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Royal Wedding: Open Thread

By Jeralyn, Section Media
Posted on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 07:51:00 AM EST
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Update: Raves everywhere for the dress, designed by Sarah Burton.

It looks like Kate Middleton's wedding dress designer may be Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen. In a few hours, the world will know for sure. Here are some photos showing her sense of style. She looks great in everything.

Queen Elizabeth announced this morning the couple will become the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

For those staying up tonight (or rising early Friday) to watch it live, here's an open thread. If you think a particular network is doing a good job, please let us know.

If you aren't interested in the wedding, we get it, but there's no need to tell us in this thread. There are plenty of other threads to comment on. Let's keep this one for people who are enjoying the event.

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    Royal Wedding: Open Thread | 61 comments (61 topical)

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    I think (5.00 / 1) (#2)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 06:52:31 AM EST
    people are interested in the wedding here in America simply because we're suckers for weddings. I mean the tabloids hire helicopters to try to photograph celebrity weddings and when Bush's daughter got married that was all a big deal too.

    I love the indoor trees (5.00 / 1) (#11)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 09:50:57 AM EST
    I saw something on the news about them last night but we were watching the news mostly for Alabama news.  Seeing the trees inside today though, I think they are lovely.  Next time I get married, I will have indoor trees :)

    Yes,, and also the greenery and flowers (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by ruffian on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 11:00:26 AM EST
    on top of that wall behind the alter. My cube-mate said Kate wanted a little bit of an enchanted garden effect. I think she got it.

    Parent
    yes, she wanted a forest (none / 0) (#21)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 11:12:09 AM EST
    and yesterday they showed the trees being brought in. They cost around $80,000. according to the network that showed them.

    Parent
    Except for security (5.00 / 2) (#23)
    by jbindc on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 11:20:41 AM EST
    The Royal Family and the Middletons are footing the bill for all the other stuff.

    Parent
    Loved the Bishop of London's sermon (5.00 / 2) (#16)
    by jbindc on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 10:35:36 AM EST
    Full Text

    I found it very thoughtful, not preachy, and a great way to mark the start of a marriage.

    My two favorite paragraphs:

    In marriage we are seeking to bring one another into fuller life. It is of course very hard to wean ourselves away from self-centredness. And people can dream of doing such a thing but the hope should be fulfilled it is necessary a solemn decision that, whatever the difficulties, we are committed to the way of generous love.

    AND

    Marriage should transform, as husband and wife make one another their work of art. It is possible to transform as long as we do not harbour ambitions to reform our partner. There must be no coercion if the Spirit is to flow; each must give the other space and freedom.

    Especially the second paragraph - very thought-provoking.

    I liked it too (none / 0) (#18)
    by ruffian on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 10:59:02 AM EST
    seemed really appropriate for people in their position - appropriate for everyone, but I'm sure it is easier to get tempted in to self-centeredness in their position.

    Parent
    I liked it too (none / 0) (#33)
    by Madeline on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 12:22:55 PM EST
    At first I was preparing myself for sermon.  I thought it not preachy but, as you stated, 'thought provoking'.

    Parent
    Loved her dress (5.00 / 1) (#20)
    by jbindc on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 11:09:54 AM EST
    Too many brides nowadays want to wear strapless dresses.  Maybe it's my bias, but I don't care for strapless wedding gowns.  A) Most women don't look good in them, nor know how to wear them, so B) most brides end up playing and tugging with them all through the wedding (or spilling out of them in inappropriate places at inappropriate times), which distracts from the dress.

    A little cover looks so much more elegant.

    She really was lovely, wasn't she? (none / 0) (#26)
    by sj on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 11:29:03 AM EST
    Her dress was perfect.  She looked perfect.  I can imagine the brouhaha if she had chosen a strapless gown (which frankly I don't care for either).

    I was surprised though, at how plain the veil was.  The same with Princess Diana's veil -- and whose dress I really didn't care for.  Underdone veil, overdone dress.

    Parent

    For Westminster Abbey (none / 0) (#28)
    by ruffian on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 11:48:41 AM EST
    She had to have her arms covered - no strapless allowed. I think it worked out perfectly. Such a beautiful, classic look.

    Parent
    Ah that's right (none / 0) (#36)
    by sj on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 01:03:57 PM EST
    I did hear something about this morning about shoulders being covered.  Believe that applies to guests as well.

    Parent
    And who was NOT there was interesting (5.00 / 1) (#43)
    by Towanda on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 03:40:30 PM EST
    as the BBC pointed out the past and present PMs who were there.  And the one who was invited but too ill to be there, Thatcher.

    And who did not get an invite?  Tony Blair.  

    Time to watch "The Queen" again, which explains well the reason for that bit of an insult today.

    Huh? (none / 0) (#45)
    by gyrfalcon on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 06:34:08 PM EST
    I saw that movie fairly recently and loved it, but I don't recall where Blair insulted the family.  He irritated Elizabeth by pushing her into the 20th century, but he's the one that coined "the people's princess" for Diana, etc.

    What am I forgetting?

    Parent

    Yes, he irritated the Queen (none / 0) (#50)
    by Towanda on Sat Apr 30, 2011 at 12:00:14 AM EST
    and that never is forgiven.  Surprised you didn't see that in the movie (or in the news at the time -- he is a reminder of her "annus horribilis," too).

    I also recall that the Queen was not amused by his "indiscretions" in his recent memoirs, including his discussion of that "annus horribilis."

    Parent

    I was (none / 0) (#52)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Apr 30, 2011 at 05:03:46 AM EST
    looking at pictures from Di & Charles' wedding and I noticed Nancy Reagan attended. It started me thinking about why the Obama's weren't invited? Not that it's a big deal but it did raise a question.

    Parent
    FWIW, Di and Charles (none / 0) (#59)
    by gyrfalcon on Sat Apr 30, 2011 at 09:39:03 PM EST
    got married in a much, much bigger venue than Kate and William.  I think I heard, could be wrong, that only "crowned" heads of state from other countries were invited.

    Parent
    Well (none / 0) (#63)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun May 01, 2011 at 07:16:13 AM EST
    that makes sense. I mean when I got married I had to cut out a lot of people because of the size of the church.

    Parent
    Blair's wife, refused the traditional courtsey to (none / 0) (#46)
    by rennies on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 08:19:19 PM EST
    the Queen, and as known to have expressed Republican sentiments.

    Parent
    FWIW, I very much doubt (none / 0) (#49)
    by gyrfalcon on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 11:11:53 PM EST
    that Queen Elizabeth is so crashingly petty as that.

    Parent
    Cherie Blair in her recent (none / 0) (#55)
    by brodie on Sat Apr 30, 2011 at 09:15:14 AM EST
    memoirs flatly denies failing to respect the Q on etiquette matters.  

    Interesting too, for this democrat-republican/mostly anti-monarchy type:  bowing and courtesying is optional these days with British royalty.  No more off to the Tower or off with their heads for daring to turn your back on the Queen in her presence.

    I think the wedding snub had more to do with PM Tony's criticism of the royal family for their initial rather cold-seeming reaction to Diana's death, and Blair's daring to tell the royals they were behaving badly.  

    Parent

    That makes much more sense (none / 0) (#60)
    by gyrfalcon on Sat Apr 30, 2011 at 09:39:38 PM EST


    Parent
    I believe (none / 0) (#54)
    by Nemi on Sat Apr 30, 2011 at 06:03:51 AM EST
    it had more to do with ceremonials - that neither Blair nor Brown are Knights of the Garter, having declined the appointments. And the wedding not being a "state occasion".

    Personally I take more umbrage by Sarah "Fergie" being snubbed. For all her faults, she's still ... and always, the mother of Prince Andrew's daughters. And having been best friends with Diana I would assume that she'd played a somewhat significant role in William's childhood. Not inviting her seemed kind of vicious, and I mean ... the less than perfect Andrew himself was still present.

    Parent

    I think her scandal (5.00 / 1) (#56)
    by brodie on Sat Apr 30, 2011 at 09:44:56 AM EST
    involving being caught by hidden camera trying to sell her access to her ex was just too much a sin to quickly forgive as well as being too recent in time.

    I don't know what she's doing these days to make amends, but I suspect she's on some sort of parole with the family, though imo they invited trouble when her ex failed to take care of her financially to the extent he was probably able to.

    Not a royalist myself, but I do miss the irreverence and feistiness of Fergie as well as Diana.  Mrs Cambridge is pretty and probably smart, but not quite in Diana's league as a looker or charmer.  

    Parent

    She's also not (none / 0) (#61)
    by gyrfalcon on Sat Apr 30, 2011 at 09:41:36 PM EST
    patently flat-out nuts, which no doubt makes her less "interesting."  But I would imagine the royal family has had quite enough of "interesting" for a while.

    Parent
    So far (none / 0) (#1)
    by Nemi on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 06:12:17 AM EST
    this has been the least romantic royal wedding I've ever followed. And believe me - not ashamed to mention it - I've watched quite a few. ;)

    The young couple, however nice and simpatico, looks and acts more like ... siblings. Albeit siblings who really like each other though, but my romantic heart yearns for more. Maybe later on in the "show" ...

    But the dress was absolutely gorgeous, the wedding boquet sweet and very "toned down", as were the train, not overpowering the bride. Pippa looked lovely, the brides maids and page boys were adorable, William's uniform didn't seem to fit, Harry's made him look like he didn't have a neck.

    And the coverage of the guests' arrival - or rather lack of same - sucked. Big time.

    Still enjoying it though, lol.

    I have read of (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by BackFromOhio on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 09:27:48 AM EST
    a study that showed marriages that began as friendships and turn into romances last the longest!


    Parent
    Oh, and (none / 0) (#3)
    by Nemi on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 07:05:35 AM EST
    not only are English hymns the best, ever, the English can also actually sing.

    Their taste in "head gear" on the other hand ...?!

    Parent

    Romance (none / 0) (#4)
    by gyrfalcon on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 09:08:42 AM EST
    Well, it's not the giddy, hot-to-trot kind of romance, but a mature and knowing one, and I find their utter ease with each other quite charming and rather inspiring.

    She really is drop-dead gorgeous, and I just love her classic taste in clothes.  The Dress is a major knockout, IMO.

    The princes, OTOH, looked like a couple of shlubs.  They're neither of them handsome, but it would help if their their father would give them some strenuous lessons in posture.

    Parent

    A mature romance is much harder (5.00 / 2) (#10)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 09:48:08 AM EST
    to come by :)  They ALL start out hot to trot :)  Who can actually finish this race though?

    Parent
    I also loved the dress. (5.00 / 1) (#38)
    by Dr Molly on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 01:34:13 PM EST
    The lace was just beautiful.

    Classic and elegant.

    Parent

    The one word that came to mind for (none / 0) (#12)
    by Anne on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 09:51:06 AM EST
    me was "elegant;" her dress was gorgeous, and her sister's was so classic and understated, but did nothing to take away from her sister's gown.

    It's clear they are relaxed and happy with each other - that they really know each other, which is so unlike the Charles and Diana "arrangement."

    I didn't see much - turned on the TV just as they were getting ready to recite their vows - but have since seen more video and pictures.

    As for Will and Harry, I agree that while they were dressed like royals, in some respects it was like they were wearing costumes instead of "being" royal.  And while that may have been a visual distraction, on the other hand I thought it was somewhat of a testament to the real lives these young men have been allowed to live - which is a good thing, I think.

    As much as I marvel at all the pomp and circumstance, what really fascinates me is the planning that has been going on in the background, and the precision with which an event like this one can come off so seamlessly.

    Now, back to real life...

    Parent

    In total agreement here (none / 0) (#31)
    by christinep on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 12:10:32 PM EST
    Elegant dress. Elegant music. Elegant greenery...conveying warmth & airy freshness at once. Simple & elegant together on a genuinely beautiful bride!

    Parent
    missed the actual wedding (none / 0) (#13)
    by CST on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 10:12:57 AM EST
    but looking at pictures and I agree the dress is gorgeous.

    I disagree about Harry and William though.  Their costumes are a bit much, but I doubt they picked them out.  However, in "street" clothes they are very good looking.  Just no more shots of the top of William's bare head please :)

    I love that the bridesmaid wore white, you never see that and she looked great.  I guess for that to work you gotta have a "royal" wedding dress for the bride.

    Parent

    They aren't "costumes" (5.00 / 1) (#15)
    by jbindc on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 10:31:30 AM EST
    Will and Harry wore their military dress uniforms.  Some thought William would wear his blue one (from his RAF service as a helicopter pilot), but he wore one of his highest rank - Colonel of the Irish Guards.

    But those are real military uniforms.

    Parent

    I read this a couple of days ago... (none / 0) (#14)
    by vml68 on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 10:30:01 AM EST
    I love that the bridesmaid wore white

    A bride should wear white, and so should her bridesmaids

    Parent

    They very much did (none / 0) (#25)
    by gyrfalcon on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 11:28:12 AM EST
    pick them out, from what all the reports are saying.

    Mind, I don't dislike the two young men at all, but I just thought they were a sort of jaw-dropping contrast to Kate's supreme elegance.  And I still say their posture is just horrible-- shoulders slumped and stomach pushed out.  Yech.  Charles in his younger days had incredibly elegant posture, straight-backed but graceful, and it made him seem a much more handsome man than he really was.

    And I realize this is very much a minority opinion, but I thought Pippa's dress also struck a sour note.  With the plunging neckline and the big backside in a slinky, form-fitting dress, she looked like a starlet on the make at a movie premier.  Did. Not. Like.

    Parent

    I agree (none / 0) (#48)
    by NYShooter on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 09:58:46 PM EST
    With your assessment of the boys' posture........

    But they absolved themselves when they snapped to attention and gave a crisp, rigid salute towards the "Memorial" as they passed by. And the way the ladies averted their eyes in deference at that moment was also pretty touching

    The reflexive way they acted showed their ingrained military service....and the ladies' behavour was a tribute to a respectful upbringing.  

    Parent

    I agree with your assessment (none / 0) (#27)
    by MO Blue on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 11:32:44 AM EST
    Thought that pictures which brought attention to this were not great choices.

    Just no more shots of the top of William's bare head please :)


    Parent
    I was okay with their uniforms (none / 0) (#39)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 01:51:04 PM EST
    even though they are larger than life.  But I did think to myself that some men insist on tails :)

    Parent
    Only sucked if you watched CNN. (none / 0) (#47)
    by rennies on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 08:20:54 PM EST
    The Beeb coverage was, as to be expected, superb. We got it in LA via a local public station.

    Parent
    I overslept. :( (none / 0) (#5)
    by Joan in VA on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 09:22:06 AM EST
    I turned on the tv just as they headed back down the aisle. BBC America helpfully started a replay of their entire coverage not long after the newlyweds left the balcony so I'm catching up. I could live without the commercials for the cheap copy of Diana's ring they keep running over and over, however.

    It Was on TV When I Got Up (none / 0) (#7)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 09:37:37 AM EST
    Like every single channel.  

    When I was little, for some reason I though Diana was an American, and now I know why, they are practically American royalty, even the local Houston channels have people to the event.  If the media cared about important stuff 1/100th as much...

    Missed the wedding, but caught the carriage ride through the streets. Never a fan of weddings, but as a former military man, I love the guys on dark horses with the shinny helmets and breast plating escorting the carriage.  Those iz some pimps.

    Our military is probably one of the least ordinate, which is good, but we have nothing on the Brits in showmanship.  Not sure if they are regular military, probably not, maybe some sort of royal guard.  

    Wedding dress (none / 0) (#8)
    by BackFromOhio on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 09:37:57 AM EST
    is stunning -- for its elegance and fit.

    Saw some program that brought out pix of Grace Kelly in her wedding gown and showed similarities between two dresses; Kelly's did not have the v at the top & had higher neckline.

    Here's a link about (none / 0) (#9)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 09:46:17 AM EST
    THE DRESS and the lesser dresses if anyone is interested.

    I just got my morning chores done and now watching.

    I woke up just in time for the start of (none / 0) (#17)
    by ruffian on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 10:56:26 AM EST
    the car ride from the hotel to the church, so I watched the whole thing on BBC America while I breakfasted and got ready for work.

    (Actually I started off on ABC but quickly changed - Diane Sawyer and Baba Walters - too much.)

    I enjoyed it thoroughly. Everything was beautiful, the couple seems truly in love and happy together, happy families, happy crowds. Much better way to start my day that my usual perusal of the Orlando Sentinel.

    Watched part of the coverage this morning (none / 0) (#22)
    by sj on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 11:20:23 AM EST
    on GMA.  I hadn't realized how insipid Diane Sawyer is.

    First there was her breathless* question to someone (can't recall who) from the UK about how possible is it that Queen Elizabeth will step aside, and Prince Charles will decline the throne in favor of Prince WIlliam.

    The obvious answer is of course 0%.  Her guest's face was carefully neutral instead of incredulous.  

    The next ridiculous moment (a mere 5 or so minutes later) was after the order of succession was explained and a brief discussion of the complications of changing the current laws of male primogeniture which is currently under consideration (basically all members of the British Commonwealth must sign off). As if NONE of that had been said she asked her guest when the laws would be changed and said that other countries have already made that change.

    The reply was essentially that the UK doesn't really pay attention to what other countries do or don't do.

    Then they replayed the ceremony.  And who was talking over the exchange of vows?  Yup, Diane Sawyer.  

    And they gave her an anchor position on World News?  Jeebus.  

    When I get home tonight I'll watch the DVR'd ceremony.  Hopefully she (Diane Sawyer) didn't yammer over the live ceremony.  I would very much like to see it without the chatter.  

    so glad I switched to BBC (none / 0) (#29)
    by ruffian on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 11:52:50 AM EST
    they did not talk over any of the ceremony except to tell what the music was going to be. See if you can find their replay of the ceremony. Probably will be on continuous loop all weekend!

    Parent
    I watched on (none / 0) (#30)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 12:07:45 PM EST
    TLC, which didn't even break in to announce the music. Instead they had a little chiron that flashed for only a few seconds showing what it was. It was great to skip the commentators and just watch the service.

    Parent
    thanks (none / 0) (#35)
    by sj on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 01:01:33 PM EST
    I will!

    Parent
    I also mainly watched BBC (none / 0) (#40)
    by Towanda on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 03:33:05 PM EST
    with occasional switching to CNN for Vera Wang's take, but the others were just too giggly.  

    I watched Will's parents' wedding 30 years ago, too, and both were worth it -- as much to get to see the gorgeous architecture of Ould London, the pageantry, the coaches, and the loony London crowds as for the brides, the dresses, etc.

    Plus, the BBC commentators knew when to add really good comments, not giggly blather.  For example, I knew the significance of the opening hymn -- one of my faves, the national Welsh anthem/hymn, so a nod to Will's father as the Prince of Wales.  But I had forgotten that it was the closing hymn at the funeral of Will's mum, the Princess of Wales.  That was a lovely touch.  

    Parent

    One enchanted flowergirl: (none / 0) (#24)
    by oculus on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 11:27:53 AM EST
    LAT

    check out this one (none / 0) (#34)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 12:28:29 PM EST
    of the little girl, whose name is Grace van Cutsem.

    Parent
    that is too cute! (none / 0) (#37)
    by sj on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 01:04:47 PM EST


    Parent
    I saw that at the time and cracked up (none / 0) (#41)
    by Towanda on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 03:34:53 PM EST
    at that tired little face (a close-up a few minutes later really showed how weary was the wee one), so I'm glad that a photographer caught it.

    Parent
    thanks - there (none / 0) (#44)
    by BackFromOhio on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 03:47:10 PM EST
    are lots of nice pix at the site to which you link

    Parent
    Too many state trumpets, I gather. (none / 0) (#51)
    by oculus on Sat Apr 30, 2011 at 02:47:50 AM EST


    Parent
    The music was amazing (none / 0) (#32)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 12:22:28 PM EST


    See my comment above (none / 0) (#42)
    by Towanda on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 03:39:05 PM EST
    re the opening hymn, if you missed the significance.  The BBC did not.  

    The anthem created for the ceremony was the least of my faves, fairly predictable and too "pop" for my taste, but it was beautifully sung and is eminently singable, so I expect it will be pop(ular) with other choirs and will be heard again.

    The other selections, beautiful traditional hymns and other works, were wonderful, I agree.  Turns out that selecting the music was especially overseen by Prince Charles, a traditionalist in so many ways.

    Parent

    Whats Missing (none / 0) (#57)
    by SOS on Sat Apr 30, 2011 at 10:12:56 AM EST
    is Steely Dan background music.

    That is a very good thing (none / 0) (#62)
    by sj on Sun May 01, 2011 at 02:08:44 AM EST


    Parent
    Royal Wedding: Open Thread | 61 comments (61 topical)

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