While it has been reported that Princess Bea broke this tradition with her art deco and Victorian-style ring, it’s custom for the British royals to mark their marriage with bands made with Welsh gold. The precious metal comes from a nugget from Clogau St David’s gold mine and was a tradition started by the queen mother, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, for her ceremony in 1923.

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Guests will typically enjoy a fruitcake at the reception

Since fruitcakes are doused in rum or brandy, the alcohol keeps it from spoiling quickly. This unique trait allowed the royal-assigned baker to work on elaborate designs for longer periods. Later on, the longevity of the fruitcake made it possible for the royal couple to auction off the pieces of the cake to raise money for their respective charitable organisations. Princess Diana’s now 39-year-old wedding cake was available in 2018 and still completely edible.

The bride’s bouquet contains a sprig of myrtle

Princess Bea did not miss out on this royal observance. In 1858, Princess Victoria (Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter) wed with myrtle in her bouquet and it has since become a non-negotiable for the royal bride. The flowering plant is picked from Queen Victoria’s 170-year-old garden and is said to symbolise love and marriage.

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The bride must wear white

This may seem like a common practice for most weddings but it was royal ancestor Queen Victoria who made a trend of it. Queen Victoria wished to showcase the finest of British silk and lace from Honiton at the time and women who desired to emulate her majesty followed suit. It soon became popular for brides to wear white, and also as to stand out among their guests.

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Orange blossom details are hidden somewhere in her dress

Instead of a tiara, Queen Victoria wore a fresh wreath of blossoms at her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840. The fragrant flower became a constant symbol of the couple’s love and Prince Albert would present his bride with orange blossom-themed jewellery to mark their milestones together. The orange blossom became a staple detail incorporated into her descendants’ wedding gowns for generations to come.

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