What are the things you absolutely shouldn’t do when being a guest or a fan at a royal wedding. I am sure there are some things you all can think of. Even royals and nobles sometimes do the wrong thing.
- Don’t wear huge hats, even when they look lovely on you. The people sitting behind you will not be amused that they can’t see a thing.
- Don’t go for very short skirts or very low-necked dresses or shirts. Your clothes shouldn’t fully be in a shade of white either.
- Don’t wear dark tights, but don’t go for bare legs either.
- Before 6pm you can wear a hat or a fascinator and surely at a royal or noble wedding it is more or less a must. Hats are quite expensive most of the time, but fascinators can be very cheap if you’re lucky. Some years ago I bought one for four euros only, in a shop that sells items from bankrupt shops. And surprisingly it even looked quite good, at least to me.
- It might be a good thing checking what the church, and especially the path to the church, looks like. Especially in case you’d love to wear high heels.
- If the media doesn’t know you and doesn’t ask you to pose, don’t start posing as if you are someone important.
- Don’t forget to switch off your mobile phone. You wouldn’t be the first one to feel ashamed, because your phone goes off in the middle of a service.
- And for all: don’t come too late. So leave your home or hotel in time and check for car queues.
Tips also for royalty-watchers who are just coming to have a look.
- If you’re there the day before or early on the wedding day, have a look at the location to find yourself the best spots. Before big weddings newspapers will usually publish plans, so you can see where the barriers are.
- Dress warm enough and don’t forget to take food with you. It might be wise not to drink too much, as you won’t be able to leave your place soon.
- Be early, so you are in the first rows and don’t miss a lot. Don’t expect to be allowed to stand first row when you arrive pretty late.
- Don’t ever stand behind a press area or stand, even when the press is not there yet. As soon as they get in you are not able to see anything.
- Don’t wave flags or arms, or hold your cameras in the air. Other people want to see something too, and take photographs.
- You can use steps, but please not in the first row(s).
- Don’t expect people who sit down while waiting to stay on their chairs. They will stand up as soon as the event begins.
- Bad, I know, but don’t let children stand in front of you. They move all the time, take space, are noisy and often climb on the fences in front of you.
- Listen to the security people, but don’t let them push you away totally.
- Don’t try to sneak in without permission.
- And certainly don’t steal the flower decoration when you don’t have permission.
By the way, if you attend as media – either journalist, photographer or cameraperson – do dress properly. Leather and jeans are not recommended.
I am sure I missed a few, so if you know more, let me know. Looking forward to comments.