New Twists on the Royal Wedding
The Arrival
Royal Wedding Tradition: The bride makes a grand arrival in a carriage, traveling from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey, with adoring fans waving and cheering along the way.
The Twist: Kate made it evident early on that she'd be doing a few things differently when she announced that she'd be traveling to Westminster by car. That means that unlike how Princess Diana's arrival in a glass carriage offered a peek at her dress, the world will have to wait to see what Kate's wearing until she steps out and begins her four-minute walk down the aisle. The low-key arrival isn't just a sign of tough economic times; it's also a reflection of Kate's own desire to be recognized as a commoner prior to marriage.
The Ceremony
Royal Wedding Tradition: Before a packed Westminster Abbey (the church can hold up to 2,200 people!), the couple exchanges traditional vows.
The Twist: William and Kate's ceremony will be one of the most complicated ever performed at Westminster Abbey. With three different clergymen presiding over various parts of the ceremony, plus two choirs, a full chamber orchestra and a military fanfare team, it's hardly the expected royal wedding program. Still, the couple took pains to choose traditional music — asking Prince Charles for help — and to incorporate a few specially commissioned choices as well. What's more, experts estimate that around 1,900 people will attend the actual ceremony, meaning Westminster won't be filled to capacity.
The Dress
Royal Wedding Tradition: The bride wears a large white ball gown, probably with some type of sleeve or shoulder covering, plus a tiara and some tasteful — but regal — jewelry.
The Twist: Look, we're not saying Kate's going to go off-the-wall and wear something purple or pink, but we do think the gown could have a few nontraditional elements. To reflect her own personal tastes, the dress might be a bit more tailored, rather than a full ball gown. Kate also loves outfits with higher necks, so the dress may feature a more modest neckline than, say, Diana's low scoop neck dress. Insiders also think that Kate, like many other modern brides, could easily slip into something else for the reception. Wearing two dresses — a formal one for the ceremony, and then something a little sexier or easier to dance in later on — has become a major trend for many brides.
The Reception
Royal Wedding Tradition: The Queen hosts a lavish "breakfast" (even though it's usually in the afternoon) at Buckingham Palace for several hundred dignitaries and guests from around the world.
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The Twist: While The Queen will likely still hold a champagne breakfast for an estimated 900 guests, we think Kate and William will take their wedding reception into their own hands too. Later on that day, Prince Charles will host an intimate evening of dining and dancing for just about 300 of the couple's closest family and friends. (Cue Kate's second dress!) Here, it's expected that most of the formality of the "royal wedding" could be dropped, and the whole party might look fairly similar — at least in terms of schedule — to any other elegant, modern-day wedding.
