Category Archives: Kate Middleton

Three days until the Royal Wedding, and the secrets keep unraveling!

The Flowers

Westminster Abbey will be blanketed in seasonal British flowers and foliage for the royal wedding this Friday. Trees, six English Field Maples and two Hornbeams, will line both sides of the aisle which leads to the altar, while Azaleas, lilacs and wisteria will be spread throughout the abbey.

English Maple tree inside Westminster Abbey (Sang Tan WPA-Pool/Getty Images)

English Maple trees (Sang Tan WPA-Pool/Getty Images)

According to Shane Connolly, the Royal Wedding Florist, the symbolism of all the flowers means a great deal to Catherine Middleton. He also described Middleton as being very involved in the floral designs as a “dream client.”

So what do these flowers symbolize?

• Azaleas – Femininity and Passion
• Lilacs – First Love
• Wisteria – Endurance and Longevity

Royal Wedding Florists, Emma Sampson & Sean Connolly (Paul Rogers-WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Much of the greenery will come straight from the royal estate; it was reported that Prince William spoke to the Queen, who was delighted to supply the plants. The majority of the flowers will come from Windsor Great Park.

Assisting Connolly with the flower décor is Emma Sampson, the Middleton family’s florist.

After the wedding, the flowers will remain in Westminster Abbey for the public to view until May 6. At that time, Prince William and Kate have asked that the flowers be removed and donated to charity or replanted.

The Bridal Bouquet

Although the flowers planned for the decorations have been revealed, it still remains a secret as to what flowers the bride has chosen for her bouquet.

“One of the things that has been very important to Catherine is the meanings of flowers and the language of flowers,” said Connolly. “We’ve tried, especially in the wedding bouquets, to make beautiful stories.”

Perhaps, she will stay with traditional white flowers …what are your predictions?

From the dress to the guest list, we’ve got it all!

Wedding Gown – Who designed the dress?

Prince William & Kate (Engagement Portrait by Mario Testino)

Details regarding Kate Middleton’s wedding gown have been kept a secret, as she has vowed not to reveal any details until she is seen at the ceremony. However, London’s Daily Mail reported some details of the design early Monday morning.

The fashion savvy Kate Middleton will wear a dress which she designed herself!

The design is rumored to be reminiscent of the Renaissance period, taking inspiration from Middleton’s History of Art degree.

It has been reported that the bride has designed an ivory gown with satin and lace detail, a pearl button back and 10-foot train. The dress will also include what is described as a “nod” to the Emanuel wedding gown worn by Princess Diana.

34-year-old designer Sophie Cranston, of the low-key label Libelula, was tipped as the creator of Middleton’s dream design.

Guest List – What celebrities will be there?

The royal family has just released the invite list with some expected, and some rather surprising, names. President Obama and First Lady Michelle did not make the cut of 1,900 lucky guests. Of the 1,900 guests, only 600 have been invited to the lunchtime reception at Buckingham Palace given by Queen Elizabeth. Furthermore, only 300 have been invited to the dinner at Buckingham Palace given by Prince Charles.

The list totals 1,000 friends and family members, 52 members of the royal family, 46 members of foreign royal families and 80 guests from Prince William’s charities.

Guests include:

• Sir Elton John: A favorite of the royal family and memorable performer of “Candle in the Wind” at the funeral of Princess Diana.
• David and Victoria Beckham: As president of the U.K.’s Football Association, Prince William has become close friends with the Beckhams. Additionally, Victoria Beckham, the former Posh Spice, is one of Kate Middleton’s favorite designers.
• Rowan “Mr. Bean” Atkinson: The actor is a close friend of Prince Charles. Perhaps if things start dragging at the ceremony, Mr. Bean can lighten the mood.
• Guy Ritchie: The film maker and former spouse of Madonna is a friend of Prince William and Kate.
• Joss Stone: This soul-singer is a longtime friend of William and Harry, and even performed at the 2007 Concert for Diana and 2008 City Salute.

It is also rumored that Kanye West has received an invitation.

The royal wedding will take place April 29 at Westminster Abbey.

Check back for more royal wedding updates! And if you live for fashion and politics, check out my articles on First Lady Style at FashionablyCorrect.com.