Nobody values etiquette as much as the British royal family.
With such public personas, it’s no wonder that they live strictly regimented lives.
But fashion protocol isn’t just for the royal family.
With so many eyes on a royal wedding, guests are expected to bring their finest fashion game.
Guests who obey the following rules are sure to sparkle in the international spotlight.
While it may seem frivolous, this wedding guideline is actually quite practical.
Queen Elizabeth II had some handbag tricks of her own.
Rituals like sword cake-cutting and the arch of swords are beloved military wedding customs, perDress Uniform Hire.
Swords were not the only accessories on the minds of Meghan and Harry as they planned their big day.
They also requested that guests abstain from wearing medals to the ceremony (viaThe Sun).
For the 2011 union of Prince William and Princess Catherine, medals were on full display.
These days, hats are still one of the best-loved traditions of royal weddings.
Over time, hats have become more elaborate, featuring bigger brims, funkier shapes, and interesting decorations.
But even the most extravagant hats are outshined by another headwear trend: fascinators.
Their claim to fame is wearing some of the wildest fascinators the monarchy has ever seen.
Eugenie wore a striking blue headpiece with jumbo flowers and a massive plume of feathers.
Beatrice turned heads in a ring-shaped fascinator that was topped with a gigantic bow (viaPeople).
The infamous headwear inspired its own Facebook page, as well as countless memes.
Funds from the sale were donated to UNICEF and Children in Crisis, perNPR.
For non-military men, a dark suit and tie will do the trick.
Lastly, hats are off limits for the gents.
Brothers Harry and William are pros at following etiquette while looking absolutely dapper at a royal wedding.
On his special day, Prince William rocked a set of spurs, perThe Black Tux.
Then there was prince Harry, who looked debonair in a merino wool coat during his own nuptials.
You might expect menswear to look a bit drab next to thestandout ladies' fashions of royal weddings.
And these institutions have very clear rules: no visible cleavage, shoulders, or back.
Showing an excessive amount of skin is an absolute no-no when it comes to royal weddings.
You won’t see a lot of skin.
At least you shouldn’t.
It would be seen as disrespectful."
Fortunately, there are endless ways to play up the haute couture without breaking the royal dress code.
Then there was Amal Clooney, who stunned in a bold yellow dress that featured a square neckline.
For example, Queen Elizabeth II was known to loathe shoes with wedge heels.
From casual slip-ons to elegant strappy designs, the princess looks great in any style of wedge.
But despite her penchant for wedges, she never wore them in the presence of her mother-in-law.
In 2015, a source allegedly toldVanity Fair, “The queen isn’t a fan of wedged shoes.
She really doesn’t like them and it’s well known among the women in the family.”
Noblewomen go to great lengths to preserve their modesty in public.
Naturally, the kingdom’s emphasis on modesty also extends to royal wedding protocol.
For weddings and other daytime affairs, tea dresses are preferred.
This dress style comes with a full skirt and a hemline that falls right around the knee.
Critically, the hemline of the dress should never rise above the knee.
Princess Eugenie learned this lesson the hard way at the 2018 union of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
If you ask us, the backlash seems trivial, because Eugenie looked radiant in the baby blue ensemble.
These days, it’s unusual to see a royal lady without a pair of glossy nylon tights.
The family’s matriarch, Queen Elizabeth II, had staunch rules about wearing these garments.
As royal expert Kelly Lynch explained toYahoo!
This is one royal guideline that will keep even the most high-profile wedding guests on their toes.
Even the royal family have made a few slip-ups when it comes to this rule.
Whatever the reason, the bride-to-be looked stunning, even without the elemental tights.
From pale, muted monochrome to the boldest hues, anything goes at these stylish affairs.
That said, there are a few colors that you simply won’t see.
Oprah Winfrey almost broke this golden rule at the 2018 wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
And that goes for any shade that looks dark enough to resemble funerary attire.
Close-toed shoes are an important element of royal etiquette.
However, that’s not the only footwear rule.
According toFootwear News, guests should also leave their towering stilettos at home.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to obey the royal dress code while looking positively fierce.
Oprah Winfrey and Serena Williams definitely got that memo at Prince Harry’s 2018 wedding to Meghan Markle.
Both ladies dazzled in outfits that they paired with the perfect subdued heels.
But for those bold enough, bright colors and metallics are also an option.
Amal Clooney amped up her wedding glam with shimmering pumps at the 2018 royal ceremony.
Victoria Beckham also slayed the footwear game in a pair of bright orange heels.
In line with royal tradition, 6pm marks the glamorous peak of royal wedding fashion.
That’s when guests are permitted to ditch their hats and slip into their most elegant evening wear.
While royal wedding ceremonies are for the public, the receptions are much more intimate.
In fact, Harry and Meghan’s reception guests were forbidden from bringing their phones to the event.
Meghan Markle set the tone for the evening in a glamorous custom gown that was designed by Stella McCartney.
Her guests looked phenomenal, too.
Priyanka Chopra, for example, was absolutely golden in a glistening gown with tulle details.
The outfit shocked some onlookers, who felt that the star showed way too much skin.
Then there was actress Sarah Rafferty, who missed the mark in a royal blue dress with billowing sleeves.
Some rule-breakers seemed to be more deliberate.
The supermodel looked ravishing in her suit, which was paired with a top hat and black pumps.
Her pizazz was off the charts, and she proved that suits aren’t just for the guys.
The monarchy seemed to approve of the star’s getup, because she was enthusiastically welcomed into the event.
