British Royal Weddings Cassie Whiteaker Charlotte Hubble Chauncey Rafferty Christina Perrault Melanie Leng

Pre-Ceremony Rituals The Royals Marriage Act of 1772 requires royal descendants to seek the Royal Family’s approval for marriage If Royal family disapproves, groom must seek approval from Parliament and step down from the throne Royals are prohibited from marrying Catholics

Attire Bride –Chooses own dress –Typically sleeved and floor-length –Traditionally she wears white Tradition began with Queen Victoria in 1840 Groom –Wears uniform if in military –Wears traditional tuxedo if not in military Bridal Party –Wears the same dress regardless of age Guests –Men wear military uniforms, morning dress, or lounge suits –Women wear formal gowns and hats are a MUST

Officiant Roles/Duties Most weddings are solemnized by Archbishop of Canterbury In the vows, the couple promises to “love, comfort, honor and keep” each other They exchange a single ring A lesson is read by a family member then a sermon is given. He ends the sermon with a prayer written by the couple

Modern Traditions Who you marry –Marrying for love, marrying a commoner Venue –Favoring churches over private chapels and palaces Transportation –Duchess Kate broke tradition and arrived in a Rolls Royce rather than a carriage Media coverage

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Ceremony Most take place in London Carriage processions taking royal couple and royal family to and from ceremony Royal family sits on right side of church, guests of non royal part of the couple on left side Bridal party usually consists of children ages Have ranged from ages 5-17 If groom is member of Royal family, he gets a “supporter,” if the bride is the royalty, groom gets no best man 1840: Queen Victoria had a bouquet of myrtle, the herb of love. Since then every British Royal Bride has used a sprig from this shrub in their bouquet

Post Ceremony Activities The Queen hosted a lunchtime reception at Buckingham Palace starting the arrival of the married couple's carriage William drove his new wife back up the Mall for the short distance to Clarence House, his then official London residence. Prince of Wales gave a private dinner, followed by dancing, at Buckingham Palace for the couple and their close friends and family

Post Ceremony Activities Continued.. Prince of Wales gave a private dinner, followed by dancing, at Buckingham Palace for the couple and their close friends and family The event ended at 3 am, with a small fireworks display in the palace grounds. The wedding cake had a strong British floral theme, using elements of the Joseph Lambeth technique. It was an eight-tiered traditional fruit cake decorated with cream and white icing and 900 sugar paste flowers.

Post Ceremony Activities Continued.. The wedding bouquet was returned to Westminster Abbey and placed on the Tomb of The Unknown Warrior by a royal official, after the photographs had been taken.