The world-famous wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton took place nearly three years ago on April 29, 2011. Even so, brides and grooms-to-be are still looking to the royal couple for conventional wisdom about planning their big day. Here are the top three lessons to take away from Prince William and Princess Catherine:
You Have to Make Your Own Decisions, Starting With The Guest List
Prince William was extremely frank about the couples’ struggle with the guest list. “There was very much a subdued moment when I was handed a list with 777 names on [it] — not one person I knew or Catherine knew,” Prince William said, according to Newsweek. “I went to her and said, ‘Listen, I’ve got this list, not one person I know — what do I do?’ and she went, ‘Get rid of it. Start from your friends and then we’ll add those we need to in due course. It’s your day.'”
That advice — “It’s your day” — is invaluable to couples about to formally tie the knot, and it doesn’t just apply to the guest list. Mothers, fathers, relatives, family friends, and pretty much everyone will have an opinion — even about seemingly small details. Even table linen rentals and wedding decorations rentals will come up in conversation, and it’s important to remember — at the end of the day — it’s your wedding. Don’t let your new mother-in-law choose your wedding linen rentals. Do what makes you happy.
Lace and See-Through Details Are In
Kate Middleton famously wore a beautiful lace dress, conceptualized and designed by Sarah Burton, creative director of luxury clothing line Alexander McQueen. The see-through lace sleeves continue to inspire brides today. Designers are taking increasing liberties with lace, too, keeping it fresh and trendy. “I don’t think lace will ever go out of style, but we are seeing more and more lace that is less traditional in look and feel,” wedding boutique worker, Rebecca Somnitz, told Celevand.com.
It’s Okay to Break From Tradition
Traditionally, the British royal family dresses the bridal party in all-white. (In most cases, too, royal bridal parties are made up of children.) Kate Middleton broke out of that mold somewhat, inviting her sister Pippa, 27, to take part in the ceremony, also wearing a white dress. Modern brides are carefully taking note. A growing number of brides are dressing bridesmaids in white or near-white colors, such as blush pink or champagne.
Inviting guests, choosing wedding decorations rentals, and picking out dresses for the bride and bridal party takes a lot of work and creativity. Get inspired by one of the most famous weddings in history. Leave all finals decisions (including ones about wedding decorations rentals!) up to your own discretion, consider a wedding dress with elegant lace details, and don’t be afraid to take liberties with bridesmaids’ dresses, too.