There's no doubt in my mind that William and Kate's wedding will be emulated for years, if not decades, to come. Classic, timeless, and elegant -- just like the couple themselves -- Friday's wedding left brides around the globe wondering how they could incorporate some of those royal details into their own wedding. Well, we're thinking the same thing, so along with Joelle Garguilo at NBC, we put together a segment on how to make your wedding feel royal. Here are just a few ideas:
Start with the location. For brides here in NYC, we can't think of a better place to start than The Plaza Hotel. We actually filmed our segment in The Plaza's Terrace ballroom to give it a truly royal feel. The restored crystal chandeliers were made by Charles Winston (brother of jeweler Harry), copies of those that hung in the Palace of Versailles. Figural paintings created in the spirit of the Italian Renaissance adorn the ceiling -- dating back to 1921. Now that's royal!
For the cake, we went back to our Martha Stewart Weddings culinary archive and found a gorgeous option for the segment. William and Kate's cake was traditional white with beautiful floral detail, but we still think this cake gives off a regal feel.
1 This blue fondant-covered cake is piped with royal icing and painted with gold luster dust. Oval rococo frames of foil-covered paper are attached to the tiers with royal icing as are the ribbon bows. Metallic lace trims the tiers.
2 We would serve Iron Horse Wedding Cuvee sparkling wine.
The invitations featured a crown emblem and Queen Elizabeth's monogram. The Martha Stewart Collection of stationery for Crane & Co. features a similar gold crown and is fittingly named the "Crown Stationery Suite." And check out this gorgeous menu card done by master calligrapher Bernard Maisner.
1 Bernard Maisner's calligraphy graces this menu card.
2 The Martha Stewart Collection Crown Invitation Suite from Crane (crane.com) is simple and stunning.
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Designers, journalists, and women around the world waited in anticipation for a glimpse of Kate Middleton's gown. The classic silhouette, lace sleeves reminiscent of Grace Kelly, and the cathedral train were perfectly appropriate for the Abbey. Most of the men arrived in morning suits -- we featured one here from Men's Wearhouse. And for flower girls of any age, we went straight to Joan Calebrese. Take a look at some of the fashions we included in our royal segment.
1 The "Dauphine" gown by Ian Stuart.
2 Morning suit from Men's Wearhouse.
3 Isn't this flower girl dress from Joan Calabrese beautiful?
4 Gorgeous bridesmaid dress and wrap from Simple Silhouettes.
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The royal wedding day wasn't short on fabulous, inventive hats either. From petite fascinators to oversize brims, women and men alike embraced this English tradition. If Phillip Treacy isn't available, we suggest looking into some of the creative options from Guy Carson. And for some major bling, The Aisle New York is a fantastic source for costume jewelry. Or if you are in the mood to splurge, there's always Harry Winston.
1 A Debra Moreland tiara.
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3 Clockwise from top left: brass boutonniere, Spring 2011 issue of Martha Stewart Weddings; costume copy of Diana and Kate's ring, Kenneth J. Lane; citrine and white topaz earrings, Emma Stine; vintage sapphire ring, Doyle & Doyle.
4 A selection of Harry Winston sapphire rings.
5 Josie Ivory Satin Bridal Heel from Aruna Seth.
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7 Ranjana Khan Large Crystal Necklace available at The Aisle New York.
8 A Guy Carson hat.
9 Clive Christian's Royal Fragrance.
1 This wreath of flowers for the flower girl was made by Matthew Robbins Design.
2 Matthew Robbins's cascading bouquet, just like Princess Diana's, would be stunning.
From: Carol | 5/4/11 at 2:24 pm
Everything is STUNNING! WOW!