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Their wedding date—April 29, 2011—was a national holiday.
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Like most royal weddings, the ceremony was held at Westminster Abbey.
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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.
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Kate’s bouquet contained a nod to her husband.
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The couple’s flower budget was reportedly $800,000.
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The venue was decked out with six field maple trees.
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Two months after the ceremony, all six trees were replanted.
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Kate’s stunning gown cost more than $400,000.
The dress was designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.
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The bride did her own makeup.
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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.”
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As for something new, Kate’s parents gifted her a pair of leaf-shaped diamond earrings for the big day.
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Kate’s halo-style tiara was borrowed from the Queen…
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...and incredibly subtle, light-blue ribbon was sewn into the gown.
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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.
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Kate’s engagement ring is the same ring Prince Charles gave to Princess Diana.
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Kate received an 18-karat gold band…
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…but the couple decided William wouldn’t wear (or receive) a ring.
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David and Victoria Beckham and Elton John were among the attendees.
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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.
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The Queen was responsible for the menu, which included a massive assortment of finger foods.
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The couple had two wedding cakes.
Fruitcake is a royal tradition, but William also requested a chocolate biscuit cake.
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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.
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Post lunch, 300 guests were invited to the evening reception.
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Kate changed into an equally as pretty second dress…
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…and William was relieved of his uniform.
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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.
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Guests were treated to a two-hour Ellie Goulding set.
William and Kate danced to “Starry-Eyed.”
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Dancing lasted until 3 a.m…
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…and then there were (literal) fireworks.
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The entire shebang is said to have cost $34 million.
We'll be waiting with bated breath to see where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle fall on the spectrum.
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