Planning a regal wedding

Preparations are now in full swing for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding, with the big day taking place at Windsor Castle in May 2018.

With Royal Warrant Holders spanning in industries across the country, you too can have your own royal-inspired nuptials. Here we round-up the key ingredients you need to plan a regal wedding.    

Bottles of Bubbles

It wouldn’t be much of a wedding without the pop of a cork and an overflow of Champagne. And to emulate the royal couple’s nuptials, you need look no further than your local Waitrose. The first supermarket chain to be awarded a Royal Warrant by the Queen, the branch in Windsor is a regular supplier to the Royal Household, and with shops all around England, extravagance need not be a journey too far.

For an authentic English wine tasting experience, head to Chiltern Valley Wines in Oxfordshire and try before you buy. Holding a Royal Warrant since 2007, the vineyard is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty that’s the perfect spot for wine tours and tastings, £15 per person.   

The Icing on the (wedding) cake

Located just six miles from Her Majesty’s Sandringham Estate, the Norfolk market town of Kings Lynn is home to the crown jewels of the area’s cake shops and bakeries. Smiths the Bakers – run by the same family since before World War II – serves treats for the sweetest of teeth. For a personal touch, put in an order for a classic Victoria sponge and head to Richard Hughes Cookery School at The Lavender House for a class on cake decoration to really impress your wedding guests.

Serve up delicious canapés on beautiful Wedgwood China from England’s capital of porcelain, Stoke-on-Trent.

Royal blooms

Pay attention to ground level décor with exquisite and lavish floral decorations to adorn your wedding tables. Those with a flair for florals can book a flower-arranging class with Chelsea Flower Show medalist, Hampton Court Flower Show Designer and Royal Warrant Holder Rosemary Hughes. If you don’t fancy all of that hard work, head instead for 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 prince or princess from head to toe. It’s your wedding, after all. Ladies should start with lingerie from London’s Rigby and Peller and hosiery from Leicester’s Wolsely, with outerwear from the likes of Burberry or Stuart Parvin. For wedding dresses fit for a duchess, head to Browns Bride in London’s upmarket Marylebone – home to big name designers like Valentino and Vera Wang to make your big day feel unique. 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.

For boys, tailoring is key. Get bespoke suits measured up at Market Harborough’s Frank Hall Tailoring, and match them with a crisp shirt from Grosvenor shirts.

Or consider a tailored tour of Savile Row, where picky princes 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.