The royal wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry is just around the corner – and were so excited.
Ever since the royal lovebirds announced their engagement on November 27, the whole world has been anxiously awaiting their big day.
The couple – who met in London in July 2016 and confirmed their relationship that November – have shared a few exciting updates with the public throughout the planning process.
So, from the date, to the dress, to the venue – heres a cheat sheet to everything you need to know about the biggest wedding of the year…
Prince Harry and Meghan Markles wedding: The Date
Get your diaries ready everyone, because the big day is on Saturday 19 May 2018 – which actually breaks royal protocol as weddings in the family usually fall on a weekday.
Kensington Palace revealed the exciting news on December 17, writing on their official Twitter: “His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales and Ms. Meghan Markle will marry on 19th May 2018.”
His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales and Ms. Meghan Markle will marry on 19th May 2018.
Today's announcement follows earlier confirmation of the month of the wedding and its location at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. pic.twitter.com/7pgdRM90Na
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) December 15, 2017
What time is the ceremony?
In February, Kensington Palace also announced that the ceremony will begin at 12 p.m.
The couples guests will arrive at St Georges Chapel between 9.30am and 11am.
Members of The Royal Family will begin to arrive a bit later from 1120hrs and those who are staying at Windsor will be on foot, and others will arrive by car.
Prince Harry and his brother The Duke of Cambridge, who is his best man, will arrive at St Georges Chapel.
Meghan will get ready with her mother and girlfriends at a mystery location and will arrive at the castle by car.
After they have said their I dos Harry and Meghan will do a carriage procession one hour later around Windsor Town.
The happy couple will celebrate with a reception at St. Georges Hall straight after the ceremony before a second private reception hosted by Prince Charles at Frogmore House – which will reportedly include a load of exciting live acts. If only we had an invite…
A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal) on
PAPrince Harry and Meghan Markles wedding: The Venue
According to Kensington Palace, Harry and Meghan decided to say “I do” at St. Georges Chapel at Windsor Castle in England. The castle – which apparently holds around 800 people – is significant for Harry as he was christened there when he was just three months old in 1984. Harrys cousin Prince Edward and his wife Countess Sophies 1999 nuptials, and Prince Charles and Duchess Camillas 2005 service, also took place at the chapel.
“Her Majesty The Queen has granted permission for the wedding to take place at the Chapel,” Kensington Palace said in a statement on November 28. “The Royal Family will pay for the wedding. Further details about the wedding will be announced in due course.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markles wedding: The Best Man
With Prince Harry acting as best man during his brother Williams wedding to Kate Middleton in 2011, it was only right that Wills repaid the favour.
And Kensington Palace confirmed the exciting news on Twitter, writing: “Prince Harry has asked his brother The Duke of Cambridge to be his Best Man at his wedding to Ms. Meghan Markle.”
Prince Harry has asked his brother The Duke of Cambridge to be his Best Man at his wedding to Ms. Meghan Markle. pic.twitter.com/7TvZ2VlEk2
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) April 26, 2018
Before adding: “The Duke of Cambridge is honoured to have been asked, and is very much looking forward to supporting his brother at St Georges Chapel, Windsor on May 19th.”
The Duke of Cambridge is honoured to have been asked, and is very much looking forward to supporting his brother at St George's Chapel, Windsor on May 19th. pic.twitter.com/mQ0eh7Q0pR
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) April 26, 2018
Prince Harry and Meghan Markles wedding: The Guests
While nothing has been officially announced, were expecting to see a fair few famous faces in the crowd. Obviously, the guest list is sure to include a whole host of royals including Kate, Wills and their kids George and Charlotte, as well as Kates sister Pippa Middleton and brother James Middleton.
Its also been rumoured that 15 cast and crew members from Meghans USA show, Suits, will be invited including Patrick J. Adams, Sarah Rafferty, Rick Hoffman and Gabriel Macht. An insider told Hello!: “The cast has been contacted in regards to invites from Kensington Palace”.
Meghan has reportedly invited a lot of her A-List pals from around the world as well, including Serena Williams, Millie Mackintosh, Misha Nonoo, Tanya Burr and Jim Chapman and London chef Tom Sellers.
Rather awkwardly, Harry is thought to have invited three of his ex girlfriends – Chelsy Davy and Cressida Bonas and Ellie Goulding. Eeeek!
Were also VERY excited that the Spice Girls could be making an appearance, as Victoria Beckham all but confirmed her attendance when she was on The Late Late Show in April.
When asked whether shed received an invitation on US chat show The Real, Mel B also said: “Well, it was [the] five Spice Girls. Why am I so honest? Im not saying anymore! Ive said enough… I need to go. Im gonna be fired!”
Love my girls!!! So many kisses!!! X Exciting x #friendshipneverends #girlpower
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markles wedding: The Music
Kensington Palace recently revealed an exciting selection of choral groups, soloists, and musicians will perform at Harry and Meghans wedding all under the watchful eye of James Vivian, Director of Music at St Georges Chapel.
Firstly, the Choir of St Georges Chapel will be singing which is made up of 23 boy choristers from StGeorges School and twelve Lay Clerks.
Winner of BBC Young Musician 2016, Sheku Kanneh-Mason will also be showcasing his amazing voice at the ceremony after Prince Harry spotted him at a charity event in London. And finally, gospel group Karen Gibson and The Kingdom Choir will also be singing during the nuptials.
Karen Gibson and The Kingdom Choir. The Choir is made up of a group of British artists dedicated to creating a sound that demonstrates the community they share, and has been performing both nationally and internationally for over 20 years. pic.twitter.com/tae19p6G6E
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) April 24, 2018
Prince Harry and Meghan Markles wedding: The Dress
Meghans wedding dress is set to be the biggest fashion statement of the year, so its fair to say fans of the family are getting just a little bit excited about what she might turn up in.
The soon-to-be royal has previously been a fan of Canadian designers as well as London Fashion Week designers Erdem and Antonio Berardi and American labels Marchesa and Misha Nonoo, so its anyones guess who shes chosen to create the gown.
Its previously been reported that Meghan is relying on her best bud and bridal stylist Jessica Mulroney to help her through the process of picking that perfect look.
Life gets rough… Share a glass @meghanmarkle
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While Meghan is keeping her cards close to her chest, we were given a hint at what to expect after previously speaking about her dream dress in an interview with Glamour back in 2016.
“I personally prefer wedding dresses that are whimsical or subtly romantic”, the actress revealed.
“Delphine Manivet and Christos Costarellos are faves of mine for their uniqueness and beauty. And I will always be a fan of Ellie Saab. J. Mendel is spectacular as well, especially for more structural designs.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markles wedding: The Cake
The royal couple will be eating a lemon elderflower bake “that will incorporate the bright flavours of spring”. Kensington Palace announced the culinary delight will be made by Violet Bakerys Claire Ptak,
The cake will also be covered with buttercream and covered in fresh flowers. Mmmm.
For their wedding cake Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle have chosen pastry chef Claire Ptak, owner of the London-based bakery @violetcakes. pic.twitter.com/Rx36WBt7kC
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) March 20, 2018
Claire – who was previously interviewed by Meghan for her former lifestyle website The Tig – said: “I cant tell you how delighted I am to be chosen to make Prince Harry and Ms. Markles wedding cake.
“Knowing that they really share the same values as I do about food provenance, sustainability, seasonality and most importantly flavor, makes this the most exciting event to be a part of.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markles wedding: The Photographer
Meghan and Harry announced that Alexi Lubomirski will be charged with taking official photos at Windsor Castle following the ceremony. Alexi is the same photographer who snapped THESE stunning engagement photos of the couple at Frogmore House – so were expecting big things.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markles wedding: The Flowers
In April Kensington Palace announced on their Instagram account that London-based Philippa Craddock has been hired to create the flower decorations. Phillipa will locally source flowers from the Crown Estate and Windsor Great Park gardens to make both St. Georges Chapel and St. Georges Hall look amazing.
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The displays in St George's Chapel will feature foliage from The Crown Estate and Windsor Great Park, and will use seasonal plants including branches of beech, birch and hornbeam, as well as white garden roses, peonies and foxgloves. The designs will reflect the wild and natural landscapes from which many of the plants will be drawn. The Royal Parks will also supply pollinator-friendly plants from their wildflower meadows. These plants provide a great habitat for bees and help to sustain healthy and biodiverse ecosystems. Prince Harry and Meghan Markles wedding: The honeymoon
While its not been officially announced where the newly weds will go on honeymoon, its thought hot spots like Botswana, the Philippines, Tetiaroa Island (French Polynesia), Nevis (Caribbean), Cyprus, Scotland and the Seychelles are in the running.
The couple will not go on honeymoon straight away – and will, remarkably, undertake their first public engagement as man and wife just days after the ceremony.
The post The Royal Wedding: Everything you need to know about Prince Harry and Meghan Markles big day appeared first on Woman Magazine.
