From regal attire to greeting the Queen: The rules royal wedding guests must follow
It’s safe to say, we’ve brought you the lowdown on every single aspect of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s big day from the couple’s hipster cake to the all-important wedding dress.
But when millions of fans from across the globe tune in on May 19, they’re not only going to be focusing on the history-making ‘I do’s’. The 600 guests who have bagged a golden ticket to the St George’s Chapel ceremony are sure to grace the headlines too, as they take to their assigned pews.
The likes of David and Victoria Beckham are on the exclusive guest list while Meghan Markle’s close pals, Priyanka Chopra and Misha Nonoo, are also rumoured to be in attendance.
So what is expected of royal wedding guests?
With less than two weeks to go until the soon-to-be Duke and Duchess of Sussex tie the knot, etiquette experts, Debrett’s, have pulled together the ultimate guide for their wedding guests.
Eschew the traditional gown in favour of suiting
According to the website, it is still rare to see female wedding guests don trouser suits (yes, even in 2018). But as Debrett’s rightly points out, Meghan is no conventional royal. For her debut evening event alongside Prince Harry, the 36-year-old eschewed tradition in favour of a slick suit by Alexander McQueen.
Taking the royal-to-be’s protocol-breaking move into consideration, we’re pretty sure the former actress would be pleased to see her guests switch up the regal fashion game when it comes to day dress. Jumpsuits were finally given the stamp of approval at the Royal Ascot’s Royal Enclosure last year meaning that it’s highly likely someone could break the sartorial mould on May 19.
Our bets are on Amal Clooney.
Choose a Brit label
The designer behind Meghan’s wedding dress is shrouded in mystery though speculation that she has chosen Brit couturier Ralph & Russo is rife. And her decision to wear a British designer would not be unusual as the Queen wore Norman Hartnell on her big day while the Duchess of Cambridge chose Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.
Due to the fact that you can’t get more British than a royal wedding, it’s highly likely that guests will don the likes of Erdem, Emilia Wickstead, Burberry and Jenny Packham. Yes, the Duchess of Cambridge is sure to choose from the definitive list (our bets are on the latter).
Despite her American heritage, Meghan has celebrated the British fashion industry on several royal engagements from her sell-out Marks and Spencer knit to her tartan Burberry coat.
Stick to the royal rulebook
Despite Meghan’s relaxed approach to royal protocol, the duchess-in-waiting still obeys the rulebook when it comes to tradition.
For instance, for her debut Christmas Day service at Sandringham the former actress tackled the royal curtsy and it wasn’t bad for a first go.
On May 19, royal wedding guests will be expected to follow suit. A simple bow from the head is necessary for male attendees when greeting the Queen while a small bend of the knee is the go-to for women.
Sparkle like Markle
The most important thing to wear at a royal wedding according to the etiquette experts? A smile.
Guests should follow in Meghan’s footsteps and no matter what happens (be it a wardrobe malfunction or a trip in front of the cameras), a smile wouldn’t go amiss.
Debrett’s uses the example of Meghan’s debut speech as a royal-to-be where despite a mistake at the Endeavour Fund Awards, she proved she’s a pro and tackled the situation with her now-trademark smile.
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Read more from Yahoo Style UK:
From afternoon tea to rooftop screenings: The best ways to celebrate the royal wedding
Which tiara will Meghan Markle wear on her wedding day?
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding: The date, details and latest news
