With the royal wedding just a couple weeks away, chances are all the guests who have been invited have already received their invitation and made their royal plans for the May 19 affair. And while we’re still wondering which designer Meghan Markle will wear to wed Prince Harry, the dress code for guests has already been determined.
“Dress: uniform, morning coat or lounge suit / day dress with hat,” is what the royal wedding invitation actually calls for. And if this royal wedding is anything like the 2011 wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, there have been additional rules released as well, such as the ones found in the 22-page formal etiquette guide that Queen Elizabeth distributed 7 years ago. According to Town and Country, here’s what the experts predict the royal wedding dress code will entail this time around:
Stay Covered
Hemlines should be conservative, close-toed shoes worn, and shoulders should not be exposed.
No White Wedding
Guests should not wear white, which is pretty much the same rule that applies to non-royal dress code.
Think Daytime
Female guests should opt for a dress/jacket or skirt or trouser/jacket combo. Men should opt for navy/grey suits (a morning suit, if required, would involve a “morning coat, waist coat, tie and striped trousers,” according to Myka Meier. The royal wedding invitation also suggests “lounge suits” for men.)
Wear Tights
No bare legs, please.
Kitten Heels Are Preferred
Say no to stilettos (a rule Victoria Beckham seemed to have forgotten for William and Kate’s wedding)
Don’t Forget Your Hat
Hats are definitely encouraged for female guests (especially fascinators!), though definitely not too big as guests will be seated inside St. George’s Chapel. After Easter straw hats are OK, fabric for any events before.