Starting from May 19th, 2018, Prince Harry, a member of the British royal family and Meghan Markle, an American and former actress, have officially become husband and wife. The wedding was held in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle and being attended by family and friends. Unlike the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who wed on a Friday, while the Queen was on a Thursday, the couple, be titled as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, chosen Saturday as their big day which against the tradition.
Wedding traditions have the important role in royal family big day celebration. It is to honour the past memories of beloved family members. Following the tradition also means giving a contribution to the sense of continued maintenance and decorum towards the monarchy image.
When it comes to British royal family members, there are several wedding traditions you should know:
• The dress
The wearing of the white dress for the wedding was pioneered by Queen Victoria. She married Prince Albert in 1840. She has chosen this colour to look standout among of the crowd, while before her times, the royal brides picked coloured wedding gown, red was the most popular one.
• The ring
Queen Elizabeth’s mother started the tradition of wearing the wedding band made from Welsh gold, mined at Clogau St David’s, Bontddu in late 1920.
• The bouquet
Royal brides have chosen the bouquet from a sprig of Myrtle. This tradition was pioneered by Victoria, the eldest daughter of Queen Victoria and Albert. The flower symbolizes love, fertility and innocence. It has been able to be found at Osbourne House, Queen Victoria’s holiday home on the Isle of Wight for 170 years.
• Unknown warrior tomb
You can’t expect for bouquet throwing in British royal wedding. Instead of doing so, the bride will lay the flower on the tomb of unknown warrior. The tradition was started by Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (Queen Elizabeth from over 100 years ago as the memorials of her brother, Fergus, who died in 1915 at the Battle of Loos as well as other million killed and injured warriors in World War I.
• Orange Blossom
Instead of wearing a tiara, Queen Victoria chose a wreath of orange blossom as the emblem of chastity. She also received various gifts made Prince Albert made from the same flower to mark significant moments in their lives. Orange blossom then became an essential part of wedding dress design worn by Victorian brides.
It is even a great time to visit the UK since you can get to know more about the monarchy including their wedding traditions
