There are rules when it comes to weddings, but when it’s the Royal Wedding, it’s important to be crystal clear on the expectations.

If you’re having your own Royal Wedding party this weekend, here are some fun facts from across the pond.

Attire

Guests are expected to dress in royal fashion but what does that mean exactly?

Men’s Royal Wedding Attire

According to the official invitation, a gentleman should wear either his “uniform, Morning Coat or lounge suit.”

Uniform

This one is self-explanatory, a uniform such as the one worn by Prince William at his own wedding. 

Morning Coat

A Morning Coat, which is part of what is known as “Morning Dress,” would be worn to a  formal daytime event such as weddings and other royal functions. A tuxedo (which is the most common name for it in the US)  is reserved for the evening, after 6:00 pm.

The traditional Morning Dress includes:

• A single-breasted formal coat with sloping back tails (Morning Coat)
• Striped trousers
• Waistcoat (also known as a vest)
• White dress shirt
• Tie (light gray)

 Lounge Suit

A lounge suit is comparable to an American’s business suit.  Male guests should select a navy or gray suit (commonly known as “morning gray”). Black, which is too formal for daywear, should be avoided as it is also worn at funerals rather than festive occasions.

Women’s Royal Wedding Attire

According to the official invitation, a woman should wear a “day dress with hat.” A sophisticated, pastel-colored Spring dress would be appropriate, keeping in mind the following non-negotiable rules:

• Knee-length hemlines
• Legs and shoulders covered
• Closed-toe shoes
• Hat (straw after Easter)
• No white or black
• Hosiery
• No evening gowns

Guest Etiquette

What is the proper way for a female guest to sit in her seat?

Back straight, knees together, legs are slanted to the side. Do not cross at the knees.

How should you greet the queen?

Never approach the queen. Always allow her to extend her hand to you first. Good luck in getting her to come say “Hello!”

Do Americans have to bow and curtsy to the royal family?

According to royal.uk, the website of The Royal Household, “there are no obligatory codes of behavior when meeting The Queen or a member of the Royal Family, but many people wish to observe the traditional forms.”

In other words, Americans are not expected to bow or curtsy. However, as a sign of respect, an American may choose to do so.

Who is the last person to arrive at the wedding before the bride?

The queen. Guests are designated specific times of arrival, in somewhat of a particular pecking order. The more important you are, the later you arrive.

What is the proper way to address the queen?

She should be called “Your Majesty” first, then “Ma’am” thereafter. Similarly, for the prince, you would say “Your Royal Highness,” and then “Sir.”)

 What is the appropriate timing for a guest to leave the wedding?

You should NOT leave before the newlyweds.

About The Royals

Can Meghan wear bright colors on her nails?

Meghan’s nail color from here forward will be limited to nudes and neutrals as it is for the rest of the women of the royal family.

What is the traditional wedding cake for Royal Weddings?

Fruitcake. The tradition dates back to the Middle Ages when there was no refrigeration and the liquor (with which fruitcake is traditionally made) preserved the cake. The royal family has kept the tradition going for many years, including at Prince William and Kate’s wedding.

What cake flavor did Prince Harry and Meghan Markle choose?

Lemon Elderflower Cake. The royal couple chose American pastry chef Claire Ptak, owner of Violet Cakes in London, to make their contemporary cake.

Who will be Prince Harry’s best man?

Prince William, The Duke of Cambridge.

What would be an acceptable gift for the royal couple? 

Prince Harry and Meghan have selected seven charitable organizations supporting various causes.

• Children’s HIV Association
• Crisis: A national charity for the homeless
• Myna Mahila Foundation: A charity empowering women in Mumbai’s urban slums
• Scotty’s Little Children: Supports children who have lost a parent in the British Armed Forces
• StreetGames: Uses sports to empower youth
• Surfers Against Sewage: Campaign to protect oceans, beaches, wildlife
• Wilderness Foundation: Builds resilience in teens through the outdoors

For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, you may enjoy Wedding Etiquette: Rules and Traditions. Read her posts on Inc., and HuffPost, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Diane’s latest book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life is available on Amazon.