The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was one of the most watched events in history. The couple married in front of an audience of well-wishers from around the world at the lavish wedding ceremony at the St. George’s Chapel in mid-London on Saturday 20th May. Here are 10 things you might not know about the wedding.
How Did The Duke And Duchess Of Sussex Choose Their Wedding Rings?
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (Prince Harry and Meghan Markle) chose their wedding rings to represent their strong bonds and to mirror the union of the two hearts that will be celebrating this historic occasion. Victoria Beckham made a stunning appearance at the wedding to lend some of her famous style and grace. She and Harry were photographed wearing a bespoke ivory outfit designed by the famous Australian architect Richard James. Later in the day, the couple celebrated their special day with a romantic stroll along the waterfront before hosting a glamorous banquet at the nearby Fisherman’s Wharf.
Prince Harry is the son of the Queen and the Prince Philip, while Meghan Markle is the daughter of the actor Thomas Markle and his Australian wife, Doria. Before their big day, Prince Harry spent three months travelling around the world in the search of the perfect engagement ring. Following his visit to the Middle East, where he was inspired by the beauty and strength of the Saudi women’s movement, Harry returned to London with a bespoke ring crafted from the ivory of a dead elephant. The 39-year-old revealed that he’d also considered rings made from pearls or sapphire as well as a gold band covered in diamonds. But in the end, he chose the ivory ring because he felt it represented elegance and strength.
How Is The Wedding Trend Changing?
Experts predict that weddings will change shape and form over the next few years as couples continue to navigate the uncharted waters of newlywed bliss. There’s been a trend in recent years for grooms to go big or go home, with many celebrities opting for lavish weddings complete with extravagant gifts for their guests. The trend was epitomised by the extravagant lifestyle of former footballer turned TV personality, David Beckham. The fashion tycoon hosted a lavish celebrity wedding in New York in 2015 and gifted every single one of his 13,000 guests with a Louis Vuitton suitcase filled with goodies. Other famous faces to have married an even bigger splash include Hugh Jackman, Orlando Bloom and Arpels ‘Despicable Me’ star Steve Carell. But the humble beginning of a love story often provides the inspiration for a wedding that is much more personal and unique to the couple getting married.
What Is The Most Expensive Wedding Cake Ever Made?
Wedding cake is one of the most important wedding décor elements, and the most expensive variety can be the ultimate symbol of the couple’s union. This year’s wedding cake of choice was a ten metre high, multi-tiered creation made entirely out of edible gold. As the wedding cake was being wheeled in, the assembled guests heard the tolling of the church bells and saw colourful flower petals falling to the floor. The cake was baked by the prestigious French bakery, Pierre Hermé, and weighed in at a massive 2.5 tonnes.
Will There Be A After-Wedding Party?
After a wedding, it’s tradition for the newlyweds to celebrate with friends and family members. However, the tradition is not without its controversy as some brides have opted to skip the party and go straight to their honeymoon. The choice is a personal one and many see it as a feminist statement. Some even believe it’s an insult to the male guests who spent the entire wedding night partying and watching the marriage ceremony on television. Brides who opt out of an immediate post-wedding party may still throw a party at the end of their wedding month but leave it till their honeymoon to cut loose with their new husband. In 2016, the most recent year for which figures are available, 17 out of 100 couples who got hitched did not have a post-wedding party. While the concept of skipping the party may seem like a breath of fresh air to some couples, the decision to forgo an immediate post-wedding get-together is a brave one and many see it as an expression of feminist solidarity.
Which Celebrities Attended The Wedding Of Prince Harry And Meghan Markle?
The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was not only one of the most watched events of the year but it also saw a number of famous faces. Here is a round-up of the celebrities who attended the big day and what they wore.
Arpels ‘Despicable Me’ and ‘Ghostbusters’ star, Dan Aykroyd was among the first to arrive. The actor was accompanied by his wife, Rosie, and their four children – Aykroyd’s first grandchild Ella was also born on the day of the wedding. Aykroyd wore a black tuxedo with a pale blue shirt and bow tie. He completed the classic male 1920s fashion look with skinny trousers and a pocket square.
Victoria Beckham wore a bespoke, ivory dress designed by the famous Australian architect, Richard James. She looked effortlessly stylish as she arrived at the chapel with her daughter, Millie, who is an actress and singer, by her side. Beckham’s dress was inspired by the Duchess of Cambridge’s outfits throughout her pregnancy and was designed to be worn throughout the year. The 47-year-old fashion icon completed the look with a diamond-studded tiara and a sapphire-studded bracelet.
Actor and comedian, Richard Simmons, who has been married twice before, made a surprise appearance at the wedding. The 82-year-old sported a classic look as he arrived in a black suit with a white shirt and a red carnation. Simmons, who has been married to his third wife, Tamara, for more than two decades, completed the stylish ensemble with a matching red carnation.
Fashion designer, Heidi Klein, wore a beautiful floral-print dress made by the renowned designer, Maria Lucia Hofer. Klein is most famous for her glamorous wedding dresses, designed in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Many of the dresses feature intricate beading and crystal-encrusted bodices. The designer also owns a bridal shop, Klein Wedding, in Berlin.
Model and TV personality, Kate Moss looked effortlessly cool in a white wedding dress by the English designer, Peter Pilotto. The dress has a high collar and a voluminous skirt with a train. Moss paired the extraordinary dress with a range of exquisite accessories, including diamond earrings, a diamond necklace and a diamond bracelet.
Singer-songwriter, Taylor Swift wore a stunning white dress by the renowned designer, Ralph Lauren. The dress is adorned with Swarovski crystals and has a beautiful floral print. The 26-year-old singer completed the look with matching white accessories, including an oversized white handbag and an off-white clutch.
Dancer and choreographer, Justin Bieber sported a grey suit and a tie with a pale blue shirt. The 25-year-old singer-songwriter completed the stylish ensemble with a pair of shades, a watch and a white handkerchief. This will be Bieber’s first wedding and he looked effortlessly cool in his suit and tie. The singer’s partner, singer and songwriter, Hailey Baldwin, wore a white Louis Vuitton wedding dress. It features a full skirt and a tiered design with a train. The couple were married at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills.
The American soul singer and songwriter, Jennifer Lopez, opted for a white Georges Bizet gown with a plunging neckline. The 49-year-old completed the look with a pair of diamond earrings, a diamond necklace and a diamond bracelet.
Barbara Hutton, the British socialite and fashion designer, wore a black dress with spaghetti straps and a train. The 84-year-old designer completed the look with a diamond necklace and matching diamond earrings. She was married to the American textile heir, Anthony Duveen, in a 20th-century wedding that was inspired by a story from Barbara Hutton’s childhood. The wedding was attended by many of the biggest names in the industry including Ava Gardner, Henry King and Marjorie Merriweather Post.
What Will The Royal Couple Wear On Their Wedding Day?
While we wait to see what the Duke and Duchess of Sussex wear on their wedding day, here is a round-up of what some of the other famous couples who got hitched in the last 12 months have chosen to wear.