St. George's Chapel. These portraits were more relaxed, showcasing a different relationship style to that of William and Kate's.
Both couples had other wedding portraits that were more similar. They each posed with their wedding party sitting around them, although Meghan and Harry had more page boys and bridesmaids. These portraits were well-coordinated with their backdrops: Meghan and the bridesmaids carried bouquets that matched the Green Drawing Room of Windsor Castle, while the red outfits of William and Kate's page boys matched the throne room's red walls. Both couples also took official photos with their families.
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The wedding reception
Assuming you mean Prince William and Kate Middleton, their wedding reception, like the ceremony, was a grand affair. The couple shared their first dance as a married couple, and Kate's parents gave a blessing before dinner was served.
A typical wedding reception includes a cocktail hour and a four-hour reception with dinner and dancing. However, there are many ways to make your wedding reception unique and memorable. Here are some ideas for Will and Kate's wedding reception, or any other couple's:
- The first hour: Grand entrance and first dance. This is also the time to capture those special moments with your photographer and videographer.
- The next four hours: Dinner and dancing. The newlyweds and their parents may give a brief welcome speech or blessing before dinner.
- Unique touches: Add some unique and fun elements to your reception, such as stargazing with telescopes, a campfire with s'mores, or a sketch artist to capture the moments.
- Eco-friendly: For an eco-conscious reception, focus on sustainable decor and waste reduction. Opt for a memorable and stylish celebration that honours the planet.
- Sweetheart table: Create a romantic and intimate atmosphere or a grand and luxurious vibe with elegant florals and soft lighting. This table will be the centerpiece of your reception, showcasing the newlyweds.
- Cultural touches: Incorporate cultural elements, such as traditional outfits or a special menu. For instance, a Sicilian wedding might include an ape car serving fresh cannoli.
- Personal touches: Make the day personal by incorporating your interests and favourite things. For instance, if you love books, nature, and gaming, find creative ways to include these in your reception.
- Fun and games: Add some fun and interactive elements, such as a trivia game about the newlyweds or a photo booth with props.
- Sunset photos: Sneak away during the cocktail hour to capture some romantic sunset photos, just the two of you.
The key is to customise the timeline and details to reflect your unique personality as a couple, ensuring your wedding reception is a memorable celebration of your love.
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The wedding guests
The wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton was a grand affair with approximately 1900 guests in attendance. The ceremony took place at Westminster Abbey in London, England, on Friday, 29 April 2011. The guest list included a mix of family, friends, and official dignitaries.
More than half of the wedding guests were family and friends of the couple. This included Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor, the seven-year-old daughter of the Earl and Countess of Wessex and first cousin of Prince William. Thomas Pettifer, the eight-year-old godson of Prince William, was also in attendance.
There was also a significant number of Commonwealth leaders, including governors-general representing the Queen in Commonwealth realms, prime ministers of Commonwealth realms, and heads of government of other Commonwealth countries. Members of religious organizations, the diplomatic corps, military officials, and members of the British Royal Household were also present.
Foreign royal families and heads of state were among the 1900 guests. Notable attendees included David and Victoria Beckham. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world also flocked to London to witness the spectacle and pageantry of the royal wedding.
After the wedding, the Queen hosted a private lunchtime reception at Buckingham Palace for guests drawn from the congregation, representing the couple's official and private lives. The couple then made their traditional appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
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The wedding cake
The cake was an impressive eight-tiered, three-feet-tall traditional fruit cake adorned with 900 leaf and floral touches. The floral decorations represented the flowers of the four UK nations and also paid homage to the Picture Gallery at Buckingham Palace, where the cake was displayed, by incorporating some of the architectural details into the design.
The cake was created by renowned cake maker Fiona Cairns, who had previously made cakes for other royal events, including for Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Cairns recalled that the Duchess of Cambridge was very clear about her vision for the cake, specifically requesting that it not be too tall. To accommodate this request and fill the space at Buckingham Palace, Cairns designed the cake to be as wide as it was tall.
The cake-making process was not without its challenges, as Cairns recalled having to manoeuvre the massive cake into the reception venue at Buckingham Palace. The finished product was a stunning and elegant creation that reflected the grandeur of the royal wedding and the couple's personal touches.
In addition to the main wedding cake, Will and Katoffiial also had a second cake commissioned, a chocolate tiffin, which was one of Prince Will's favourites. This second cake added a personal and whimsical touch to the wedding, offering guests a unique and delicious alternative to the traditional fruit cake.
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Frequently asked questions
Will and Kate, also known as Prince William and Princess Catherine, are members of the British royal family.
Will and Kate got married on April 29, 2011, at Westminster Abbey.
Will and Kate drove away from Buckingham Palace in a blue Aston Martin convertible with the license plate reading "JUST WED."
Will and Kate celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary by heading to Scotland, where they first fell in love while studying at the University of St. Andrews.
