British Traditions at the 2018 Royal Wedding

Colourful Guest Attire

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Like at American nuptials, guests are encouraged not to wear white. In fact, it is seriously frowned upon, so the high-profile guests, such as George and Amal Clooney, opted for Spring pastels and bold hues.

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A Welsh Gold Bond

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When Meghan and Harry exchanged vows and rings, they kept with the wedding band tradition of the British royal family. Beginning in 1923, the queen mother had a wedding band made of Welsh gold, and that's exactly what Meghan's band was as well. Plus, her new band was gifted by Queen Elizabeth II, which is just spectacular.

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Tiara Topper

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The beautiful bride kept with the royal tradition of wearing a tiara lent to her by the queen. Her specific diamond tiara was made in 1932 and has a brooch on it dating from 1893. The stunning diamond bandeau was made for Queen Mary.

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First-Kiss Bliss

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Even though Prince Harry and his new bride didn't kiss on the balcony at Buckingham Palace, their first kiss was in front of the public. Since it is forbidden to kiss inside a sacred place such as Windsor Castle's St. George's Chapel, the two sealed their marriage with a kiss on the steps, and fans were so happy to witness it live.

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The Royal Carriage Ride

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The happy couple left their ceremony like many royal couples before them in a horse-drawn carriage. The horses are from the Royal Mews and take the newlyweds on their traditional ride to see their people, share their love, and get to the next destination.

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Myrtle Sprigs

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Not only did Meghan's bouquet have forget-me-nots in honor of Harry's late mother, Princess Diana — they were her favourite flowers — but her bouquet also featured sprigs of myrtle. Sprigs of myrtle are a royal tradition dating back to 1845 when Queen Victoria first planted them in one of her gardens. Queen Victoria also had myrtle in her bouquet, which is why she ended up planting them in the royal garden.

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The Bridal Party

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In America, couples traditionally choose adults for their groomsmen and bridesmaids. In England, especially the royal family, the bridal party is often mostly made up of children. In keeping with English tradition, Meghan had young pageboys and bridesmaids, including Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

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Cake Creation

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Even though the cake flavor for this royal wedding was a bit outside the box — it was lemon elderflower instead of a fruitcake — it did have the traditional British texture . . . sponge cake.

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Hats and Fascinators For All

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While it's not required, it is tradition for women in attendance at all English weddings to wear a hat or fascinator. Even Meghan's Suits costars and Hollywood friends got in on the English hat fun!

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