MOJEH breaks down everything you need to know about the Royal Wedding 2018
From buttercream icing on the cake to invitations printed using a machine from the 1930s, as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s big day approaches more and more royal wedding details emerge. Finding it hard to keep track? MOJEH breaks down everything you need to know from the flowers to the guest list.
THE DATE
Going against royal tradition of weekday marriages, the couple will wed on Saturday 19th of May. Unlike Prince William and Catherine Middleton’s wedding in 2011, the day won’t be a public holiday since the celebrations already fall on a weekend.
THE INVITATIONS
Made by Barnard Westwood, the go-to for royal wedding invites, the cards were sent out eight weeks ago. They feature the Three-Feathered Badge of the Prince of Wales printed in gold ink using a machine from the 1930s.
THE CEREMONY & RECEPTION
The royal marriage will take place in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle at 3pm local UAE time. After the couple says their vows, they will take a carriage procession through Windsor, from St George’s Chapel to Windsor Castle. There Alexi Lubomirski, who took their engagement portraits, will take their official photographs. This will be followed by the first reception for all 600 guests hosted by the Queen at St George’s Hall at Windsor Castle. Afterwards, 200 close friends and family will make their way to Windsor’s Frogmore House for a more exclusive reception held by Prince Charles.
THE FLOWERS
London florist Philippa Craddock and her team will be handling the floral decorations, which include white garden roses, peonies and branches of beech, birch and hornbeam.
THE CAKE
Claire Ptak, owner of London-based Violet Bakery, has been tasked with making the royal cake. Guests will enjoy a lemon and elderflower cake that promises to bring the bright flavours of spring to life. And with a centerpiece covered with buttercream and decorated with fresh flowers it promises to be quite the dessert.
THE MENU
Royal Chef Mark Flanagan and his team will prepare sweet and savory seasonal bowls as well as canapés using fresh produce that guests can enjoy while standing.
THE PRESENTS
Kensington Palace confirmed on Twitter that the couple would like to forgo all gifts in favour of donations to one of the following charities: CHIVA (Children’s HIV Association), Crisis (a charity for the homeless), Scotty’s Little Soldiers (a charity for the bereaved children of the Armed Forces), the Myna Mahila Foundation (which helps women in Mumbai’s urban slums), StreetGames (a sports foundation), Surfers against Sewage and The Wilderness Foundation UK.
THE GUESTS
Other than the royals, including members of Diana’s family, the celebrity guest list includes Sir Elton John, Priyanka Chopra, David and Victoria Beckham, and Serena Williams.
THE MUSIC
Under the direction of James Vivian, the director of music at St George’s Chapel, the service will include hymns and a performance by 19-year-old cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason. Kensington Palace tweeted that the couple have spent a great deal of time working on the music selection for the big day.
THE BILL
“As was the case with the wedding of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, The Royal Family will pay for the core aspects of the wedding, such as the church service, the associated music, flowers, decorations, and the reception afterwards,” said a statement released by Kensington Palace.
THE DRESS
The biggest question of the year, who will Meghan Markle wear? Already a style setter since her days on Suits, the princess-to-be is keeping everyone in the dark as to who will be designing her dress. Having worn Ralph & Russo for her engagement photographs, could Markle team up with the brand again for her big day?
