9 of the Queen's strictest royal wedding rules revealed
What with guestlists and table plans, planning a wedding is a monumental task for any bride, but what if you had extra rules to consider? Meghan Markle, Princess Eugenie and other royal ladies had to follow certain protocols set by the Queen on their big days. The rules set out guidelines for their wedding dresses, bridal bouquets and other aspects of the wedding. Take a look at the surprising rules royal brides must adhere to...
READ: 10 most expensive royal weddings: Kate Middleton, Princess Diana, Princess Eugenie, more
WATCH: Take a look at the best royal wedding dresses of all-time
Royal weddings require permission
The Royal Marriages Act 1772 requires members of the royal family to obtain permission from The Queen to marry. So any royal proposal plans will have to be checked with Her Majesty first before there is any hint of getting down on one knee.
Prince Harry would have had to ask his grandmother for permission to propose
Royal brides undergo training
Once the couple is happily engaged, if the bride is not already a royal, and is set to be welcomed into the family, things get rather serious. Both Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle took training courses in what it means to be 'royal' – everything from who to curtsy to – and when, as well as a very intense SAS training session for their own safety. According to Finding Freedom by Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand, Meghan fast-tracked her training due to the very serious threats the couple were having.
Meghan Markle perfecting her curtsy
PHOTOS: 7 celebrity brides inspired by Kate Middleton's wedding dress
Royal brides require dress approval
The Queen is one of the special people to see the bride's wedding dress prior to the big day – simply so she can give her nod of approval. It is likely that Her Majesty will eye the dress designs before work even takes place on the gown. Of course, the brides and their seamstresses already know the royal protocol surrounding formal royal outfits.
Meghan Markle's second wedding dress veered from the royal bride dress code
These rules include no short hemlines, no low necklines, and no shoulders on display. However, Meghan Markle made a rather risqué decision with her second wedding dress when she stepped out in a Stella McCartney halterneck gown.
Royal brides wear British designers
Out of respect for the British monarchy, it is expected that any royal bride will wear a British designer on their wedding day. David and Elizabeth Emanuel designed Diana's iconic wedding dress and Sarah Burton for Justin Alexander was behind Kate Middleton's stunning lace gown.
Kate Middleton stunned in her Justin Alexander wedding dress
With Meghan Markle being American and favouring many US and Canadian fashion brands it was rumoured she may break with tradition, however on her wedding day in 2018, she wore a beautiful simplistic style from British stylist and designer Clare Waight Keller.
RELATED: 5 royal engagement ring replicas you can buy on Amazon: From Kate Middleton to Princess Beatrice
Royal brides have tiara rules
It is a tradition that tiaras are only worn by royal brides on their wedding day or by married women. So it's a very special appointment for royal brides to meet with The Queen to select a tiara for their wedding day.
A 150 ft long basement vault is home to Her Majesty's jewellery collection and royal brides are invited in to browse the pieces. However, according to Finding Freedom, The Queen whittles down the selection herself, limiting the choice for the bride-to-be.
Prince Eugenie wore an emerald tiara loaned from The Queen on her wedding day
Royal wedding rings are all the same
It is an age-old tradition that royal brides (and grooms if they choose to have a ring) will have their wedding rings made from Welsh gold – and the gold will be personally gifted from The Queen. For nearly 200 years, the royal family have opted for this as the rarest and most expensive type of gold in the world. Unconventionally, Princess Beatrice opted for a silver design.
All royal wedding rings are made from Welsh gold
SEE: 12 hilarious royal wedding moments caught on camera
Royal brides have similar bouquets
Another royal rule for brides to stick to is when it comes to selecting their flowers for their beautiful bouquet. They are free to choose their favourite blooms, or ones that have meanings to them however, the bouquet must include sprigs of myrtle to be in keeping with royal etiquette. The tradition began in 1858 when Queen Victoria's daughter included it – and it has been used ever since.
Royal brides all have a sprig of myrtle in their bouquets
Royal brides part with their bouquets
There is no throwing of the bouquet at a royal affair, instead, the bride's floral posy is laid on the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior out of respect. A tradition started by The Queen Mother, royal brides either leave their bouquets here on the day (if they get married at Westminster Abbey) or travel there the day after to pay their respects.
Princess Beatrice's bouquet was placed on the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior
Royal couples must have official photographs
Royal brides do not really have the option of having an unplugged, off-grid wedding with no photographic evidence – all royal weddings have formal portraits taken with their closest family to keep in the historic records.
Princess Beatrice married during the coronavirus pandemic
Even Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi who opted for a private, low-key wedding released official pictures of their stunning day.
Planning your wedding? Sign up to HELLO!'s brand new bride guide newsletter for expert advice, budget help, wedding inspiration and real life stories delivered straight to your inbox.
