Following that exciting engagement of the year, preparations are now in full swing for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding at Windsor Castle to be held in May 2018.
You too could have your own royal-inspired big day with these luxurious products and gifts from Royal Warrant Holders. British Royal Warrants are bestowed upon businesses who supply goods to the royals, so you know it’s had a regal seal of approval….
Bottles of bubbly
It wouldn’t be much of a wedding without the pop of a cork and an overflow of fizz. And to emulate Harry and Meghan, look no further than upmarket grocery chain Waitrose. Awarded a Royal Warrant by the Queen, the branch in Windsor is a regular supplier to the Royal Household. And it has to be English sparkling wine – with vineyards in England winning international awards right left and centre.
You can try before you buy with an authentic English wine-tasting experience at Chiltern Valley Winery in Oxfordshire. The Royal Warrant-holding vineyard is located in a protected area of outstanding natural beauty – perfect for wine tours and tastings.
The icing on the (wedding) cake
Located just 6 miles (10km) from Her Majesty’s Sandringham Estate, the Norfolk market town of Kings Lynn is home to the crown jewel of bakeries: Smiths the Bakers – run by the same family for more than 80 years. Don’t miss a slice of that British sponge-and-strawberry jam classic – Victoria cake.
And to serve? Only beautiful Wedgwood China from England’s capital of porcelain, Stoke-on-Trent, is good enough for a prince and a duchess.
Royal blooms
Got a flair for florals? Book a flower-arranging class with Chelsea Flower Show medallist, Hampton Court Flower Show designer and Royal Warrant Holder Rosemary Hughes. Or go and admire (and splash out on) the beautiful displays of Royal Warrant-holding florist Edward Goodyear whose shop is located at 6 Cardinal Place in London’s Victoria.
Suited and booted
Prepare to put on a show and dress like a royal from head to toe. Duchesses-to-be should start with hosiery from Leicester’s Wolsey, with outerwear from the likes of Burberry or Stuart Parvin. For dream wedding dresses, head to Browns Bride in London’s upmarket Marylebone – home to big-name designers like Valentino and Vera Wang. If you’re looking for ethereal touches of glamour, blushing brides-to-be should head to Alice Temperley Bridal, which offers dresses that are both dreamy and decadent. Pair with your favourite pair of Anello & Davide shoes and some crown jewels of your own from Benny.
For princely princes, consider a tailored tour of Savile Row, where you can choose between myriad Royal Warrant Holders including Gieves & Hawkes, Benson & Clegg and Henry Poole. Take in the whole lot on a fashion insiders’ tour with Urban Gentry. A three-hour private tour for you and up to four of your entourage costs £165 and is completely customised according to your taste (or shopping list).
Before your wedding guests arrive, splash on some panache with one of Penhaligon’s fragrances. The perfumer offers a perfume profiling service - sit down with a cappuccino and choose your favourite tones and scents before the expert staff match you to a perfect perfume. Free of charge and there’s no need to book, Penhaligon’s offers this as a walk in service.
