Fascinating Traditions Royal Weddings Have To Follow (And Some That Were Broken)
Royal weddings are steeped in tradition and ceremony, with specific customs and rules that have been followed for centuries. From the bride's attire to the wedding cake, these traditions have evolved over time but still hold great significance for the royal family and their guests! However, some rules have been broken, resulting in memorable and unconventional royal weddings.
Let's explore the fascinating traditions that royal weddings have to follow and some of the instances where these traditions were broken.
You May Not Kiss The Bride
At a royal wedding, it is customary for the bride and groom not to kiss inside the church. This tradition has its roots in the Anglican Church, which does not include the exchanging of personal vows in the marriage ceremony.
Instead, the couple declares their intent to marry through the classic vows. After the ceremony, the newlyweds would typically share a kiss in a more private setting.
Will And Kate's Sneaky Smooch
However, there have been some exceptions to this rule. For example, at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011, the couple shared a kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the ceremony, much to the delight of the crowds below.
This public display of affection was a break from tradition and became a memorable moment of the royal wedding.
No Maid Of Honors Allowed
Unlike a traditional wedding, the British royal family does not typically have a maid of honor. Instead, the bride may have several bridesmaids or "maids of honor" without designating one as the main attendant.
However, this tradition was broken at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011 when Kate chose her sister, Pippa Middleton, to be her maid of honor. Pippa's elegant appearance and poise on the day of the wedding captured the world's attention and made her an overnight sensation.
Let Them Eat Fruitcake
Fruitcake has long been associated with British royal weddings and is considered a traditional part of the wedding celebration. The tradition of serving fruitcake at royal weddings dates back to the wedding of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1840. Since then, it has become customary for the wedding cake to be a multi-tiered fruitcake that is elaborately decorated with white icing and intricate designs.
The fruitcake is typically made several months in advance and is fed with alcohol, which helps to preserve it and give it a rich flavor.
Harry And Meghan Took A Different Route
When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot in 2018, they decided to break from tradition and opted for a lemon and elderflower cake instead of the traditional fruitcake. The decision was seen as a departure from the traditional fruitcake served at royal weddings, but it reflected the couple's modern and innovative approach to their nuptials.
However, Prince William and Kate Middleton stuck to tradition when they tied the knot in 2011, sending their guests home with slices of fruitcake in commemorative tins as wedding favors.
Princess Diana Didn't "Obey" Tradition
Princess Diana's wedding to Prince Charles in 1981 was a historic occasion that captivated the world. One of the most significant changes she made to the traditional royal wedding ceremony was to alter the wording of the vows. Diana omitted the word "obey" from the vows, which was a significant break from tradition. This change reflected her desire for a more equal partnership with her husband, which was a revolutionary concept at the time.
Diana's decision to remove the word "obey" from her wedding vows was seen as a symbol of her determination to be an independent and modern royal.
A Small Wedding Party — Literally
At British royal weddings, it is customary for the wedding party to consist mainly of children. The young attendants, who are typically close relatives or children of close friends of the bride and groom, often serve as bridesmaids, page boys, or flower girls. This tradition has its roots in the Medieval Period when noble children were chosen to attend the royal bride and groom in order to symbolize their future roles in the court.
The most recent example of this was at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018, where the wedding party consisted mainly of children, including Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
A Grave Tradition
Leaving the bridal bouquet at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior has been a longstanding tradition among British royals. The tradition is believed to have been started by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, when she laid her bridal bouquet on the tomb in memory of her brother Fergus, who was killed in World War I.
Since then, other royal family members have followed suit, with Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana, and Kate Middleton among those who have left their bouquets at the tomb.
A Bouquet-ful Of Tradition
Another longstanding tradition of British royal weddings is the use of a sprig of myrtle in the bridal bouquet. The tradition dates back to the wedding of Queen Victoria's daughter, Princess Victoria, in 1858. Queen Victoria planted a myrtle shrub in her garden, and the tradition has continued ever since. Myrtle is a symbol of love, fertility, and good fortune, making it a fitting addition to the bride's bouquet.
The myrtle sprig used in royal bouquets is often taken from the original shrub that Queen Victoria planted, which still grows at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight.
A Floral Tradition
Orange blossom has been a part of the British royal wedding tradition for centuries. The fragrant white flowers, symbolizing purity and fertility, have long been associated with weddings and used in bridal bouquets since the 19th century. Queen Victoria, who loved flowers, popularized the use of orange blossom in royal weddings, and it has been a part of royal nuptials ever since.
Today, orange blossom is still popular for royal brides, who often wear it in their hair or incorporate it into their wedding bouquet as a symbol of good fortune and love.
Permission Granted
Traditionally, British royal weddings involve seeking permission from the reigning monarch before the engagement is announced. This custom dates back to the 18th century and was established to ensure that members of the royal family did not marry without the monarch's approval. The requirement for royal consent applies to all members of the royal family who are in line to the throne, including the children and grandchildren of the monarch.
However, in recent years, the rules around royal consent have relaxed, and now only the first six people in line to the throne require the monarch's permission to marry.
The Crowning Touch
Tiaras are an essential part of the British royal wedding tradition, with many brides choosing to wear one as a symbol of their status and importance. The tradition of wearing a tiara dates back to the 19th century when Queen Victoria began wearing them for formal occasions.
Kate Middleton continued this tradition when she borrowed a tiara from the Queen's personal collection for her wedding to Prince William in 2011. The tiara, known as the Cartier Halo tiara, was made in 1936 and was originally given to the Queen Mother.
Princess Margaret, The Rebel
Princess Margaret broke with convention when she chose to wear a tiara from her own collection at her wedding to Antony Armstrong-Jones in 1960. Instead of borrowing a tiara from the royal family, Princess Margaret wore the Poltimore tiara, a diamond and pearl piece that she had purchased herself at an auction. This decision was seen as controversial at the time, as it went against the long-standing tradition of wearing a tiara from the royal family's collection.
However, Princess Margaret's decision to wear her own tiara reflected her independent spirit and her desire to forge her own path within the royal family. Despite breaking with tradition, Princess Margaret's wedding was still a grand and lavish affair, befitting of her royal status.
Say 'Cheese!'
After a British royal wedding, it is traditional for the newlyweds to have their official portraits taken. These portraits are often taken in a formal setting, such as in the throne room, and feature the bride and groom dressed in their wedding attire. The portraits are a way to capture the special moment in history and to commemorate the union of two families. The tradition of taking official portraits after a royal wedding dates back to the 19th century when photography became more widely available.
Since then, these portraits have become an important part of the British royal wedding tradition and are cherished by both the royal family and the public.
The Guest List Isn't Up To The Bride And Groom
In addition to seeking permission from the reigning monarch to marry, the guest list for a British royal wedding is also subject to the monarch's approval. The reigning monarch traditionally has the final say over who is invited to the wedding, and the guest list is carefully curated to include heads of state, foreign dignitaries, and other prominent figures. The guest list is also a way for the royal family to extend invitations to close friends and family members, as well as members of the aristocracy and society.
Ultimately, the reigning monarch is the one who officially sends out the invitations as well.
A Dressy Affair
In British royal weddings, it is customary for male members of the royal family to wear military attire. This tradition dates back centuries to a time when members of the royal family were expected to serve in the military. Today, the tradition continues as a way to honor the British Armed Forces and to pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of those who have served in the past.
Members of the royal family often wear ceremonial military uniforms, complete with medals, sashes, and other regalia.
But Not Always Flashy
When King Charles married Camilla Parker Bowles in 2005, the wedding was a departure from the grand and lavish affairs that had become synonymous with British royal weddings. The couple opted for a simple civil ceremony, followed by a blessing at St George's Chapel in Windsor. Unlike previous royal weddings, the ceremony was not broadcast on television, and the guest list was limited to close friends and family.
This departure from tradition was in part due to the public's perception of Camilla, who had been the subject of intense scrutiny and criticism following her relationship with Charles while he was still married to Princess Diana.
Princess Beatrice Went Small
Princess Beatrice's wedding to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in 2020 was also a departure from traditional British royal weddings. Due to the state of the world that year, the couple had to scale back their original plans for a grand ceremony and reception. Instead, they opted for an intimate ceremony with only a handful of guests, including the Queen and Prince Philip.
The wedding was held in secret, and the couple released a few photographs to mark the occasion. Despite the small scale of the wedding, it was still a significant moment in the royal family's history and a celebration of the couple's love and commitment to one another.
Veiled Beauty
Veils have played an important role in royal weddings for centuries, serving as a symbol of purity, modesty, and reverence. In many cases, the veil is also seen as a way to connect the bride to her family's history and traditions. For example, in British royal weddings, the bride often wears a veil made of Honiton lace, a delicate and intricate style of lace that has been used in royal weddings since the 19th century.
One of the most iconic veils in royal wedding history belonged to Princess Diana. When she married Prince Charles in 1981, she wore a 25-foot-long veil made of tulle and adorned with sequins and pearls. The veil was held in place by the Spencer family tiara.
Princess Eugenie Went A Different Route
When Princess Eugenie married Jack Brooksbank in 2018, she made the unconventional decision not to wear a veil, breaking with royal wedding tradition. Eugenie explained that her decision was a personal one, as she wanted to show off the scar on her back from a scoliosis surgery she had as a child.
Eugenie said, "Part of it was showing my scar. I believe scars tell a story about your past and your future, and it's a way of getting rid of a taboo."
Welsh Gold Rings
The use of Welsh gold in British royal wedding rings dates back to the wedding of the Queen Mother in 1923. Welsh gold is a rare and highly prized type of gold that is sourced from mines in Wales, and its use in royal wedding rings has become a cherished tradition.
The royal family has used Welsh gold for wedding rings for generations, including those of the Queen, Princess Diana, Kate Middleton, and Meghan Markle.
But Not For Men!
It is a long-standing British royal tradition for men not to wear wedding rings. This custom dates back to the wedding of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II in 1947 when Philip chose not to wear a wedding band. The practice is believed to have originated from a time when men did not wear any jewelry, especially rings, as it was considered feminine.
Additionally, as the royal family often adheres to strict protocol and tradition, it is not uncommon for certain practices to be followed, even if they are not widely popular.
King Charles And Princess Diana Broke That Rule
Following the death of Princess Diana, King Charles continued to wear his wedding band on his pinky finger as a tribute to his late wife. This was an unconventional choice, as men in the royal family do not typically wear wedding rings, but it was a testament to the love and affection that Charles had for Diana.
However, when Charles married Camilla Parker Bowles in 2005, he stopped wearing his wedding ring in order to avoid any controversy or awkwardness.
Royals To The Right
At royal weddings, it is customary for the royal family to sit on the right-hand side of the church or venue, with non-royal guests on the left. This tradition dates back centuries and is believed to have originated from the custom of placing the most important person or people on the right-hand side.
The reigning monarch and other senior members of the royal family typically sit in the front row, with other members of the family and royal guests seated behind them. This seating arrangement not only ensures that the royal family is easily visible to guests and the public.
The King Comes Last
The reigning monarch is always the last person to arrive at royal weddings. This tradition has existed for centuries and is a sign of respect for the monarch's position and importance. The bride and groom typically arrive separately, and the rest of the wedding party follows.
The King is the final guest to arrive and is usually greeted with a fanfare of trumpets. This tradition not only acknowledges the monarch's status and authority but also adds to the sense of anticipation and excitement surrounding the wedding ceremony.
Hats Are Required
At British royal weddings, women are expected to wear hats or other types of headwear as part of their outfits. This tradition is seen as a sign of respect and decorum and has been in place for many years. The type of hat or headpiece worn often reflects the style and fashion of the time, with some women opting for elaborate and ornate creations while others choose simpler designs.
Hats are also worn by female members of the royal family, with Queen Elizabeth II being particularly known for her collection of brightly-colored hats.
A Nice Day For A White Wedding
Queen Victoria is widely credited with popularizing the tradition of wearing white wedding dresses for brides. In 1840, she wore a white gown to her wedding to Prince Albert, a departure from the colorful and heavily-embellished dresses that were common at the time. The image of the young queen in her white dress was widely circulated and soon became the standard for weddings among the upper classes.
The tradition has since spread throughout much of the world, with white wedding dresses now seen as a symbol of purity, innocence, and the beginning of a new chapter in one's life.
The Bride Has A Backup Bouquet
At Queen Elizabeth II's wedding to Prince Philip, her bouquet became misplaced, which meant that their honeymoon was interrupted so that professional pictures could be taken with a replacement bouquet.
Now, because of this, the brides always have an identical backup bouquet made just in case their original one gets misplaced or lost.
A Weekday Wedding
Royal weddings are typically held on a weekday rather than a weekend to ensure the least disruption to public life. In the past, the day of the wedding was often declared a public holiday, giving people the opportunity to celebrate the occasion.
However, this tradition has been abandoned in recent times, with royal weddings taking place during the week and the public being given the option to watch the ceremony live on television.
Except For Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding was a departure from tradition in more ways than one. In addition to breaking with tradition by not serving fruitcakes, the couple also chose to have their wedding on a Saturday rather than a weekday. The decision was seen as a way to allow more people to attend the ceremony and participate in the celebrations.
It also meant that the wedding did not cause as much disruption to public life as a weekday ceremony might have.
