30 Things You Didn't Know About Prince William and Kate Middleton's Wedding
Definitive proof royals know how to throw down.


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

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

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

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.
The dress was designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.

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.
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.
Robinson Pelham designed the gorgeous pair.


...and incredibly subtle, light-blue ribbon was sewn into the gown.
Her nod to tradition almost went unnoticed.


Kate’s engagement ring is the same ring Prince Charles gave to Princess Diana.
The 12-carat, sapphire ring is worth $500,000.



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

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.






…and William was relieved of his uniform.
The Prince donned black-tie.


Guests were treated to a two-hour Ellie Goulding set.
William and Kate danced to “Starry-Eyed.”

Dancing lasted until 3 a.m…


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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.