By now you've probably heard -- Prince William popped the question! If you thought Chelsea and Mark’s wedding was a media circus, this one is going to be on a whole new level. We don’t have very many details yet, although something tells us Wills and Kate probably won’t be getting married in Rhinebeck. To get all the scoop on the royal wedding, we turned to our friend Mark Niemierko, a top wedding planner in London.
MSW: When do you think William and Kate will get married?
Mark: It is certainly going to be in spring or summer of 2011. May is one of my favorite months for a wedding in the UK. Some of the most fabulous flowers – like lily of the valley and peonies -- are in season.
Will this wedding will be as monumental as Charles and Diana’s?
This is the wedding of the future King of England, so it would be difficult for it not to be such an immense event. Plus, everyone loves a royal wedding. And with the recent economic gloom, this is what the UK and the world needs to lift our spirits. Everyone will be rejoicing.
Do you think they’ll have the ceremony at St. Paul’s Cathedral like Charles and Diana?
I adore St. Paul’s Cathedral -- it makes for the most splendid and fabulous ceremony. However, they may not want to be compared to his parents. Perhaps they'll choose the more traditional Westminster Abbey instead.
What about the reception? Will they hold it at Buckingham Palace?
The ceremony is usually a much larger event for royal weddings, with thousands of heads of states and other members of the royal family attending. But the reception is typically more intimate, with about 80 to 100 guests. Buckingham Palace makes the obvious choice, but they could also use St. James’s Palace or even the Orangery at Kensington Palace.
What are some of the royal customs they’ll be expected to follow?
I would imagine they’ll stick to the format of a state ceremony, with all the pomp and ceremony you would expect of such an event. They’ll also most likely be required to have a receiving line, which traditionally consists of the bride, groom, and both sets of parents having to greet and shake hands with each guest as they enter the reception.
Think they’ll incorporate any modern traditions?
I’d like to think William and Kate will add a lot of contemporary touches to their day. I always feel a wedding should be a reflection of the couple’s personalities and styles. It’s well known that William loved going to nightclubs like Boujis in South Kensington and letting his hair down with his friends. Perhaps they’ll get creative with the reception and create an after-party nightclub.
What do you think Kate will wear?
I think she has to go British with her choice of designer. I’d love to see Bruce Oldfield create something amazing for her that shows off her gorgeous figure. It will be elegant and refined, yet fresh and modern. She once worked at the fashion label Jigsaw, so she’s very fashion savvy.
Where do you think they’ll go on their honeymoon?
They’re an adventurous couple who like a lot of activities. Perhaps they’ll go skiing in Chamonix!
From: PlanningOurFuture | 11/16/10 at 4:07 pm
Hi, just got engaged three days ago and my Finance and I want to have an engagement part on Jan 2011. Wedding is for May 2011. Engagement Etiquette is if are engaged six months or less no Engagement Party.
How inappropriate is to have one? What is the consensus out there?