The Royal Wedding was held on May 19th, 2018, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle rejoiced together. This was an important day for them, as they took vows before God, their families, and the Queen. The couple announced their engagement in November 2017, and have been planning their wedding ever since. The royal couple wanted a celebration that reflected their characters, and that’s exactly what they got. Here is everything you need to know in this recap of the royal wedding!
Royal Wedding Planning
From flowers to the cake, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle decided to take charge of the ceremony. The Lord Chamberlain’s Office at Buckingham Palace is usually responsible for organizing royal weddings, but this happy couple continues to break the rules. Still, under the guidance of Harry’s private secretary, Edward Lane Fox, the Lord Chamberlain’s Office did deal with the ceremonial aspects of the day. This included the church service, associated music, flowers, decorations, and reception, which was all paid for by the Royal Family. Prince Harry and Ms. Markle made sure both their families, wide circle of friends, and the welcome of the public were all incorporated into their big day.
Royal Wedding Invitations
The invitations to the Royal Wedding were given out to 600 lucky guests, with 200 close friends invited to an after party at Frogmore House. They were all produced by Barnard & Westwood, a company close to the Royal Family. Each invitation was die-stamped in gold and then burnished, featuring The Three Feather Badge of The Prince of Wales. Ms. Markle’s father, Thomas, attended and gave his blessing for the wedding before even meeting Prince Harry, alongside his wife Doria Ragland. Some celebrities that made an appearance included Barack Obama, Serena Williams, Sarah Rafferty, Patrick J Adams, and Wendell Pierce. Furthermore, 2,640 charity workers, community champions, and local school children were invited to watch the wedding from inside the walls of Windsor Castle.
Royal Wedding Party
What’s a wedding without a wedding party? Meghan Markle opted out of having a Maid of Honor, but that didn’t stop her from choosing six bridesmaids. This included 3-year-old Princess Charlotte, two of Prince Harry’s goddaughters, two goddaughters of Markle, and her best friend and stylist, Jessica Mulroney. Prince Harry chose page boys of Prince George, godson Jasper Dyer, and Ivy Mulroney’s twin brothers. Of course, his older brother, Prince William, will serve as best man.
Royal Wedding Dress
Now, let’s talk about Meghan’s super feminine gown that we all finally got to see. She chose a modest white bridal gown designed by Givenchy’s Clare Waight Keller, and looked absolutely breathtaking. The ivory dress featured a shoulder-framing bateau neckline, a simple A-line silhouette, and slim three-quarter sleeves. The train was kept short, stopping before the 16.5-foot silk tulle veil. This was hand-embroidered with flora representing the 53 countries of the Commonwealth. How cool!
Royal Wedding Venue
The Royal Couple said “I do” midday at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. This is where Harry’s father, Prince Charles, and Camilla had their blessing in 2005. Additionally, this is where Prince Harry was christened, so it has become a very special place for the couple. Floral designer Philippa Craddock joined a team of florists from St. George’s Chapel and Buckingham Palace to create the displays for the royal wedding. The designs included locally sourced foliage, and had flowers and plants that are in season during May. The flowers were then distributed to charities after the wedding.
Royal Wedding Ceremony
The Dean of Windsor, The Rt Revd. David Conner, conducted the traditional ceremony at 12 noon. Here, Prince Harry and Meghan decided on their chosen music, hymns, and prayers. Then, The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby officiated as the couple made their marriage vows. After the ceremony and congratulations, the newlyweds took a tour of Windsor around 1pm, soon leaving Windsor Castle by carriage via Castle Hill. Traveling through the High Street and Windsor Town, the couple soon returned along the Long Walk for their reception.
Royal Wedding Reception
Wedding guests met the newlyweds for a reception at St. George’s Hall. Harry’s father, Prince Charles, also held a private reception later that evening for the couple with close friends and family members in attendance. Claire Ptak of Violet Cakes created the couple’s wedding cake, incorporating the bright flavors of spring. It was a lemon elderflower cake with organic ingredients, covered with buttercream and decorated with fresh flowers.
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xoxo,
Faviana Team
