Fashion
11 Weirdest Royal Wedding Dress Code Rules Of All Time
It's no secret that British royalty have to follow some pretty strict fashion etiquette rules. We're talking women-must-wear-a-coat-in-public-at-all-times and little-boys-can-only-wear-shorts kind of strict. When it comes to the royal wedding dress code, however, the rules get even more intense. After all, this is a grandiose ceremony we're talking about here, and there's no room for anything to be short of perfection.
With Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding fast approaching, everyone is abuzz with chatter about the big day. Every detail of the ceremony's fashion, from Meghan Markle's wedding dress to whether or not she will wear a tiara is a huge topic of discussion. But it's not just the bride-to-be that has to put considerable effort into looking picture-perfect. The couple's guests will also have some thinking to do, as they must abide by specific guidelines when choosing their attire.
If you thought a royal not being able to carry a tote was going too far, then some of the strangest royal wedding dress code rules of all time will really knock your socks off. Prepare to be mind blown.
1Wedges Are Out Of The Question
The Queen is not a fan of wedges — no surprises there. A Vanity Fair source once revealed that Queen Elizabeth II wasn't fond of some of Kate Middleton's footwear and as long as she's in the vicinity, there will not be a wedge in sight at a royal wedding.
A stylish but comfy spring/summer shoe, you'd likely spot tons of wedges at stateside ceremonies. But the Queen's disdain for the heel makes for a quirky rule that royal wedding guests are always wise to follow.
2Tights Are A Must
A surefire way to find yourself on the Queen's sh-t list is to not wear tights. So, it's safe to say that the women in attendance always have on pantyhose, even if they're in a sheer, barely there nude. It's definitely not the strangest rule of all, considering a royal wedding is such a classy affair, but it's still pretty strict.
3Don't Forget Your Hat
If you weren't hip to royal fashion, elaborate hats are a thing, especially when it comes to weddings. And there likely will be no shortage of embellished, structural and over-the-top hats at the upcoming ceremony.
In fact, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding invitations stated day dresses with hats were required. So, expect to see some pretty strong hat game at their royal wedding. The bigger the fascinator, the better, as festive headwear is an expression of joy directed toward the marrying couple.
4Neutral Manis Only
If guests ever thought about jazzing their fingers up with the season's brightest, boldest "it" shades, they can forget about it. Neutral manis are the only way to go for a wedding ceremony, as natural-looking nails are required for official royal events.
5Black Is Forbidden
There is never talks of breaking out a snazzy LBD for such a big day. Often a hue associated with mourning, black is highly discouraged for royal wedding attire. Instead, guests should opt for bright hues. After all, this is a celebration of love.
6Shoulders Should Be Covered
Bearing arms? It simply isn't done when it comes to a royal wedding. At such a conservative event, guests are expected to wear dresses that leave their shoulders covered. On that note, there shouldn't be any cutouts or other skin-showing details on garments, either.
7Knee-Length Dresses Are Required
Speaking of appropriate dresses, the length of the garment is equally important. Dresses should always be tea length, hit below the knee, or if not, just ever so slightly above.
8Shoes Must Be Closed-Toe
It's hard to imagine enjoying warm weather without breaking out a sandal. As strange as it may sound, that's exactly the kind of the thing that's not allowed during royal wedding day festivities.
No footwear other than a closed-toe shoes is acceptable. So, it turns out wedges aren't the only forbidden heel.
9Keep Handbags Small
When it comes to accessories, small handbags are the way to go. That a large tote or purse like the Strathberry handbag Markle wore that broke royal protocol is an absolute no-no.
10Uniforms For Men Are Highly Encouraged
As per Markle's wedding invitations, morning coats and lounge suits (which are still formal, contrary to their name) are required attire for male guests.
However, if appropriate, men are encouraged to wear Military uniforms. Hence Prince William wearing a uniform to his wedding and Prince Harry likely following in his brother's footsteps by doing the same.
11Men Must Wear Black Shoes
As if navy or tan shoes don't come in formal dress shoe options, male guests are required to wear black footwear — and those puppies better be polished. It's odd that men are given such a strict shoe rule, but there's no denying that you can never go wrong with basic black.
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Despite the strange requirements that have been passed on for hundreds of years, upcoming royal wedding fashion is going to be a must-see. All of the fancy hats alone is going to make this one interesting fashion affair.
