Royal Wedding Worthy Ideas For Your Special Day

With Meghan and Harry’s wedding just around the corner, there’s so much speculation about the big day in the wedding world. What will the bride wear? Who’s on the guest list and what will the couple include in their plans? Royal weddings influence us more than you might imagine so here are some of the very best Royal wedding worthy ideas for your special day.

Now you might be surprised when I tell you that a lot of wedding elements that we see as being traditional or stylish have been influenced by Royal weddings of the past. Queen Victoria was the ultimate wedding influencer and white wedding dresses and tiered cakes covered in white icing all appear today because of her. In fact Royal icing is so-called because of her towering wedding cake design! More recently, the Duchess of Cambridge has been credited for the revival of lace in wedding gown design and Princess Diana’s huge dress influenced the must-have style for all 80s brides.

But, Royal Weddings all have certain things in common. They are elegant, stylish and refined with more than a hint of luxury. They embody tradition and include all those things that we’ve come to associate with ‘the white wedding’. Don’t expect to see rustic, boho or alternative touches at a Royal wedding. Instead, it’s time to embrace sophistication, grace and a stylish splendor.

So, to bring some gorgeous grandeur to your own wedding day, what should you include? Well, there really is a lot you can choose from…

Images: Top Row Left via Stylist | Top Row Right via Janis Ratnieks | Second Row Left via The Frostery | Second Row Right via Wedluxe | Third Row Left via The French Bedroom Company | Third Row Right via JD Bridals | Bottom Row Left via Hitched | Bottom Row Right via Who What Wear

Start with your venue because, let’s face it, we don’t all have a collection of castles and palaces at our disposal! However, there are plenty of grand wedding venues out there so select somewhere that’s really got the wow factor. A country estate or historic house is just what you need.

When it comes to your bridal ensemble, a stunning full-skirted gown needs to be on your list. A Royal bride is unlikely to wear anything with a plunging V-neck or a barely-there back but you can be sure the dress will be impeccably fit and immaculately made. Jewellery is, of course, important, so choose a statement tiara and simple diamond or pearl earrings. A veil is another must-have and beautiful shoes should finish your outfit.

Royal bridesmaids are often dressed in traditional dresses – think dreamy full tulle skirts, sweet little ballet flats and adorable flower crowns. Pageboys are also popular and dressing them in sailor suits or historically inspired outfits will be the way forward. The groom and groomsmen, if they don’t have a military uniform to wear, are likely to be in morning suits for the ultimate in male refinement.

The details of a Royal wedding inspired celebration must be elegant at all times and are likely to be inspired by a classic colour palette. Whites and golds with touches of greens would be perfect and if you bring in rich fabrics for contrast, you’ll be doing very well indeed!

Bridal bouquets should be small and wonderfully made. Timeless posies of romantic blooms are perfect and historically, Royal brides carry lily of the valley, orange blossom and myrtle with this last coming from, yes you’ve guessed it, Queen Victoria! Brides have also included their own favourite flowers and Meghan is a well-known fan of peonies and these just happen to be in season in May…

Images: Top Row (both images) via Love My Dress | Second Row via Pinterest | Bottom Row Left via One Fab Day | Bottom Row Right via Whimsical Wonderland Wedding

Tables for the wedding breakfast should follow the classic banqueting style with long tables instead of rounds. Candles, elegant table centres, gorgeous linens, polished cutlery, crystal glasses and gold-edged crockery will give your wedding a really Royal feel.

For a detail that can be used right through your wedding, think of a stylish monogram. Work this into your stationery designs and even your wedding cake and don’t forget to embrace your own family history too. Also, look forward and follow Royal tradition – save the top tier of your cake to celebrate the birth of your first child!

Lastly, food and drink. As much as we all love street food and craft beer, you need to go for more luxurious options for a Royal-inspired wedding. Champagne, delicious canapés and a beautifully cooked and served meal will make sure that all your guests feel very special indeed.