Royal weddings are an event that captures the attention of millions all around the world. The pomp and circumstance, the glamour and excitement, the ceremony and the reception – all of these are moments that can only be truly experienced during a royal wedding. While many people are swept up in the intensity of the occasion, one important question that always comes up is – what time do these weddings occur? Here, we will discuss this event in detail and explore what time a royal wedding usually takes place.
The Royal Family and their wedding traditions
The Royal Family of the United Kingdom is known for their traditions and customs that are followed strictly over time. This includes the time of their weddings, which has remained constant for centuries. Historically, royal weddings have taken place in the morning, usually starting at around 10 a.m. Traditionally, the reason behind this time was that it allowed for the rest of the day to be reserved for other festivities as well as providing a chance for the bride and groom to leave on their honeymoon in a reasonable time frame.
Changes in the modern era
Despite this, the modern era and its vast technological advances have led to changes in the planning of royal weddings. In 2011, Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding started at 11 am, which was different from the traditional morning start time. The reason for this was reportedly due to issues with the pre-wedding preparations and the available daylight time. In 2018, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding time was also adjusted due to various reasons.
What time is a royal wedding?
A royal wedding timeline can vary depending on the specific plans and circumstances of the couple getting married. However, there is usually a schedule that is stuck to, and despite some minor delays, the timeline rarely deviates from the plans. Based on past royal weddings, the service usually begins around 12 p.m. BST (British Summer Time), which is 6 a.m. CT (Central Time) in the United States. The average duration of the ceremony is about an hour, though this too can depend on the service type and other variables. Once the ceremony is over, it’s customary for the newlyweds to embark on a horse-drawn carriage procession from Windsor Castle through the town center and back for their reception. The time taken to complete this procession can vary based on various circumstances.
The impact of time on the wedding event
While the timing of a royal wedding is an important aspect of the ceremony, it’s only a small part of the grand occasion. Beyond the time of the wedding, what captures the world’s attention is the glamour of the event, the attire of guests, the decor, the music, and the love between the bride and groom. Millions tune in from around the world to witness the event, and while they may not be able to attend the wedding in person, they still get to experience the magic that surrounds the occasion by watching from their homes or at public viewing events.
Conclusion
Royal weddings are a significant event in the world and have always captured the imagination of people. While tradition plays an essential role in the planning of these weddings, it’s not uncommon for some changes to be made due to various aspects of the event. The timing of a royal wedding usually starts at noon BST, which is 6 a.m. CT. However, the spectacle of the occasion is more important than the timing, and people from all over the world tune in to witness the glamour and excitement of the day.
FAQ
Why are royal weddings on weekdays?
Royal weddings are steeped in history and tradition, and most often those traditions apply to the time and day that the wedding takes place. For many of the British royal weddings over the years, the ceremony has taken place on a weekday, rather than a weekend. While this might seem like an odd choice, there are several reasons why royal weddings take place on weekdays.
One of the primary reasons why royal weddings take place on a weekday is that it harks back to English folklore that suggests it’s bad luck to get married on a Saturday. Saturdays were believed to be unlucky because that was the day of the week when most people got married, and it was also the day with the highest mortality rates. People in the past believed that getting married on a Saturday was a surefire way to invite bad luck into your marriage.
Another reason why royal weddings take place during the week is that it is more practical. A royal wedding is a huge event, and the security measures required to ensure that everyone is safe can be quite extensive. By holding the wedding on a weekday, there are fewer people around, which can help to make it easier to manage the wedding guests and the security measures.
The day of the week that the wedding takes place also has an impact on the overall tone of the event. A weekday wedding is generally seen as being more formal and serious than a weekend wedding, which is often more relaxed and casual. Because a royal wedding is such a significant event, a weekday wedding is seen as being more appropriate, as it shows that it is a serious and important occasion.
There are several reasons why royal weddings take place on weekdays. From English folklore to practical considerations, the day of the week that the wedding takes place has a significant impact on the overall tone and feel of the event. Whether it’s for luck or convenience, there is no denying that a royal wedding is always a special and memorable occasion, regardless of the day of the week.
How long does a Royal Wedding ceremony take?
The duration of a Royal Wedding ceremony can vary, depending on factors such as the number of guests, the location of the wedding, and the traditional customs and rituals that are included. However, traditionally, the Royal Wedding ceremony is expected to last for about an hour. This hour-long ceremony usually includes various aspects such as music, prayers, and readings.
For example, during Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding ceremony, the couple took approximately one hour and 15 minutes to exchange their vows before leaving Westminster Abbey, according to ABC News. However, it’s important to note that this duration excluded the time spent before the ceremony, as well as other activities such as the procession and the reception.
In terms of the actual wedding ceremony, the main part usually lasts for around 45 minutes to an hour, with a Royal Family member or a bishop typically conducting the ceremony. During the ceremony, there are readings and prayers, and the couple exchanges vows and rings. The wedding ceremony will also feature traditional hymns, and if the couple chooses to include them, musical performances.
Aside from the actual ceremony, Royal Weddings also include other customary events. For example, the reception usually lasts for several hours, and the guests can enjoy music, food, and drinks. The newlyweds will also typically take part in a carriage ride as part of the wedding procession, allowing the public to see them and celebrate their big day.
While there is no set duration for a Royal Wedding ceremony, the main part usually lasts for around 45 minutes to an hour. The reception and other events can also add several hours to the festivities, as it’s a joyous occasion that many people want to celebrate with the happy couple.
Are all royal weddings televised?
Ever since the 1960 wedding of Princess Margaret and Anthony Armstrong-Jones, royal weddings have been a highly anticipated and televised affair. The royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011 attracted a global audience of over two billion people. From the grandeur of Westminster Abbey to the smaller and more intimate St. George’s Chapel, audiences at home have been able to witness the pomp and pageantry, as well as the personal moments, of these historic events.
While some smaller and more private royal weddings, such as Prince Edward’s 1999 nuptials to Sophie, Countess of Wessex, were not broadcasted live, most have been televised. Even non-working royals have had their weddings televised, such as Princess Anne’s second wedding to Timothy Laurence and Princess Beatrice’s 2020 wedding to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. The public’s fascination with all things royal makes these events a major draw for broadcasters, advertisers, and audiences alike.
Not only do televised royal weddings offer a moment of cultural significance, but they also provide an opportunity to showcase the fashion, jewelry, and customs of the royal family. Millions of people around the world tune in to admire the wedding gowns and suits worn by the bride and groom, as well as those of the guests. The pageantry and symbolism of royal weddings, from the ceremonial procession to the exchanging of the rings, are deeply embedded in national and cultural tradition, making them a highly significant event for people around the world.
While not all royal weddings are televised live, most have been broadcasted in some form or another since 1960. These events offer a unique window into the traditions, rituals, and fashion of the royal family, as well as serving as a moment of cultural significance for audiences around the world.
