Royal wedding fever is on! We can’t wait to see what Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will have for their wedding. Not only are we excited to see the price marry an AMERICAN, she is also an actress, humanitarian, and oh mon dieu a divorcee!
But since we all want to know what the wedding could be like, I messaged my best friend and royal wedding enthusiast (I’d veer towards happily obsessed), wedding strategist, Meghan Ely of OFD Consulting. Meghan shares predictions from wedding professionals on what Harry and Meghan’s fairy tale wedding will be like.
With the announcement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s engagement, the world has been abuzz with excitement and anticipation for any details about the wedding. Not since William and Kate’s engagement in 2010 have this many people been interested in bridal gowns, wedding cakes and funny English hats!
The Dress
Perhaps no other aspect of the wedding has been talked about more than what Meghan’s wedding gown will look like. Will she wear white? Will it be traditional? There are endless possibilities for her to choose from, but there is one thing we can guarantee, “Since the wedding is at the St. George’s Chapel, she will definitely be wearing sleeves,” shares Nahid Farhoud of Nahid’s Global Events.
With Markle’s newly minted fashion icon status, Farhoud also predicts that she will choose a popular designer like Ellie Saab or Jenny Packham, and where a dress that, “is subtly sexy and will complement her petite figure and beautiful complexion.”
Price William and Kate’s royal wedding in 2011.
The Food
Markle is known for her love of food and wine, and that will almost certainly be reflected in the royal menu. While the official reception is sure to be stacked with traditional English favorites the prince grew up on, don’t be surprised to find a few American classics weaved in as well, “It’s no secret that one of Meghan’s favorite foods is french fries,” explains Tommy Waters of The Renaissance. “Wouldn’t it be fun if there was a french fry station at the reception?”
The Décor
With a royal wedding budget, it’s hard to know what they won’t have! Don’t be surprised to see some of the hottest trends out there, as well as some things we haven’t seen before that will become instant must-haves for engaged couples around the globe. Lindsay Parrott-Masiewicz of P3 Events says, “I see this wedding giving a nod to the tradition and elegance Harry is accustomed to, but mixed with a fresh, organic and lively vibe that Meghan clearly brings to the Royal family.”
Megan Velez of Destination Weddings Travel Group imagines a flurry of florals throughout the reception, “No wedding fit for royalty should be without amazing florals. We expect to see everything from hanging centerpieces to elaborate flower walls.” As for the ceremony, St. George’s Chapel brings a grand but more simplistic tone, much like the couple’s relationship.
Audrey Isaac of 100Candles.com envisions something similar for their decor, “Their relationship and engagement has been a true romantic fairy tale, and we predict they will carry that romance through to their ceremony. From glowing candles, to beautiful candelabras and twinkle lights. They’ll want to create an intimate feeling, even with a billion people watching.”
The Traditions
With a guest list packed full of celebrities and statesman alike, we can only imagine some of the gifts the couple is bound to receive. However, Amy Kolodziej of Sunshower Photography thinks they will opt for new tradition, “Their passion and history for philanthropy makes me think that she and Harry will make a contribution to a joint cause in lieu of some of the usual frills.”
While British and American weddings aren’t too dissimilar, many are hoping that Markle will include a few fun American traditions to make it feel a little more like home. “Hopefully we will see at least one silly wedding tradition thrown in amidst all the formalities of their wedding day,” shares Keith Phillips of Classic Photographers. “Perhaps they will get to feed each other a bite without embarrassing the royal family!”
The After Party
Make no mistake, there will definitely be an after party. Will and Kate had one, and we’re certain Harry and Meghan will as well. Harry has always had a reputation for someone that enjoys a good party, so expect to see that reflected in a big way. Michael Coombs of Michael Coombs Entertainment says, “I predict that their night-time festivities will have a more high-tech / night club feel then traditional, using LED walls as a backdrop to display graphics and designs to add some spice to their dance-party.”
This wedding promises to be the party of the decade, and we can’t wait to see how it all turns out!
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker, adjunct professor in the field of public relations, and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.