Royal Wedding Wednesday What To Wear
Alas, my invitation to the Royal Wedding has yet to arrive. But for those who have received theirs, it clearly states what the dress code is.
Military Uniform
Morning Coat
Lounge Suit (what the British refer to as a coat and tie)
Military Uniform
I imagine that Prince Harry will wear a uniform much like his brother or his grandfather, Prince Philip did on his wedding day.
Morning Coat
For the morning coat category, I had no need to search google for an image. I have been waiting to show you Mr. Décor’s dashing Uncle David and lovely Aunt Bette. This also is a good first clue on what ladies should wear. They met the Queen when Uncle David received the O.B.E.
A morning coat (or tailcoat, as Americans refer to it) is the daytime formal dress code, consisting chiefly of a morning coat, waistcoat (vest) and striped trousers, generally in various shades of gray. One often wears a top hat as well. Morning dress is generally worn only for weddings, some official government or Royal functions, races such as Ascot, and as uniform at some of Britain’s most traditional schools such as Eton, which both Prince William and Prince Harry, attended.
Uncle David was an educational ambassador for Great Britain for many years. His service to his country was recognized by the Queen and he was awarded the O.B.E. (Order of the British Empire) That’s right, our David went to Buckingham Palace to receive this truly distinguished honor.
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V. The Order of the British Empire recognizes distinguished service to the arts and sciences, public services outside the Civil Service and work with charitable and welfare organizations of all kinds. The Order’s motto is “For God and the Empire”. I am blessed to know Uncle David and can tell you his character truly encompasses all that this honor stands for.
Lounge Suit
Lastly, we have the lounge suit. Yawn. I hope that very few of the gentlemen in attendance at the wedding select this option. After all, it is not every day that there is a Royal Wedding.
Day Dress with Hat
Now for the ladies. The clue that their selections should be rather formal is of course indicated by the option of a morning coat. So what does this mean?
First and foremost you can leave your strapless dresses at home. As the young couple is marrying in the Church of England, I would bet a rather large sum of money that even the bride will have her shoulders covered. This makes me very happy as I am rather tired of the strapless look and the bride’s gown selection will no doubt usher in a new trend.
Cover Your Legs
Hats
The English still wear headwear to formal occasions. We can look to the Duchess of Cambridge for the various forms of accepted, yet still stylish, headwear. Keep in mind for a daytime ceremony it is in good taste for only the bride to wear a tiara.
Now onto the wedding guest dress and suit selections.
Acceptable fabrics
Accessories
If you don’t…
You may have noticed in the above images that the Queen often wears gloves. Many women attending the wedding will follow suit. A favorite glove maker of the royal family is Dents gloves.
Here I offer you an outstanding example of what a perfectly outfitted female guest might wear to the Royal Wedding. Smashing Aunt Bette!
Now if you are like me and will be viewing the Royal Wedding in your pajamas you may want to consider wearing something like this:
Or this:
I’ll see you tomorrow with High Tea ideas.
Laura
You May Also Enjoy
Monday Day 1: Royal Wedding Week Posts and Where To Watch
Wednesday Day 2: Regal Wedding Party Ideas
Thursday Day 4: High Tea Fit For A Queen
Friday Day 5: Royal Wedding Breakfast and Tablescape
Laura you are the best! Such proper pointers for all of us who will be attending!
Your family; Uncle David and Aunt bette are wonderful.
Our bride to be is just perfection!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Thank you for the attire advice. My invitation must have been lost in the mail as well. It's just as well. I look horrid in hats.
Oh, Laura! This is a fabulous post! We could so do with some more dress etiquette in this country! (Roll-out-of-bed casual seems to be the norm for this area.)
This is a fun, fun party!!!
Wow. This was too much fun. I was hanging on every word. Not sure about some of the hats but Kate does have a certain elegant style.
Mary Ann
Oh Laura how perfect!! It definitely makes me wish Americans had the same respect for dress. Love the hats so much, and I too am so glad it won't be strapless!! I cannot wait!! Maybe some of her style will cross the ocean.
Oh Laura, I am so thankful that you've told me how to dress for THE wedding! I have been so worried about that. I wish I could carry off one of those cute hats like Kate wears. Mr. Decor's parents look fab in their formal English attire, and what an honor for Uncle David! Very interesting and fun post. Thank you for hosting the party. I hope it is okay that I added my wedding attire to the bottom of my current Mardi Gras post. laurie
What a fun post, I think Kate is such a beauty and looks great in all of her hats. I wish we still wore hats, they were so fun, thank you for all of the tips!
Carol
Super, Laura! I have begun cataloging the wedding gifts Charles & Diana received at http://timewasantiquesfamily.blogspotand have linked to you.
Cheers!
Ruth
Antiques And Teacups
I learn sooooooooooo much from these posts!! Thanks for always taking the time to share these with us! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
what an interesting and good advices on wedding outfits! love men in uniform and kate's outfits are all lovely! thanks for sharing!
This is all so interesting and you write so tongue in cheek! Again, it reads like a magazine article!
XO,
Jane
Your pictorials are so cute! 😀 I love the comparisons in the 'Dos and Don'ts'. Some royals really should be reading your blog before the big day.
Your aunt and uncle are so cute all gussied up. You know, everyone should have at least one event in their lifetime where they need to be really dressed to the nines!
Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Hi Laura !
What a funny post or should I say such an informative post. What will
you be wearing to the wedding ??
LOL !
Hugs,
Kammy
p.s. save me some of that crunchy bar !!!
Laura,
Thanks for all the advice. I can't wait to see all of the hats.
Thanks for hosting such a fun event.
Michele
Hi Laura,
What an awesome post! You crack me up. I am your newest follower, and you can find yourself on my sidebar. Thanks so much for stopping by to visit yesterday.
God bless,
Kathy
I do love how dressed up they get for a wedding. Hats everywhere. You might faint to learn that sometimes black is for weddings, my bridesmaids wore black 🙂
Laura, Thank you … now I know what V and I shall wear to the event! heehee! This was SO fun to read!!!!!! I bet your invite is just a little late! ( :
Have a pretty day!!!!
Kristin
Dearest Laura,
A sweet day to you!
Here I sit in my flannel red/black plaid housecoat sipping on my morning coffee visiting your royal blog! Not too slylish, but overboard on the honest.
I just about have mastered a fake english accent…I could at least show up sounding the part while attending the royal wedding. As for clothing, I'd copy the clean lines of your Auntie's two piece dressy outfit in soft spring colors, place a color coordinated hat on my head and make sure to be wearing a good smelling gentle fragrance of floral perfume.
Clean undergarments are a must…grins…hose, comfy shoes with matching clutch handbag, a brooch, matching earrings and of course gloves.
Fun to read this post.
GOOD JOB Laura!
d from homehaven
what a fun post! I eloped, but I may link to my nieces recent wedding if I have a good post in my archives 🙂
Laura, This is so much fun – thanks for all these lovely photos. I would like to share a link with you of one of the most courageous young couples I know (thru blogging). They've been married just a couple of years and their wedding photos are out of this world. Zane was electrocuted a few months back and Courtney has documented their amazing journey and God's amazing grace on her blog: http://www.projectprettyblog.com/2010/10/rollercoaster.html
Thanks for commenting on my post. I will have to try and get a post together to join this.
what a fabulous post! Thanks for letting me know about your link party- I've linked up pics from my wedding which I've just recently blogged about. Love your blog!
These parties are so fun! I didn't want to miss another one. Thank you for hosting!
Very interesting and informative.
You were a beautiful bride!
Katherine
That was a sweet post! Loved reading it and OH I remember the days of Hats and Gloves on Sundays! I LOVE Both, But always found hats awkward to wear. I still buy them though, BUT only for display, hehe!
Thank you for the fun post and update.
Hugs, Donna
LAURA!
THIS POST IS PERFECTION!
Seriously – I wanted to do a similar post but I tell you what – WHY BOTHER! This is one of the most fun posts I have read in a long time.
Nicely DONE!
I'm gushing I know, but I have so enjoyed my time here today!!!!
We will be having a sleep over at Momm'a that night and will ALL be sporting our hats in the wee hours of the morning as we watch on the “telly”
Amitiés,
Angela
ParisienneFarmgirl.com
thanks for sharing the story of your Uncle David! Are we not lucky to see Kate bring back fashion like Diana!
Hi Laura,
I must say I did so enjoy this post! How fun! I've always been interested in English Royal fashion. :o)
I shared a photo of my daughter in a bridesmaid dress I altered from a prom dress. The post is all about how to alter prom dresses..I've done a lot! What made this photo so precious is that my Marine son was dressed in his formal uniform..and he and his sister looked so sweet together. :o) Thanks for hosting this special linky party!
xo
Donna @ Comin' Home
beautifulllllllllllllllll post!
gorgeous photos!!!!
take care,
Rosa
A day late to your beautiful post, but so enjoyed it just the same!
This is such a lovely post. I'm really looking forward to the Royal Wedding. We're thinking of having a street party here. Very exciting indeed!
Sarahx
Sadly, my invitation has likewise gone astray in the post. Tsk, tsk.
I posted my daughter's wedding, but the linky photo wouldn't work….
I just had to crack up the other night when a reporter said that Camellia was givin' Kate 'fashion' advice! Heeehehhe!!!
I adore that little bicycle basket in the post above sweetie!
God bless ya and enjoy your day!!!
My invite hasn't arrived . . . yet, but with your help I'll be prepared for a jiffy trip across the pond.
Dear Laura, what a lovely post. I enjoyed very much. And I want to thank you for visiting my blog and for your sweet comment. I apologize that I could not visit before, I was away on a mission trip. (Arizona)
Blessings! ~*~Wendy~*~
What a fun post! I have read this over and over and found something new each time!
Thank you for the very sweet message on my tablescape post and I'm so glad I found your blog — and I'm your newest follower!
Thanks for stopping over at my blog and leaving such a nice comment. I really enjoyed your funny post about royal wedding attire and decided to link up 🙂 Thanks for letting me know.
Thanks Laura, I removed the post that I had linked to your wedding linky party. I posted it on my regular page. I don't know why there was no place to leave a comment. I'll have to research how Bogger works on that issue.
I have thanked you on my blog, but wanted to let you know that I appreciate you blog and all the fun you provide.
Laura, I a fashionably late, but made it!
Uncle Dave and Aunt Bette are are all ready in their royal worthy attire! So upper crust!
Thanks for all the info and fun. I vote for William to wear his uniform. There is something about a man in a uniform! Kate will look gorgeous I am sure. She has such impeccible tase!
Thanks for hosting!
Yvonne
I am going to enjoy this wedding so much more because of YOU!
I've got a small-ish fascinator planned for the big day. But I haven't figured out what to wear. I need a new spring dress anyway, so this is a good excuse. Fun! Lisa~
Thanks for this fun fun post! I am so excited for the Royal Wedding! Thanks for the comments on my blog! My Dad actually wrote a song for Will and Kate, I think it is really sweet, you can find it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGspuoKv3pc
Maybe you could feature it on a Royal Wedding Wednesday!
Thanks,
Carlee
ladybirdln.blogspot.com
Thank you so much for visiting my blog, I am checking out your auction thanks for the heads up, Hugs, Anne
Great post, and great blog! 🙂 So interesting. I can't WAIT to see the wedding gown!
Loved this post Laura. Very informative, but in such a light hearted way. I had to laugh at the very first picture though. Every time I think of a royal wedding I remember those dreadful hats!
I love, love, love these posts. You do so much research, I hope everyone knows how hard you work on these post. Thanks for all your time and effort, they are so interesting.
It will be fun to see all the lovely dresses and hats.
*******The excitement is growing!!********
Kate and William are bound to steal the show with their impeccable style and way they carry themselves! The Queen looks very pretty in that yellow! Looking forward to the wedding, although I will likely catch the highlights. 😉
OOO…I love seeing the real deal…your aunt and uncle are smashing. Love all your tips. Can’t wait for the Wedding!
Great post, Laura! Looking forward to High Tea ideas.
I’ll be setting my clock for Saturday. Thanks for the info regarding the TV coverage.
Well, I say jolly good for Uncle David — that is incredibly cool, and I’m glad your official opinion of him is as high as the OBE! Sounds like quite a guy.
Thanks for the clothing hints. I wonder if my cat slippers are too informal?
What to wear would have been a key question for anyone receiving an invitation to the wedding. You have covered it all, from hats to gloves!