30 Things You Didn't Know About Prince William and Kate Middleton's Wedding

Event, Ceremony, Red, Tradition, Bride, Wedding, Marriage, Gown, Dress, Wedding dress,

(Image credit: Getty Images)

published 9 December 17

We get it— it's been six years since William and Kate walked down the aisle. But from Kate's insane dress to the couple's dance party reception, our obsession with the Royal wedding has yet to subside. Ahead, we rounded up 30 little-known facts about our favorite wedding of all time. Here's hoping that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle take a few cues from the ceremony.

1/30

Their wedding date—April 29, 2011—was a national holiday.

At least two million people (opens in new tab) lined the streets to get a glimpse of the ceremony.

2/30

Like most royal weddings, the ceremony was held at Westminster Abbey.

A whopping 1,900 people (opens in new tab) were invited to the service. (opens in new tab)

3/30

By 8 a.m., the Queen bestowed the couple with their new titles.

Prince William (opens in new tab) became the Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Strathearn and Baron Carrickfergus, and Kate became the Duchess of Cambridge, Countess of Strathearn and Baroness Carrickfergus.

4/30

Kate’s bouquet contained a nod to her husband.

The arrangement (opens in new tab) consisted of lily of the valley, hyacinth, myrtle (opens in new tab), and sweet William.

5/30

The couple’s flower budget was reportedly $800,000.

For reference, the average bride (opens in new tab) spends around $2,141 on flowers. (opens in new tab)

6/30

The venue was decked out with six field maple trees.

The 25-foot trees (opens in new tab) are said to symbolize (opens in new tab) reserve and humility.

7/30

Two months after the ceremony, all six trees were replanted.

They’re now nestled in Prince Charles' vacation house (opens in new tab) in Wales.

8/30

Kate’s stunning gown cost more than $400,000.

The dress was designed by Sarah Burton (opens in new tab) for Alexander McQueen.

9/30

The bride did her own makeup.

She had private lessons (opens in new tab) with makeup (opens in new tab) artist Arabella Preston to prepare.

10/30

Kate’s ensemble had something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.

The Duchess’ dress (opens in new tab) was made with an 1800-year-old lace technique (opens in new tab), serving as her “something old.”

11/30

As for something new, Kate’s parents gifted her a pair of leaf-shaped diamond earrings for the big day.

Robinson Pelham (opens in new tab) designed the gorgeous pair. (opens in new tab)

12/30

Kate’s halo-style tiara was borrowed from the Queen…

It was designed (opens in new tab) in 1936 by Cartier (opens in new tab).

13/30

...and incredibly subtle, light-blue ribbon was sewn into the gown.

Her nod to tradition (opens in new tab) almost went unnoticed. (opens in new tab)

14/30

Prince William’s uniform was sweat-proof.

Military tailors Kashket and Partners added sweat pads under the arms (opens in new tab) so the Prince didn’t overheat (opens in new tab) at the Abbey.

15/30

Kate’s engagement ring is the same ring Prince Charles gave to Princess Diana.

The 12-carat, sapphire ring (opens in new tab) is worth $500,000.

16/30

Kate received an 18-karat gold band…

It's made of Welsh (opens in new tab) gold (opens in new tab).

17/30

…but the couple decided William wouldn’t wear (or receive) a ring.

The Royals (opens in new tab) chalked up the decision (opens in new tab) to personal preference.

18/30

David and Victoria Beckham and Elton John were among the attendees.

Casual. (opens in new tab)

19/30

Following the ceremony, the Queen hosted a lunchtime reception at Buckingham Palace.

650 lucky guests (opens in new tab) made the list (opens in new tab), and both Prince Charles and Prince William gave speeches.

20/30

The Queen was responsible for the menu, which included a massive assortment of finger foods.

A team (opens in new tab) of 21 chefs prepared (opens in new tab) approximately 10,000 canapés.

21/30

The couple had two wedding cakes.

Fruitcake (opens in new tab) is a royal tradition, but William also requested a chocolate biscuit cake. (opens in new tab)

22/30

The 8-tier fruitcake was decorated with roses, thistle, daffodils, and shamrocks to represent the four nations of the United Kingdom.

“It’s a traditional cake (opens in new tab) but also quite delicate and modern,” baker Fiona Cairns said (opens in new tab) of her creation.

23/30

Post lunch, 300 guests were invited to the evening reception.

Prince Charles hosted (opens in new tab) the affair (opens in new tab) at Buckingham Palace.

24/30

Kate changed into an equally as pretty second dress…

Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen also designed (opens in new tab) the ensemble. (opens in new tab)

25/30

…and William was relieved of his uniform.

The Prince donned black-tie. (opens in new tab)

26/30

The massive Throne Room was transformed into a dance floor.

“There was a huge bar (opens in new tab) in the middle of the room, lots of sofas for everyone to lounge on when they weren’t on the dance floor, and a stage for the band,” said (opens in new tab) one guest of the scene.

27/30

Guests were treated to a two-hour Ellie Goulding set.

William and Kate danced (opens in new tab) to “Starry-Eyed.”

28/30

Dancing lasted until 3 a.m…

Goals. (opens in new tab)

29/30

…and then there were (literal) fireworks.

Oh, to be (opens in new tab) royal (opens in new tab).

30/30

The entire shebang is said to have cost $34 million.

We'll be waiting (opens in new tab) with bated breath to see where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle fall on the spectrum. (opens in new tab)

Ruby Buddemeyer

Ruby was the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covered beauty across print and digital. Her work has appeared on The Zoe Report, Fashionista, and StyleCaster. Follow her on Instagram.