Did you know this about the Royal Wedding?!

Even weeks later, various publications continue to sharing their take on trends that may surface in U.S. weddings over the next few years based on the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

A couple of sources I looked at in my research included the San Francisco Chronicle, the Insider, and a webinar presented by Carrie Dayton of Carrie Dayton Events which was shared through the National Association of Catering and Events (NACE). Read on to see a composite of what they shared!

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle very much wanted their wedding to focus on the “people”. Their guest list didn’t include any heads of state, just friends, family, regular people and people they have met through their charitable work.

Trends may include:

dresses may become more streamlined, simple and elegant, sleek and sophisticated
choosing a glamorous veil to pair with the gown. Did you know that Meghan’s veil incorporated 53 Commonwealth countries’ flora around the trim? Prince Harry has been appointed as the Commonwealth Youth Ambassador, and this was Meghan’s way of honoring the Commonwealth. Her veil also contained the California poppy (representing Meghan’s home state), and lastly, some wintersweet, which is a flower that grows outside of the cottage in which they will be living.
the bateau (a type of boat neck) neckline will appear more often
colors of pinks, greens and yellows were very popular! And, the men were seen wearing complimentary colors to what their ladies were wearing.
small, independently owned companies will gain momentum in the wedding industry
makeup and hair will be natural. No heavy makeup and yes, loose hair styles. Do you think beards will be back for the groom?!
Ceremonies will beautifully blend the cultures and heritage of the couple.
Meghan is a modern and established career woman and because of that, she chose to walk herself down the aisle. I did think it was a nice touch to have Prince Charles escort her for that very last part of the processional.
florals will continue to be green and natural; not structures and opulent – greens were everywhere for the royal wedding, local and sustainable. Forget-me-nots and white garden roses were used to honor the late Princess Diana and white peonies, which is Meghan’s favorite flower, were used everywhere. Her bouquet was light and airy. And, Prince Harry picked the flowers that would comprise Meghan’s bouquet – how sweet is that?! And, tradition dictates that the bride’s bouquet is placed on the Tomb of the Unknown Solder.
cakes will be simpler – Theirs was comprised of different-sized cakes of lemon sponge cake with elderflower syrup drizzle. “Very American” someone shared! For those who don’t know what elderflower is, it’s a soft drink made largely from a refined sugar and water solution and uses the flowers of the European elderberry. Also used to make wine, cordials, and other drinks.
the bride goes to the church in a horse-drawn carriage (love that!)
there is no real processional – the bride is the most important person in the wedding and therefore, the only one who does the formal procession!
the groom faces away from his bride as she processes up the aisle. His first look at her is when she is right next to him! (What do you think of that idea?!)
children are much more involved in English weddings.
Mid-day weddings are traditional, followed by a meal (usually light, fresh, local and seasonal, served as stations) and then a second reception that goes well into the early morning hours. Meghan and Harry’s second reception included dinner, a beer-pong table (!), carnival games and booths, slippers for the ladies who wore high heels, 2 signature cocktails (one in honor of the bride & groom and one in honor of Prince Charles and Camilla), late-night snacks, and fireworks!
Ceremonies must take place at a “licensed” venue that has a canopy or roof overhead. Not many outside weddings at all!
No traditional mother/son, father/daughter dances at the reception.
That blue convertible that they arrived in for the later reception – what a fabulous “something blue”!!