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    1. Culture

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

    Definitive proof royals know how to throw down.

    Ruby Buddemeyer's avatar
    By Ruby Buddemeyer
    Published 9 December 2017 In Features

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    Event, Ceremony, Red, Tradition, Bride, Wedding, Marriage, Gown, Dress, Wedding dress,
    (Image credit: Getty Images)
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    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.

    Their wedding date—April 29, 2011—was a national holiday.
    (Image credit: 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.

    Like most royal weddings, the ceremony was held at Westminster Abbey.
    (Image credit: Instagram: @willkatecambridge)

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

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

    ​By 8 a.m., the Queen bestowed the couple with their new titles.
    (Image credit: 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.

    Kate’s bouquet contained a nod to her husband.
    (Image credit: Instagram: @willkatecambridge)

    Kate’s bouquet contained a nod to her husband.

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

    The couple’s flower budget was reportedly $800,000.
    (Image credit: Instagram: @willkatecambridge)

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

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

    The venue was decked out with six field maple trees.
    (Image credit: Instagram: @willkatecambridge)

    The venue was decked out with six field maple trees.

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

    Two months after the ceremony, all six trees were replanted.
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

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

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

    Kate’s stunning gown cost more than $400,000.
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

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

    The dress was designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.

    The bride did her own makeup.
    (Image credit: Instagram: @willkatecambridge)

    The bride did her own makeup.

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

    Kate’s ensemble had something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.
    (Image credit: 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.”

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

    Kate’s halo-style tiara was borrowed from the Queen…
    (Image credit: Instagram: @willkatecambridge)

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

    It was designed in 1936 by Cartier.

    ...and incredibly subtle, light-blue ribbon was sewn into the gown.
    (Image credit: Instagram: @willkatecambridge)

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

    Her nod to tradition almost went unnoticed.

    Prince William’s uniform was sweat-proof.
    (Image credit: 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.

    Kate’s engagement ring is the same ring Prince Charles gave to Princess Diana.
    (Image credit: 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.

    Kate received an 18-karat gold band…
    (Image credit: Instagram: @willkatecambridge)

    Kate received an 18-karat gold band…

    It's made of Welsh gold.

    …but the couple decided William wouldn’t wear (or receive) a ring.
    (Image credit: Instagram: @willkatecambridge)

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

    The Royals chalked up the decision to personal preference.

    David and Victoria Beckham and Elton John were among the attendees.
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

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

    Casual.

    Following the ceremony, the Queen hosted a lunchtime reception at Buckingham Palace.
    (Image credit: 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.

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

    The couple had two wedding cakes.
    (Image credit: Instagram: @ivanateahouse)

    The couple had two wedding cakes.

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

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

    Post lunch, 300 guests were invited to the evening reception.
    (Image credit: Instagram: @willkatecambridge)

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

    Prince Charles hosted the affair at Buckingham Palace.

    Kate changed into an equally as pretty second dress…
    (Image credit: Instagram: @willkatecambridge)

    Kate changed into an equally as pretty second dress…

    Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen also designed the ensemble.

    …and William was relieved of his uniform.
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    …and William was relieved of his uniform.

    The Prince donned black-tie.

    The massive Throne Room was transformed into a dance floor.
    (Image credit: 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.

    Guests were treated to a two-hour Ellie Goulding set.
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

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

    William and Kate danced to “Starry-Eyed.”

    Dancing lasted until 3 a.m…
    (Image credit: Instagram: @willkatecambridge)

    Dancing lasted until 3 a.m…

    Goals.

    …and then there were (literal) fireworks.
    (Image credit: Instagram: @willkatecambridge)

    …and then there were (literal) fireworks.

    Oh, to be royal.

    The entire shebang is said to have cost $34 million.
    (Image credit: Instagram: @willkatecambridge)

    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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    Weddings Prince William
    Marie Claire Newsletter

    The ultimate daily digest for women of power, purpose, and style.

    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
    Ruby Buddemeyer
    Ruby Buddemeyer
    Social Links Navigation

    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.

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