With Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank’s weddings firmly set in history, I am feeling a little royal inspired. The good news is that there are many regal British traditions you can incorporate into your own wedding. 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 hats. In fact, as the day begins, the focus will be more on the hats women show up in than their actual wedding outfits. 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 on Pinterest. 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’ are 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 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 many have forgone 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 is actually up to the royal couple to design their own stationery. You naturally hire a professional to do this for you. If you have the skills (and the patience!), consider taking this task on—just like the royals do.
image source: Harper’s Bazaar
