By: Event Planner & Designer, Christine Terezakis
Pictures of the wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton can still be seen on the covers of magazines everywhere. There's such a fascination with the many many details of royal 
weddings. I admit that I was one of the millions of people who got up early to watch the event as it unfolded on live TV (just as I did three decades earlier for the wedding of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer). William and Kate's recent wedding was magical. And I loved the modern elements mixed with tradition and elegant simplicity.
Would you love to have a royal wedding too? (Who wouldn't, right?) You may not have millions of dollars to spend, but there are similar things you can do to give your wedding some royal style. Here are hints you can take from Kate and William...
...Start with THE DRESS. Kate didn't buy off the rack, and neither should you. If you want to feel like a princess, have your wedding dress designed especially for you. Find a talented seamstress who can create your one-of-a-kind design. Then KEEP IT A SECRET until everyone see's you on wedding day. If you really want to follow Kate's lead, have a second wedding dress made for yourself to change into for the evening reception.
Wear a tiara. Nothing says "princess" more than a tiara, and this is the only day in your life you can seriously wear one.
Keep it simple. First, go with a neutral and subdued color palette for your details and decor. It's elegant. And it won't look dated years from now. I suggest white, ivory, pale yellows and pinks. Make a royal first impression with your invitation. It should have clean lines, an elegant font (classic black recommended), and include a simple monogram or motif in silver or gold. Be sure to have these professionally printed or hand lettered.
Choose a ceremony location with grandeur. Westminster Abbey was the location of choice for William and Kate. A church, museum, art gallery, or historic home can be the perfect spot to achieve a regal atmosphere.
Do something out of the ordinary, and don't over-do the flowers. Kate's bouquet was small and understated. The church aisle was lined with simple trees instead of lavish floral arrangements---a very stately and unique touch. Vases with tall branches on pedestals can give a similar effect.
Surround yourself with children. There is something very sweet and innocent about having lots of children in your wedding party. Kate chose her sister Pippa as her maid of honor, but the rest of the bridal party was composed of children. (Princess Diana's bridal party was made up of children as well.)
Have an amazing cake, and display it beautifully. This will become a centerpiece of your reception decor. Kate and William's cake had an elegant array of sugar flowers and lace trim in tones of white on multi-tiers, and stood several feet tall. Have your cake decorated in white, ivory, or a combination of the two. Skip the figurine cake topper and opt instead for sugar flowers, an elegant monogram, or crystal sprigs. Make it look larger by displaying it on a high base. Set it upon its own table with luxurious linens.
Host two receptions! The royals had an afternoon reception immediately following their wedding ceremony, and a smaller more intimate celebration in the evening. Two receptions can actually work well for a tighter budget. For an early wedding, guests can partake of beverages and light hors d'oevres or cake and champagne immediately following the ceremony. Then, a smaller group of family and friends can join you for a formal dinner reception later in the evening (and you can wear your second dress!).
Do something charitable. William and Kate requested donations be given to charities instead of wedding gifts. You can be generous without foregoing your gifts. Instead of giving out wedding favors, make a donation to charity in lieu of favors for your guests, and include your guest's names on the donation.
Make a great exit. William and Kate surprised the world when they left Buckingham Palace in a vintage car, driven by the Prince himself. Do something fun and unexpected for your reception send-off. It will make your wedding memorable (and it makes for great photos!).
Happy planning!
Christine
Christine Terezakis is a weddng planner, event designer based in south Florida's Treasure Coast, serving brides throughout Florida and destinations beyond.
Dreamday Celebrations 772-220-0373 www.dreamdaycelebrations.com
