Royal wedding dress codes and what guests would and dare not wear!
Here's everything you need to know about dressing for Meghan and Harry's big day.
May 19th is circled on the calendar and your alarm is set for that early wake up. If you're counting down the days til the royal wedding, there's a good chance that you're not only wondering which white dress and diamond tiara the bride will choose, but what all of the guests (Royals! Celebs! Socialites!) have in store wardrobe-wise. Unlike most ceremonies here at home, there is a strict set of rules that Britain's upper crust must stick to when selecting their special outfit. We've seen the snaps of the official invitation which specifies "Uniform, Morning Coat or Leisure Suit" for him, and "Day Dress with Hat" for her. But what does that really mean?
Before visions of fascinators and top hats start dancing in your head, we turned to the experts for advice on deciphering that tricky dress code and wardrobe tips for those lucky enough to have made the guest list. Amy Bielby, Editor of Today's Bride and Alison McGill, Editor-in-Chief of Weddingbells, break down the etiquette tips you need to know for stylishly navigating Meghan and Harry's big day.
Please explain the difference between a morning coat and a lounge suit for men.
Amy Bielby (AB): A morning coat would be one step down from a tuxedo. A tux, or black-tie, for a morning wedding, is a little too formal. When you hear lounge suit, you may picture a polyester or a crushed velvet tracksuit. This is not the case. A lounge suit, for lack of a better term, is just a regular old suit. Suits, in all cases, should be dark in colour.
Alison McGill (AM): "Morning Dress" is the royal wedding dress code referring to formal dress for daytime functions. Tuxedos are what we typically think of as formal wear, but they are actually intended for evening functions. Morning Dress consists of a cutaway tailcoat in black or grey with a single button closure and peak lapel. It is paired with striped trousers in grey or black, a waistcoat which is typically light grey or light buff colour which is single breasted typically with lapels. Shirt style is a white turndown collar with a white or pastel body paired with a 4-in hand tie usually light grey with a subtle pattern. A "Lounge Suit" is British speak for a classic men's suit.
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What accessories are common for men to don for a royal wedding?
AB: Men will typically wear a subtle tie - no crazy prints or bright colours. This goes for socks, too. Novelty socks with Prince Harry's face on them may not go over well.
AM: Top hats, white pocket squares, gloves and a cane are common and acceptable accessories.
The dress code calls for a day dress. What does that mean in terms of prints, hemlines and necklines?
AB: Hemlines should be on the conservative side, not going too far above the knee. Prints are acceptable but should not be too over-the-top and necklines shouldn't reveal too much.
AM: The rules of Day Dressing have relaxed somewhat in the modern era and that means hemlines can vary from shorter knee skimming lengths to midi and maxi dresses but the key is to keep the look smart, sharp and not too glitzy or revealing — guests do not want to outshine the bride! Subtle prints and statement colours are most definitely acceptable.
Will anyone dare show up in white? Or black?
AB: Guests should not wear white. It is an unspoken rule according to the longstanding British tradition dating back to Queen Victoria who famously wore a white lace dress at her wedding. No one wants to outshine the bride. While some women do rebel against it, I highly doubt anyone will push their luck at the royal wedding.
AM: It is unlikely as these are definite royal wedding style don'ts! For darker shades navy looks always elegant (Victoria Beckham wore navy to Kate and William's wedding) and light pastels are a great option for soft, airy shades.
What is considered appropriate footwear? Will all women be required to wear hosiery?
AB: When it comes to shoes, closed-toe is the way to go, and heels shouldn't be higher than two or three inches. Sky-high stilettos are off the table.
AM: It is not a requirement to wear hosiery, 20 years ago it would have been but again the rules have relaxed somewhat with royal function dressing. Open toes or anything too strappy should be avoided. Expect to see lots of chic, classic pumps in various heel heights.
What can we expect in terms of hats? Do fascinators fit the bill?
AB: It's funny that when it comes to all aspects of royal wedding dress code, subtlety is key — except with the hat! Large, colourful, elaborately adorned hats are encouraged. Fascinators are acceptable, but they have to be impressive. It's sort of a "the-bigger-the-better" philosophy when it comes to headgear.
AM: The head wear is always the best part of a royal wedding! This is where you can have a little fun with your look and inject some personal style into it (but don't go too crazy, we still remember Princess Beatrice and Eugenie's famous fascinators from Kate and William's wedding!). Fascinators absolutely fit the bill, they are a light, modern and chic alternative to a hat.
If you don't have access to the crown jewels, what do you suggest jewelry-wise?
AB: You can't go wrong with subtle and classic.
AM: Pearls are daytime perfect for a royal wedding and there are so many gorgeous and different pearl pieces available now. Play with pearl earrings in different styles and bead sizes, as well consider layering a few strands for a not-to-bold statement look. Brooches are also a perfect accessory. Wear one iconic one, or cluster a few smaller ones together. Take a style cue from the Queen!
Are there any other style rules that attendees will have to keep conscious of?
AB: Pantsuits are acceptable for women to wear. I have even heard that jumpsuits will be acceptable. This is a reflection of Meghan's fashion-forward style.