The extremely strict dress code for Prince Harry and Meghan’s royal wedding
Everyone loves getting dressed up for a wedding – even if it’s sometimes stressful finding the perfect outfit. While all eyes around the world will be on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding come May 19, guests – and even the bride and groom – will have some very strict fashion rules and traditions that they will be expected to follow.
1. Hats in church is compulsory
If you’ve ever attended an English wedding, let alone a royal one, you will be familiar with the dress code of accessorising your wedding outfit with a hat. The reason behind it is that ladies are expected to wear “appropriate” attire, including covering their shoulders, skirts and dresses having long hemlines, and covering their hair – hence fancy hats. It’s frowned upon if you don’t wear one. Plus, they’re looked upon as somewhat of a status symbol and someone’s rank in society – the more elaborate the hat, the wealthier they are.
2. No wedges
This is a rule enforced by the Queen, she dislikes this type of shoe that much. Which means no one will be allowed to wear the popular – and comfortable if standing for long periods – heel to Harry and Meghan’s nuptials.
3. Nude tights should only be worn
This is one thing the Queen always wears – you will have noticed Duchess Kate wearing them on a regular basis too – and her majesty expects that female guests follow her lead and adorn sheer pantyhose at all royal occasions.
4. Neutral nail polish only
This fashion rule is quite well-known amongst royalists these days. For all official royal events, nails must look natural and manicured with natural-looking polish only. So, don’t expect to see any bright or dark colours on Meghan in particular or the rest of the royal entourage.
5. The royal wedding dress will be made by a British designer
This rule is generally a little more flexible, however most royal brides have honoured it as a way to showcase local talent and also to support the economy. Queen Victoria was the first to set the trend when she wore a white lace dress (the first ever royal bride to do so) to bring attention to the artisanal lace counties that were dwindling at a rapid rate following the Industrial Revolution. Her plan worked, and the craftsmanship was written about in the press for months after the wedding.
6. Prince Harry will wear a military uniform
Prince Albert, much like his wife Queen Victoria, was a royal trendsetter too. He was the first groom to wear a military uniform at his wedding in 1840. Royal grooms have done the same in the years following, and it’s likely Prince Harry will follow, er, suit. While Prince Philip and Prince Charles both wore their naval commander uniforms, Prince William chose to wear his Irish Guard Colonel military outfit.
7. Meghan’s bouquet will feature myrtle
It’s a royal tradition that began way back in the 1800s by Queen Victoria when she married Prince Albert. Known as the “herb of love”, myrtle is always in the royal bridal bouquet. Queen Victoria planted the fragrant herb in her garden after her wedding, and royal brides ever since then – including Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana and Kate Middleton – have included it in their bridal bouquets.