Prince William married his long time girlfriend Kate Middleton at the end of April 2011, and the elements chosen by the new Princess-in-Waiting have been appearing in weddings around the world. For the bride so inclined, there are several ways to incorporate pieces of the royal wedding into her own celebration.
Even before the royal wedding, some brides were using a "Fairytale" theme, wearing Cinderella-type ballgowns and "princess" decorations for both the wedding venue and the reception location.
Middleton Dress Returns Lace To Wedding Gowns
The classic and elegant dress chosen by Kate Middleton has re-introduced lace back into wedding dresses that for too many years relied too heavily on the unflattering strapless dress.
Middleton's dress featured a handmade lace bodice with long lace sleeves that covered a strapless frock. The overlay of a lace bodice is being used as a basis for many dresses, some of which concentrate on a sleeveless bodice and a lace back that dips to a low backline, or perhaps a high, banded neckline instead of the low cut front of the Middleton gown.
Lace and elegance are back.
Reproduction Of Princess Diana's Engagement Ring
Current brides are choosing jewelry inspired by the Prince William, Kate Middleton wedding, but within their budgets. Today's brides and grooms may be influenced by the royal couple to choose an engagement ring with some colored stone and not a diamond. While replicas of the sapphire and diamond ring given by Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer, then by their son to his new wife, are available in many locations, not all brides want to copy the royal couple that closely. The non-traditional gem chosen by the modern couple may sparkle with the green of an emerald, the red or a ruby, or whatever stone happens to appeal to the individual couple.
Today's brides are also being inspired by the earrings worn by Middleton and which can be located without too much difficulty. Middleton's diamond earrings were a gift from her parents, and used the acorn of her newly created family crest.
In addition to wearing jewelry similar to Middleton's, brides may wish to give their attendants copies of the earrings worn by Pippa Middleton, for they, too, are available for purchase.
Middleton's Bouquet Featured Heirloom Greenery
Today's bride can not use the myrtle from a tree planted by Queen Victoria in 1845, but she can use the same idea when choosing the material for her bouquet. Since "myrtle" is an emblem of marriage and love, today's bride might opt for using the greenery in her bouquet or to perhaps use foliage from a family homeplace, or just her favorite type of plant – no matter what it is.
Another possibility for the use of myrtle would be to use crape myrtle blossoms.
A prominent flower in the royal bouquet was lily-of-the-valley, which represents the return of happiness. If the flowers are out of season, their delectable scent might be used by the bride in her perfume.
Also included in Middleton's bouquet were Sweet William, hyacinth and ivy.
Middleton Chose a Second Dress for her Reception
For her reception, the new Duchess of Cambridge changed clothing, and changed wedding protocol. Since April, many more brides are choosing a second frock, often just as beautiful and expensive as their wedding gowns to wear for their receptions.
An alternative to the expense of the second dress might be to consider vintage wedding dresses. Perhaps a bride might choose to wear her mother's wedding gown for her reception, or that of an aunt. Wearing a dress to her reception that honors the union of some of her favorite relatives adds depth and special meaning to her celebration.
A Carriage Ride Mimics William and Kate's Wedding
Arriving at her wedding in a horse-drawn carriage has long appealed to brides, and many wedding venues and towns offer that specialty both for getting to the chapel on time and for leaving the ceremony site for the reception.
Following the April 29, 2011, marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton, a carriage ride is being chosen even more often by today's brides and grooms.
Wedding traditions have always been influenced by the opulent ceremonies of royal families around the globe, including the white dress worn by Britain's Queen Victoria. April's marriage of England's second-in-line to the throne is already changing the traditions brides are choosing for their own special days.
Velma Southerland - Velma Southerland has been employed in the lifestyles section of an award-winning East Tennessee community newspaper for more than 20 ...
