The Wedding of the Century
September 7, 2016 10:43 am
It was on the 16th November 2010 that the royal household first announced the engagement of Prince William and Catherine “Kate” Middleton. This announcement was met with celebrations and congratulations throughout Britain, from both the general public and press. These jubilations would continue for months to come in the run-up to the couples April 2011 wedding.
Today, five years on from the wedding, many look back at the day as one which will have changed the monarchy for centuries to come. Others, such as brides who are in the process of planning their own fairy tale wedding, will be looking back on the wedding for inspiration.
In this article we’ll be taking a look back at the incredible day that captivated the world. This includes examining the breath-taking gowns worn by the bride and the wonderful vehicles used by the royal couple and their guests to arrive at Westminster Abbey. All of which, will serve as inspiration to any couple planning their special day.
It All Started with the Abbey
First opened in 1090, Westminster Abbey is a venue of both historic significance and iconic architecture. It is also the venue in which the coronations of English and British monarchs have been held, including that of William the Conqueror and Williams’ Grandmother Elizabeth II.
This history made it the obvious location for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Although, at the time many were left surprised by the fact that William did not choose St Paul’s Cathedral, where his Farther and late mother were married in 1981.
The abbey features gothic architecture with an 85 foot wide nave at its heart. This nave then leads to the iconic Coronation Chair, in which the British monarch sits when they are being crowned. All of which, when combined, creates an atmosphere unlike any other wedding venue.
For those unable to enjoy the luxury of Westminster Abbey, however, a gothic styled church will feature similar architecture. These churches can often be separated from others due to their use of large windows and clustered columns, which make the venue appear smaller yet lighter.
The Cherry on Top
The cheery upon any wedding is the gown and suit worn by the bride and groom. Both of which vary dependent upon the individual taste of the couple.
That adorned by Kate Middleton was designed by Creative Director, Sarah Burton. Burton, who has received much acclaim over the years, was the Creative Director at Alexander McQueen at the time and their styles can be seen throughout the lace dress.
Middleton’s’ dress is reported to have cost a phenomenal £250,000, although this has not been officially confirmed. Should you not be able to spend such an amount, various cheaper alternatives will also provide the mixture of tradition and modernity.
Any bride in search of Kate’s dress should search for one featuring ivory and white satin gazar, as it is these materials that made up the main body of the dress. The train, on the other hand, incorporated lace appliquéd with an ivory and white tone.
The Dream Wedding Cars
On arrival at Westminster Abbey, Prince William and Prince Harry looked stunning when existing their Bentley State Limousine. Similarly, Kate Middleton arrived alongside her farther in the Rolls-Royce Phantom VI.
Guests, on the other hand, arrived in an array of vehicles. These included further Bentley’s and of course a constant flow of British made Land Rover’s, which have been of common use throughout the royal household for many decades.
Some of the Land Rover’s used by guests, although not Her Majesty the Queen on this occasion, include the Discovery and Sport. These two vehicles are designed and manufactured in Britain and therefore align perfectly with such a British occasion.
For those planning their weddings on a budget, Land Rovers can prove considerably cheaper than Bentley’s. They are also considerably more spacious and therefore prove ideal for the brides’ gown.
4×4 Vehicle Hire, who have been providing couples across the country with wonderful wedding cars for years, have a wide range of Land Rover’s available for weddings. You can find out more about our wedding car hire on our website.
Your Fairy Tale Wedding
Whatever your budget and style, you’re certain to create the wedding of your dreams. That wedding may feature gothic venues similar to Prince William’s and Kate Middleton’s, or it may instead take a more modern approach. Either way, the team at 4×4 Vehicle Hire are here to help along the way.