Download our wedding packages! CLICK HERE

6 Royal Wedding Inspired Ideas to Steal For Your Big Day

Royal Wedding Ideas to Steal for Your Big Day | Lightner Museum | St. Augustine Florida

Last month, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry gave the world another incredible royal wedding to dream about. I think we can all agree, they did not disappoint! From A-list guests like Elton John and Serena Williams, to Meghan’s not one, but two gorgeous gowns, the most recent of the royal weddings is sure to be talked about for years to come.

Every bride and groom should feel like a princess and prince on their wedding day. We’re looking back at a few of our favorite steal-worthy moments from the Harry and Meghan’s big day to help you claim your royal status!

 

Plan a Glamorous Engagement Shoot

 

Even before their wedding day, Harry and Meghan were turning heads. The couple got all dolled up for some sweet candid photos in front of the stunning Frogmore House in Windsor for their official engagement portraits.

Want to recreate this look for your engagement pictures? Seek out an elegant backdrop and pull out your favorite gown. You and your love can be casual any day. Why pass up an excuse to dress up?!

 

Harry and Meghan Engagement Photos | Lightner Museum | Royal Wedding Ideas to Steal for Your Big Day
Photo by Alexi Lubomirski

 

Harry and Meghan Engagement Photos | Lightner Museum | Royal Wedding Ideas to Steal for Your Big Day
Photo by Alexi Lubomirski

 

Morgan and Tyler planned their own stylish engagement session in front of the Lightner Museum during Nights of Lights in St. Augustine.

 

Plan a Glamorous Engagement Shoot | Lightner Museum | Royal Wedding Ideas to Steal for Your Big Day
Photo by Corner House Photography

 

Switch Up Your Bridal Look

 

Who doesn’t love a good wardrobe swap? Meghan Markle’s first wedding gown, designed by Claire Waight Keller for Parisian label Givenchy, was the picture of classic elegance – perfectly suited for the traditional wedding ceremony inside St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. Jaws dropped around the world when Meghan stepped out for her private evening wedding reception in a sexier, less formal halter-neck gown designed by Stella McCartney.

 

If you want to show off your personal style and feel your best, lose the traditional wedding gown once your wedding ceremony has ended and bring out your saucy side. Trading in a long train for something a little lighter opens up a whole new world of dance moves for you to boogie the night away! 

 

Royal Wedding Ceremony Dress| Meghan Markle | Lightner Museum | Royal Wedding Ideas to Steal for Your Big Day
Photo: ReX Shutterstock

 

Royal Wedding Reception Dress | Meghan Markle | Lightner Museum | Royal Wedding Ideas to Steal for Your Big Day
Photo: STEVE PARSONS/AFP/Getty Images

 

When Sasha walked down the aisle for her Lightner Museum wedding ceremony she wore what looked like a stunning tulle ballgown. When it came time for the reception, Sasha revealed the big surprise; the tulle skirt of her gown was removable! The fitted gown underneath was perfect for dancing the night away during the couple’s wedding reception in the Historic Pool.

 

Wedding Ceremony at the Lightner Museum
Photo by Chris Glen Photography

 

Sasha's Wedding Reception Dress | Lightner Museum | Royal Wedding Ideas to Steal for Your Big Day
Photo by Chris Glen Photography

 

Incorporate Romantic and Natural Flowers

 

Philippa Craddock infused romance and elegance into the floral displays at St. George’s Chapel for the royal wedding. She chose white garden roses, peonies, and foxgloves, as well as branches of beech, birch, and hornbeam for the chapel’s floral displays. The overall effect of the neutral-hued floral installations made the front landing of the chapel look like the entrance to a fairytale castle.

To perfectly capture this royal wedding style, pick a venue that speaks for itself. Choose unique floral statement pieces that work with the best features of the venue, rather than trying to compete against it.

 

Royal Wedding Flowers | Lightner Museum | Royal Wedding Ideas to Steal for Your Big Day
Photo: Andrew Matthews/Pool via REUTERS

 

Nights of Lights wedding in St. Augustine at the Lightner Museum
Photo by Amalie Orrange Photography

 

We think Meghan and Harry would approve of Nellie and Joe’s white floral arrangements and clean greenery backdrops for their Lightner Museum wedding reception.

 

Greenery Backdrop | Lightner Museum | Royal Wedding Ideas to Steal for Your Big Day
Photo by Brooke Images

 

Neutral Flowers | Lightner Museum | Royal Wedding Ideas to Steal for Your Big Day
Photo by Brooke Images

 

Put a Classic Twist on a Modern Song for Your Wedding Ceremony

 

One of the most memorable moments of the royal wedding was the gorgeous rendition of the popular song “Stand By Me,” performed by Karen Gibson and The Kingdom Choir.

 

While you may not want to blast Mariah Carey as you walk down the aisle, that doesn’t mean a modern tune is out of the question. Chat with your ceremony musician about doing a more traditional take on one of you and your honey’s special songs!

 

Royal Wedding Choir sings Stand By Me | Lightner Museum | Royal Wedding Ideas to Steal for Your Big Day
Photo: ABC News

 

Choose an Alternative to the Traditional Tiered Cake

 

While many elements of the royal wedding were classic and traditional, Harry and Meghan’s wedding cake made a bit of a departure from tradition. For the afternoon wedding reception, Violet Cakes of London created three separate cakes of varying sizes decorated with fresh flowers. Don’t be afraid to step outside of the traditional cake mold for your own wedding. You don’t even have to serve cake! Choose the desserts that you and your fiance love the most, such as doughnuts, cookies, pies, or candy.

 

Royal Wedding Cake | Lightner Museum | Royal Wedding Ideas to Steal for Your Big Day
Photo: Getty Images
Harry Meghan Wedding Cake | Lightner Museum | Royal Wedding Ideas to Steal for Your Big Day
Photo: Getty Images

 

Along with a stunning cake decorated with fresh flowers, Eden and Jason served a diverse selection of delectable desserts, including cake cups and cookies, at their Lightner Museum wedding.

 

Dessert Display | Lightner Museum | Royal Wedding Ideas to Steal for Your Big Day
Photo by Monarch Studios

 

Make Your Getaway In Style

 

Every royal event comes with a detailed exit strategy, and you can bet Harry and Meghan’s wedding was no exception! In St. Augustine, there is no shortage of horse-drawn carriages or classic cars, so take your pick. If you really want to up your royal wedding status, you can do what Prince Harry and Meghan Markle did, and choose both!

 

Royal Wedding Carriage | Lightner Museum | Royal Wedding Ideas to Steal for Your Big Day
Photo by Benoit Tessier

 

Royal Wedding Car | Lightner Museum | Royal Wedding Ideas to Steal for Your Big Day
Photo: Getty Images

 

Royal Wedding Carriage | Lightner Museum | Royal Wedding Ideas to Steal for Your Big Day
Photo by Monarch Studio

 

Vintage Car | Lightner Museum | Royal Wedding Ideas to Steal for Your Big Day
Photo by Brooke Images

 

 

As you can see, it doesn’t take much to capture the essence of Harry and Meghan’s big day. The most important thing is that you’ve found the person who makes you feel like a princess (or prince)! Now all you have to do is plan a wedding that celebrates that love. If you are looking for the royal treatment, look no further than St. Augustine for your wedding day!

 

 

Contact the Lightner Museum to plan your dream wedding

Contact Us / Book A Tour

  • *Please note: The Treasury Venue Collection does not handle wedding ceremonies or photography permits in the Lightner Museum courtyard.
  • Select all that apply.
Great!

We can't wait to hear more about your event!


Step 1 of 4 - Basic Info


Great!

Please provide a few details before downloading our packages.


  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.