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)

By Ruby Buddemeyer 2017-12-09T11:34:25Z

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 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 were invited to the service.

3/30

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.

4/30

Kate’s bouquet contained a nod to her husband.

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

5/30

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

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

6/30

The venue was decked out with six field maple trees.

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

7/30

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

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

8/30

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

The dress was designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.

9/30

The bride did her own makeup.

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

10/30

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.”

11/30

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.

12/30

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

It was designed in 1936 by Cartier.

13/30

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

Her nod to tradition almost went unnoticed.

14/30

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.

15/30

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

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

16/30

Kate received an 18-karat gold band…

It's made of Welsh gold.

17/30

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

The Royals chalked up the decision to personal preference.

18/30

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

Casual.

19/30

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.

20/30

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.

21/30

The couple had two wedding cakes.

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

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

23/30

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

Prince Charles hosted the affair at Buckingham Palace.

24/30

Kate changed into an equally as pretty second dress…

Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen also designed the ensemble.

25/30

…and William was relieved of his uniform.

The Prince donned black-tie.

26/30

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.

27/30

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

William and Kate danced to “Starry-Eyed.”

28/30

Dancing lasted until 3 a.m…

Goals.

29/30

…and then there were (literal) fireworks.

Oh, to be royal.

30/30

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.

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.