With Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s wedding firmly set in history, we are all feeling a little royal inspired. The good news is that there are many regal British traditions you can incorporate into your own wedding, no matter how American it is. From the type of cake you serve your guests down to the invitations, incorporating these little details into your big day will have you feeling like royalty every step of the way.
FANCY HATS
One of the biggest things royal weddings are known for is the hats. In fact, as the day begins, the focus will be more on the hats women show up in then their actual gowns. You may not want to include hats into your wedding day attire, but what about your bridal shower? Have a tea party and have all your best girls wear an over-the-top hat—the pictures will be priceless! On your actual wedding day, consider a headpiece in lieu of a wide-brimmed cap.
THE WEDDING CAKE
It is traditional for royal weddings to serve fruitcakes instead of the fancy, four-tiered cakes we often see here in America. Meghan and HArry appear to be taking a mixed approach to this. Kensington Palace has announced the royal wedding cake will be “a lemon elderflower concoction incorporating the bright flavors of spring.” It’ll be covered with buttercream, and adorned with fresh flowers.
Take this tradition head-on by asking your venue if they offer this, or pick one up yourself at a local bakery. If fruitcake isn’t your thing, have one as a grooms cake or extra dessert in addition to the traditional wedding cake you’re used to, or pass out mini versions during the dessert course.
AN EMPHASIS PUT ON THE MEAL AND SPEECHES
Royal weddings can sometimes last a full day (up to 12 hours!) and focus mainly on the meal. The speeches are given traditionally by important groomsmen. If this sounds like your type of wedding, follow suit! Instead of five hours on the dance floor, choose to have a sit-down, formal meal. Ask your loved ones to recite longer-than-average speeches.
TRADITIONAL VOWS
Royal weddings do not include their own vows—in fact, it is customary for the bride and groom to recite the traditional vows that have been spoken by every king, queen and so on for centuries. You can find the vows spoken by royals, or similar ones that match your style, and speak them at your wedding, saving the personal vows for later on in private.
RING BEARERS (OR PAGEBOYS)
This is a tradition we share with the British, although many have forgone the ring bearers and instead, given the rings to the best man or a trusty brother or family member. Keep the tradition alive by incorporating this back into your ceremony. Ask your best friend’s son or your baby cousin to step in for this important task.
DESIGNING YOUR OWN WEDDING STATIONERY
It seems a bit unusual, but it’s actually up to the royal couple to design their own stationery. Since Meghan is a talented calligrapher herself, many speculate that she will do this on her own. Here in the states, we often hire a professional to do this for us. If you have the skills (and the patience!), consider taking this task on—just like the royals do.
Style Me Pretty Contributor – Jessica Tzikas is a freelance writer, editor, and content manager from South Florida, who recently moved back to the sunshine state after living in Philadelphia for the past few years. When she isn’t writing, you can find her reading by the beach, spoiling her black lab, and exploring nearby towns with her new husband.