The Royal Wedding {What We Know So Far...}

This Saturday, 19th May 2018, the world will be watching as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tie the knot. As you'd imagine, we're more than a little excited. Here's a run down of what we know so far, how we're predicting things will look and also how you can achieve similar for your own wedding day, using RMW's supplier directory The List. If like us, your invitation was lost in the post, worry not - you can watch the day unfold with the trusty BBC, coverage starts from 9am and we'll be glued to the screen for that first glimpse of Meghan (follow along on Instagram where we'll share our thoughts). If you're having a party, did you know the BBC is offering a special one-off dispensation to mark the Royal Wedding? This allows those organising special events and parties in town halls, community centres and streets across Britain, where TV is not usually watched, to screen the event live without needing to purchase a licence. There's nothing more British than a good old street party, or a shindig in a village hall and it's never too late to throw a party. The ceremony itself is set for 12pm, with the couple getting married at St George's Chapel Windsor Castle. At 1pm, immediately after the service, the newlyweds will leave Windsor Castle by the Ascot Landau carriage, via Castle Hill, along the High Street and through Windsor Town before returning along the Long Walk for their lunchtime reception at St George's Hall, which is being given by the Queen. The evening reception will take place at Frogmore House, where 200 guests have been invited. Oh to be a fly on that wall. The reception has been organised by Alex Fitzgibbons of events company Fait Accompli. (If you're feeling like you need some support with wedding planning don't forget to visit our supplier directory, The List, where you'll find a great selection of wedding and event planners like Katrina Otter and Hilde. - not just for Princesses, having a wedding planner is a must if you're busy in your day job or your plans are on the larger end of the scale).

The world is waiting with baited breath to see Meghan's dress, and you can read our predictions about that here, but today we're focusing on the finer details. Stationery wise, they've gone very classic, with Barnard & Westwood in a striking black and gold design on ivory paper. For flowers, they've opted for Philippa Craddock, a British florist whose dreamy work wouldn't look out of place on RMW, she favours wild and organic looking arrangements and it has already been confirmed she'll be using seasonal blooms such as foxgloves, peonies and garden roses. All the hearts eyes. The cake will be made by Violet Cakes, another lady whose buttercream and fresh flower creations wouldn't look out of place on RMW, and in elderflower and lemon flavour no less?! Nom, nom, nom, we can't wait to see!!! For photos, the couple have opted for New York based fashion photographer, Alexis Lubomirski (he took their engagement photographs). Now anyone who has listened to me jabber on about wedding photography before will know, I'd always encourage you to book a wedding photographer, rather than a fashion or landscape photographer to capture your big day. In Meghan & Harry's case - I think they'll be fine ;) but if you're still stuck over photography - PLEASE visit our supplier directory and book yourself a WEDDING photographer. Shooting a wedding is a unique skill that takes a lot of time and experience to master, you need someone who knows what they are doing. We think Meghan and Harry's wedding is going to be brimming with details that RMW readers will love because their suppliers have a very similar style to lots of the wonderful wedding suppliers you can find on our directory, The List. If you haven't already discovered it, then get browsing now...from British florists working with British flowers like The Garden Gate Flower Company and Emily Wisher, to letterpress stationers like Strawberry Sorbet and classic designers Quints Of Jersey. And finally cake makers such as Buttercream & Dreams and Lucie Bennett are masters of both flavour and buttercream. Win win.

The ethos behind RMW is Your Day Your Way, it's what we titled our first book after all, and it's clear that the Royal couple have taken this to heart. Meghan and Harry have a little more freedom for their big day than Katherine and William, and they are most definitely doing things their way. After lots of speculation over the involvement of Meghan's parents (it's her wedding guys - of course they are going to be involved, MASSIVE EYE ROLL at the tabloids), it has been confirmed that Meghan's Mum will be by her side on the morning of the wedding, and her Dad will walk her down the aisle. With Prince William on Best Man duties, we think the speeches are going to be excellent and apparently Meghan will also be making one, which we love - she's such a passionate speaker and we always adore a bride who bucks outdated traditions.

It's clear this is a wedding that we as a nation feel very invested in, Royal Wedding fever is infectious and kind hearted people across the land want to give the couple gifts. The couple aren't really in need of anything, so have asked that people donate to their chosen charities in lieu of giving gifts, if they'd like to. You can find the full list here - there are some excellent causes being supported such as Crisis, Surfers Against Sewage and CHIVA. If asking for wedding gifts leaves you feeling a little empty, then don't forget you can always ask guests to donate to Charity too. The Wedding Shop allow you to create fee-free donations to Charities of your choice. Goodwill is in abundance on a wedding day, so it's really important to share the love. So there you have it..! We'll be glued to the TV this weekend and will share news as it comes in. Weddings are truly magical occasions and we get to inhabit this wonderful world every day, it's been great to see the nation (and the world) get excited about Meghan and Harry's big day. Let's raise a toast and celebrate together - after all, who doesn't love a good wedding?!