Marriage Traditions the British Royal Family Must Follow

British royalty is no different. Here are 11 popular and unusual traditions that members of the Crown’s extended family must follow if they wish to get married.

While you may have thought a planner would have taken this off the monarch’s hand, it is a tradition that stretches back several centuries. Queen Elizabeth II sent out close to 2,000 invitations for Prince William and Kate Middleton’s big day.

This rule dates back to the Royal Marriages Act, which was implemented in 1772.

The site has witnessed the marriages of several notable members of British royalty, including Queen Anne, George III, Queen Victoria, and George V.

It was rebuilt as the Manor of St James and the chapel it is famous for was expanded in the 1800s.

Typically, it will consist of the bride and groom and the extended members of the British royal family.

The brides leave a bouquet of flowers at the grave of the so-called Unknown Warrior.

This tradition was upheld by Prince Charles when he married Princess Diana. Harry and Meghan also traveled to their wedding venue by way of a carriage.

According to reports, the unique metal is over three times more expensive when compared to gold sourced in South Africa and Australia.

A popular type of hat used during the ceremony is known as a fascinator. These are unique headpieces that come in all shapes and sizes.

The cake is often so large that it can weigh between 250 and 500 pounds and feed over 2,000 people (via The Royal Household).

As she was born a Catholic, Meghan Markle had no other option than to be baptized by the Church of England before she could marry Prince Harry.

During the wedding ceremony, the royals will all be seated on the right side of the chapel.

According to the Victoria and Albert Museum, Victoria chose to wear a white satin court train instead of the royal crimson robe typical of monarchs. She is also credited with popularizing multi-tiered cakes and the reading of nuptials.

Her own wedding set the standard for royal weddings in the future and began the tradition of royals going to the ceremony by carriage. Her wedding was such a huge event that even famous author Charles Dickens commented on it. (via Daily Mail)

Victoria had wanted to privately marry in a smaller ceremony and not indulge in royal opulence. However, according to the Daily Mail, the Prime Minister of England, Lord Melbourne managed to convince her to make it a large affair.

The decision apparently happened because Melbourne was the “least bad choice.” He was greatly trusted by Queen Victoria and they had a close relationship.

According to the Daily Mail, Lord Melbourne convinced Victoria to ride from Buckingham Palace to the chapel in a carriage so onlookers could see her. Police lined the streets in preparation for the procession to guard against anyone who would approach her.

According to the Daily Mail, white was seen as impractical because it would need to be cleaned more often. Victoria chose a white dress to show off the lace pattern and forbade other attendees from wearing the color, making it iconic.

Victoria was not the first to wear it, but she made it popular by example. Lace makers across England were thrilled by the sudden surge in the popularity of their handiwork.” There are several competing theories on what Queen Victoria’s decision to wear white meant, with some believing she chose the color for its relation to innocence.

However, unlike Victoria, this trend did not start catching on everywhere. It’s hard to imagine that Victoria, then 21 years old, realized how her decision to wear white at her wedding would change weddings for hundreds of years afterward.

It was 9 feet long and 16 inches tall while serving as a centerpiece. This cake also popularized the trend of couples to add figurines representing the bride and groom.

“The Ceremony was very imposing, and fine and simple, and I think ought to make an everlasting impression on everyone who promises at the Altar to keep what he or she promises.”

Typically, guests at royal weddings will be important politicians and foreign dignitaries. Other guests that round out the roster are relatives of the royal family and friends.