It's a busy year for the royal family. The newest royal baby, HRH Prince Louis Arthur Charles of Cambridge [1], has officially made his debut. Princess Charlotte is making history (and waving like a champ). Oh, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle [2] are set to wed this month! There's just so much to celebrate, fellow commoners!
As I'm sure you well know, Prince Henry of Wales and his American bride-to-be will be tying the knot at St. George's Chapel in Windsor [3] on Saturday May 19. But if your wedding invitation [4] got lost in the post (mine's missing as well), don't fret: there are still plenty of ways you can toast the happy couple on the day. From decadent brunches and sun-soaked gardens to street parties and raucous pubs, here's a look at the many ways you can celebrate the royal wedding this month, in Windsor and beyond.
If You're Heading to Windsor
If you're hoping to catch a glimpse of the newlyweds in the flesh, head directly to Windsor, Berkshire (extra trains [5] will be running to and from town on the day of).
Food vendors, live entertainment, and massive screens showing the wedding will be set up near and around Windsor Castle, with footage of the ceremony airing in Long Walk and Alexandra Gardens [6]. Once the couple have made their vows, the carriage processional [7] will run along Castle Hill, High Street, Sheet Street, Kings Road, Albert Road and the Long Walk.
Camping anywhere along the route will not be permitted, but be sure to get there early (and maybe bring a folding chair?) if you'd like to get a good view.
Remember: The wedding is set to start at 12 p.m. sharp, with the carriage processional to follow about an hour later.
Royal Windsor Race Course [8] is another great spot to mark the occasion. And if you're hoping to watch the royal wedding as well as the FA Cup final, book a ticket to the track's Outdoor Screening & FA Cup Party [9] (starting at £5) as they'll be airing the events back-to-back, along with some live music and children's entertainment.
If You're Going to London
The capital is sure to be booming on the day of the wedding. Pub hours will be extended [10] to 1 a.m. on both Friday, 18 May, and Saturday, 19 May (in London and throughout the UK), and a handful will be hosting viewing parties of the royal vows.
The Gun [11] in Canary Wharf will be hosting a royal wedding party starting at 11 a.m., with prosecco and Pimm's flowing (they've also got a new brunch menu, if you're looking for a bit more sustenance).
The Water Poet [12] in Spitalfields will also be serving up a "Right Royal Wedding Brunch". You can grab a main dish, dessert, and a cocktail (like the Ginger Groom or Blushing Bride, because of course) for just £17. Book your table [13] in advance, as this spot's sure to fill up fast.
On the flipside, if you'd prefer a spot of tea to free-flowing booze, give a royal wedding-themed teas a try:
From now until 31 May, you can tuck into the Queen's favourite chocolate ganache (among other delectable treats) at The Savoy's Royal Afternoon Tea [14]. They've even mixed up a new cocktail, "The Royal Wedding", in honour of the soon-to-be newlyweds.
Anna's Afternoon Tea [15] at the Park Room of Grosvenor House has a series of dishes inspired by Harry and Meghan as well, including The Invictus [16] and The LA Special (also on offer until the end of May).
For a truly formal affair, make your way to ONE Marylebone Church for "The Official Royal Wedding Party [17]," where festivities are scheduled throughout the day. His Majesty's Party Daytime Festival — with live footage of the wedding, corsage-making, and a variety of brunch cocktails on-tap — will run from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. (tickets [18] are £25 a head), followed by The Royal Wedding Party Evening Reception from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. — complete with champagne, a string quartet, and "Meghan Markle [19]'s favourite American foods" (tickets [20] are £30).
If You're Partying Elsewhere
Of course, the merrymaking stretches beyond Windsor and London. Even if you'll be a bit further north or south on 19 May, there are sure to be festivities taking place.
In Manchester, for instance, head over to Fern House [21] in Bingley for some lunch, a slice of wedding cake, and loads of royal revelry, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
If you're Brighton-based, snag tickets to Stanmer House [22]'s Prince Harry & Meghan Markle [23] Wedding Garden Party, hosted by cabaret star Dolly Rocket (tickets [24] are £12 for adults, or £8 for children). The gorgeous estate will, of course, air the wedding at noon, but the merriment will stretch from 10:30 a.m. until 3 a.m. on 20 May.
If you're taking to the streets.
If You're Hosting a Street Party
Last but not least, if you're planning to host your own royal wedding celebration with a street party [25], the government's completely on your side. Between the wedding and the FA Cup, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Jake Berry MP has expressed that, "We've made it easier than ever for local residents from all backgrounds to come together to celebrate the royal wedding and we hope councils will get into the spirit by helping people wishing to organise street parties."
A number of councils have even decided to waive charges for street party [26] road closures on the day, ensuring that all Brits who are hoping to celebrate will have the opportunity. Just aim to get in touch with your local council ASAP to find out exactly what you'll need to do before the big day, as you might have to register for a music licence or road signs in advance. For those who are fine hosting a smaller, less formal affair, skip the hassle and have a "street meet [27]" on your driveway or front garden with a handful of friends, instead.
Oh, and don't forget to stock up on Harry and Meghan bunting [28] (and maybe even order your own version of the royal wedding cake from Violet Cakes [29], the bakery who'll be whipping up Harry and Meghan's unique elderflower and lemon cake [30]).
Cheers to the happy couple, and the many celebrations to come!