How Much Will Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Wedding Really Cost?

The average cost of a wedding in the U.K. (opens in new tab) is nearly 18,000 pounds, or $24,000. But of course, a royal wedding is anything but average. Kate and William's 2011 wedding reportedly cost around $34 million (opens in new tab), and an estimated $8 million alone (opens in new tab) went to security. Yes, security. So, how much will Harry and Meghan's wedding (opens in new tab) cost in comparison? "I estimate the dress, bridesmaids’ dresses, invitations, flowers, drinks, food, music, and entertainment will be around 20 million pounds," says MarieClaire.com's exclusive royal wedding expert Caroline Castigliano (opens in new tab).

Those 20 million pounds, a.k.a. $27 million, doesn't even include all of the security Meghan and Harry are expected to hire (more on that below). Here, a breakdown of the major costs surrounding the big day.

Venue

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will have two receptions after their wedding ceremony at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle (opens in new tab)—a luncheon hosted by the Queen for all of the wedding guests and a private reception in the evening for 200 of the couple's closest friends and family hosted by Prince Charles. Per a statement via Kensington Palace (opens in new tab), the family "will pay for the core aspects of the wedding, such as the church service, the associated music, flowers, decorations, and the reception afterwards."

It's unclear what the actual service at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle (opens in new tab) will cost, but the royal family will likely pay for a tent-like structure called a "luxury marquee" (see photo below) later in the evening during the private reception at Windsor Castle. Bridebook (opens in new tab), a renowned U.K. wedding planning app, estimates this marquee will cost close to 350,000 pounds ($475,000). As for the first reception immediately following the service at St. George's Hall, no word on whether the royal family has to secure this at an additional cost since, you know, they're the royals.

Dress

Kate Middleton's wedding dress reportedly cost around $434,000 (opens in new tab), and many royal watchers are expecting Meghan's will either cost the same or less (opens in new tab). However, since there will be two different receptions she'll need two different outfits (opens in new tab)—and that will most definitely add up.

Flowers

Harry and Meghan have chosen floral designer Philippa Craddock (opens in new tab) to create their church flowers. According to Bridebook (opens in new tab), these florals, along with any placed in the two separate locations of the receptions, are estimated to cost around 110,000 pounds ($149,000). Though there's no telling for sure whether or not both receptions will be adorned with flowers. But, probably.

Cake

Harry and Meghan will have at least 800 wedding guests present during their first reception, which means there needs to be a lot of cake to go around. Their lemon elderflower wedding cake (opens in new tab) designed by Claire Ptak, a London-based pastry chef from California, is estimated to cost about 50,000 pounds ($68,000). Plus, they'll have to spend an additional amount on whatever dessert they choose to serve at the private reception in the evening.

Music

The Spice Girls were rumored to perform (opens in new tab) at the wedding, though Kensington Palace has yet to confirm or deny this. They did, however, confirm that there will be music (opens in new tab) "under the direction of James Vivian, Director of Music, St George’s Chapel, including the Choir of St George's Chapel, and a selection of choral groups, soloists, and musicians." We estimate this will cost at least five figures, depending on who's also performing at the receptions.

Food

Inevitably, Meghan and Harry will hire a caterer for both the luncheon and the evening party. According to the Telegraph (opens in new tab), the royals have reportedly hired Table Talk (opens in new tab)—a London-based event caterer also used by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as well as Pippa Middleton. No word on how much that company charges for an event of this nature, but Bridebook suggests between the first wedding guest reception and private reception food will cost 286,000 pounds ($388,000). 

Security

Remember how much Will and Kate paid for the security at their wedding? As for Meghan and Harry, "This all depends on what is included. The security for a royal wedding is vast—Harry and Meghan’s security will go into the millions with undercover police," explains Castigliano. "All of this will need rehearsing well beforehand to ensure it runs smoothly the day of."

Add all of this up—including other additions like the ring, the bridesmaid dresses, invitations, and actual decorations—and you're looking at a total of at least $34 million.