While many of us have delighted in watching the lavish and romantic royal weddings unfold on television over the years, few brides realize that achieving this level of opulence is within their grasp. For those looking to emulate the likes of Meghan Markle’s big day, it’s possible to incorporate some of the key elements that made her wedding so memorable into your own special celebration. Here’s a glimpse at what it takes to bring a touch of royal elegance to your wedding.
What is a Royal-Themed Wedding Style?
When it comes to weddings, few things capture our imagination like the majestic nuptials of royalty. Who can forget Prince William and Kate Middleton’s 2011 union or Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s fairytale-like wedding in 2018? These lavish celebrations have set the bar high for couples around the world. But what if you’re not a member of the royal family, yet you want to bring a touch of that magic to your own special day?
The good news is that with the right guidance from your wedding planner, incorporating elements of a royal wedding into your celebration is more achievable than you might think.
Discussing your vision and budget with your planner can help you identify ways to infuse your event with royal flair. From elegant decor to beauty inspiration, there are many ways to channel the romance and whimsy of Meghan Markle’s iconic 2018 wedding on your own terms.
By focusing on those special details that make a wedding truly unforgettable, you can create an experience fit for a queen without breaking the bank.
Royal Wedding Decor
Elevate your wedding reception to a regal level by incorporating subtle elements reminiscent of Kensington Palace’s grandeur. Draw inspiration from the majestic weddings of British royalty by implementing the following elegant decor ideas, subtly woven throughout your special day.
Royal-Themed Stationery Ideas
When it comes to royal weddings, simplicity and elegance are key characteristics of the invitations. Take Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding stationery as an example – a crisp white linen invitation with black print lettering perfectly captured the understated yet sophisticated tone of their special day. Unlike some might expect from a grand royal affair, there were no gold embellishments or gemstones to distract from the beauty of the design.
The lesson learned here is that when aiming for a wedding as classy and refined as those of the royal family, it’s often more effective to opt for simplicity over extravagance.
Venue Ideas and Inspiration
When scouting out potential wedding venues, one unique idea is to seek out a space that exudes a royal aura. This could be a historic estate, a majestic garden or even a luxurious ballroom. The key is to find a setting that feels romantic and intimate for your ceremony, which may involve a church-like atmosphere, while the reception can take place in a grand, opulent space.
When searching for an indoor venue, look for soaring ceilings, dramatic lighting or architectural features like chandeliers that will tie in with your overall aesthetic. Additionally, consider the natural flow of the space and whether it can accommodate your guest list comfortably. As you weigh your options, remember that any venue can be transformed through decor to suit your vision.
Rich gold accents, elaborate floral arrangements or other creative touches can elevate even the most humble space into a fairytale-like setting. If budget allows, consider castle wedding venues worldwide, including those in the US.
Reception Inspiration for Food and Decor
When it comes to planning your reception, you have a world of possibilities when it comes to tablescapes and food and drink options. The beauty of this is that you don’t necessarily need to follow a strict theme, allowing you to infuse your personal style into every detail. For instance, if you’re drawn to the color blue, you could create a stunning tablescape featuring blue linens and complementing gold accents.
Alternatively, you can swap out colors to match your royal wedding scheme or simply opt for a palette that reflects your personal taste. The key is to keep things simple yet elegant, leaving room for creativity and flexibility. One area where you can truly go all out with a royal theme is the wedding cake. This show-stopping centerpiece can be designed to reflect your chosen theme, taking it to new heights of grandeur.
Simply ask your bakery to incorporate your royal theme into the design, and they’ll create a masterpiece that will leave your guests in awe. To further emphasize the ‘royal’ aspect of your special day, consider incorporating scattered crown designs throughout your table decor. This can be achieved by placing crowns on table numbers, providing guests with a clear indication of their seating arrangement.
Alternatively, you could adorn the backs of the bride and groom’s chairs with regal crown decorations, adding an air of sophistication to this special moment.
Royal Wedding Dress Code
To ensure that your special day exudes an air of elegance and sophistication, it’s essential to consider the overall aesthetic of both you and your guests. To achieve this regal ambiance, follow these fashion and beauty tips: start by refining your own bridal style to perfectly complement the opulent atmosphere of your royal-themed wedding. Then, extend this level of refinement to your guests’ attire, guaranteeing that everyone in attendance looks polished and refined.
Royal Bridal Gowns and Beauty Inspiration
To achieve a regal bridal look for a royal wedding affair, draw inspiration from famous royal brides like Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton, and Princess Diana. These iconic styles offer valuable insight into what makes a royal bride’s aesthetic so timeless. The cornerstone of your wedding day look is the wedding gown, which should feature sleeves – a characteristic common to every royal bride. Alternatively, opt for a princess-style gown with a voluminous skirt that exudes fairytale charm.
Next, consider your hairstyle. Royal brides often favor up-dos, especially those with long hair that can be effortlessly styled into an elegant bun or chignon. However, this doesn’t mean you must follow suit. If you have a penchant for loose locks, you can still incorporate a regal touch by pairing your natural hairstyle with a crown. When it comes to bridal makeup, the focus is on enhancing one’s natural beauty rather than making drastic changes.
Most royal brides opt for a subtle, understated look that lets their features shine. Steer clear of heavy-handed techniques like false lashes, heavy contouring, or airbrush foundation and instead, rely on your own unique beauty as inspiration.
Wedding Party Outfits & Beauty Inspiration
To create a cohesive and regal wedding party, every detail counts, from hair to footwear. As your bridesmaids and groomsmen will be standing alongside you during the ceremony, it’s essential they present themselves impeccably. Bridesmaids’ attire should harmonize with the overall color scheme, featuring simple yet elegant gowns that tie in with the rest of the wedding party.
While traditional royal weddings often feature children serving as attendants, this is not a necessity for American brides. Instead, focus on understated makeup and hairstyles that complement the bride’s look without upstaging her. For groomsmen, opt for suits that exude elegance – think black tuxedos with waistcoats for a traditional royal touch or classic suits for a more relaxed yet still refined appearance.
Guest Attire Rules
To elevate the overall ambiance of your wedding, it’s essential to consider the attire of your esteemed guests. Aim for an air of sophistication by specifying a dress code on your invitations. For indoor evening events, black tie is a suitable choice, while outdoor summer weddings may require a more relaxed approach to ensure guest comfort. Be mindful of the venue and adjust your dress code accordingly.
If you want to encourage elegant attire without being too formal, consider adding a ‘black tie optional’ disclaimer on the invitation.
