Kathryn Garcia: It's Time to Step Up or Shut Up

Listen to the Best New Love Songs of 2021 (So Far)

The Black-Owned Lingerie Brands Changing the Game

24 Hours with Megababe Founder Katie Sturino

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

Definitive proof royals know how to throw down.

By Ruby Buddemeyer

Dec 8, 2017

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

Getty Images

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.

Wedding dress, Bride, Photograph, Ceremony, Facial expression, Bridal clothing, Gown, Marriage, Wedding, Dress,

Getty Images

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

At least two million people lined the streets to get a glimpse of the ceremony.

Wedding dress, Gown, Dress, Clothing, Bridal clothing, Fashion, Bride, Event, Ceremony, Tradition,

Instagram: @willkatecambridge

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

A whopping 1,900 people were invited to the service.

Facial expression, Tradition, Fashion, Wedding dress, Ceremony, Event, Marriage, Formal wear, Wedding, Bride,

Instagram: @englandsroyalfamily

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

Prince William became the Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Strathearn and Baron Carrickfergus, and Kate became the Duchess of Cambridge, Countess of Strathearn and Baroness Carrickfergus.

Bouquet, Flower, White, Flower Arranging, Cut flowers, Plant, Marriage, Floristry, Floral design, Bride,

Instagram: @willkatecambridge

Kate’s bouquet contained a nod to her husband.

The arrangement consisted of lily of the valley, hyacinth, myrtle, and sweet William.

Tradition, Event, Monarchy, Ceremony, Headpiece, Tiara, Dress, Gesture, Uniform, Fashion accessory,

Instagram: @willkatecambridge

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

For reference, the average bride spends around $2,141 on flowers.

Red, Fashion, Red carpet, Tradition, Carpet, Event, Figurine, Ceremony, Dress, Crowd,

Instagram: @willkatecambridge

The venue was decked out with six field maple trees.

The 25-foot trees are said to symbolize reserve and humility.

Suit, Official, Businessperson, Formal wear, White-collar worker, Gesture,

Getty Images

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

They’re now nestled in Prince Charles' vacation house in Wales.

Wedding dress, Dress, Gown, Clothing, Bridal clothing, Bride, Fashion, Veil, Bridal accessory, Tradition,

Getty Images

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

The dress was designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.

Hair, Headpiece, Hair accessory, Clothing, Beauty, Bridal accessory, Tiara, Bride, Hairstyle, Wedding dress,

Instagram: @willkatecambridge

The bride did her own makeup.

She had private lessons with makeup artist Arabella Preston to prepare.

Veil, Tradition, Headpiece, Wedding dress, Bride, Bridal clothing, Hair accessory, Ceremony, Fashion accessory, Event,

Instagram: @willkatecambridge

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

The Duchess’ dress was made with an 1800-year-old lace technique, serving as her “something old.”

Headpiece, Hair, Hair accessory, Clothing, Fashion accessory, Bridal accessory, Hairstyle, Head, Forehead, Eyebrow,

Instagram: @willkatecambridge

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

Robinson Pelham designed the gorgeous pair.

White, Skin, Red, Bride, Beauty, Glove, Tradition, Wedding dress, Pink, Dress,

Instagram: @willkatecambridge

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

It was designed in 1936 by Cartier.

Veil, Wedding dress, Bridal veil, Bride, Bridal accessory, Clothing, Photograph, Bridal clothing, Dress, Gown,

Instagram: @willkatecambridge

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

Her nod to tradition almost went unnoticed.

Gown, Wedding dress, Red, Dress, Formal wear, Carpet, Ceremony, Event, Bridal clothing, Marriage,

Instagram: @willkatecambridge

Prince William’s uniform was sweat-proof.

Military tailors Kashket and Partners added sweat pads under the arms so the Prince didn’t overheat at the Abbey.

Ring, Red, Nail, Hand, Jewellery, Finger, Fashion accessory, Engagement ring, Manicure, Nail care,

Getty Images

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

The 12-carat, sapphire ring is worth $500,000.

Event, Cope, Tradition, Monarchy, Ceremony, Dress, Costume, Ritual,

Instagram: @willkatecambridge

Kate received an 18-karat gold band…

It's made of Welsh gold.

Uniform, Marching, Military uniform, Marching band, Event, Military officer, Soldier, Military, Gesture, Musician,

Instagram: @willkatecambridge

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

The Royals chalked up the decision to personal preference.

Suit, Formal wear, Tuxedo, Fashion, Dress, White-collar worker, Event, Gesture, Ceremony,

Getty Images

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

Casual.

Land vehicle, Vehicle, Car, Regularity rally, Classic car, Racing, Motorsport, Race track, Coupé, Sports car,

Instagram: @willkatecambridge

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

650 lucky guests made the list, and both Prince Charles and Prince William gave speeches.

Headpiece, Hat, Headgear, Fashion, Fashion accessory, Smile, Costume hat, Hair accessory, Cap, Happy,

Instagram: @willkatecambridge

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

A team of 21 chefs prepared approximately 10,000 canapés.

Dish, Food, Cuisine, Dessert, Ingredient, Chocolate cake, Christmas pudding, Chocolate brownie, Flourless chocolate cake, Cake,

Instagram: @ivanateahouse

The couple had two wedding cakes.

Fruitcake is a royal tradition, but William also requested a chocolate biscuit cake.

Wedding cake, Cake decorating, Icing, Sugar paste, Buttercream, Cake, Royal icing, Pasteles, Wedding ceremony supply, Sugar cake,

Instagram: @willkatecambridge

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 but also quite delicate and modern,” baker Fiona Cairns said of her creation.

Carriage, Vehicle, Event, Ceremony, Tradition, Phaeton, Horse, Horse harness,

Instagram: @willkatecambridge

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

Prince Charles hosted the affair at Buckingham Palace.

White, Clothing, Dress, Fashion, Sleeve, Waist, Outerwear, Gown, A-line, Shoulder,

Instagram: @willkatecambridge

Kate changed into an equally as pretty second dress…

Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen also designed the ensemble.

Hair, Face, Facial expression, Forehead, Chin, Hairstyle, Eyebrow, White-collar worker, Facial hair, Suit,

Getty Images

…and William was relieved of his uniform.

The Prince donned black-tie.

Formal wear, Suit, Event, Dress, Tuxedo, Gesture, Ceremony, Wedding, Conversation, White-collar worker,

Instagram: @hrhduchessofcambridgeofficial

The massive Throne Room was transformed into a dance floor.

“There was a huge bar 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 one guest of the scene.