Ruby's Tips - Trends from the Royal Wedding plus catch Ruby talking to Heart FM about the Big Day!

I can't believe that William & Kate, or as we should now call them, the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge, have been married for over a week already.  After all the hype, the build up and the excitement, I thought it would be a good time to look back at this amazing day in history and see what trends will filter down to weddings in the coming year.

Royal weddings have always attracted a great deal of attention, not just from the British public but from all over the world, with an estimated 2 billion people in more than 180 countries tuning in to watch William & Kate tie the knot.  Our fascination with Royal Weddings goes back as far as Queen Victoria who married Prince Albert in 1840 at the Chapel Royal in St. James's Palace.  As we all know it was Queen Victoria who first started the trend for a bride to wear white, a trend that has stood the test of time.

Here are my top 10 trends that I think we will see more of in the next few years as a direct result of the Royal Wedding.

Tree lined aisles
Most budgets will not stretch to trees on the same scale as those Will & Kate had at Westminster Abbey, but this can easily be replicated with smaller potted trees or rose bushes to create a stunning effect.

image from http://www.weddingbecolor.com/

Lace, Lace, Lace
Vintage has been a growing trend over the last few years but the lace in Kate's dress will I'm sure, inspire many brides to go for the 'Grace Kelly' look.  For those of us without access to the McQueen fashion house, why not try this beautiful number from Sassi Holford.

image from Ellie Sanderson Bridal Boutique

White Bridesmaid's dresses
The sight of Pippa Middleton in her stunning white dress will no doubt be the envy of all bridesmaids.  It will be interesting to see if modern brides will copy this idea or stick to alternative colours for the bridal party.

image from http://www.truebride.com.au/

Smaller bridal bouquets
This is a style that is easily achieved on most budgets, why not go one step further and opt for a vintage brooch bouquet as designed by the wonderfully talented DC Bouquets.

Bring back the tiara!
Did it ever really go away?  A mainstay of many weddings, the tiara is classic and timeless.  For a modern twist, why not go for a bit on the side as championed by Tantrums & Tiaras.

Kacey Side Tiara £120

Bustles
I love bustles on wedding dresses, in fact on any dress and I really hope that this trend catches on!  This fabulous look has already been seen on the red carpet at the Golden Globe Awards.

Jennifer Love Hewitt

Guests wearing hats and fascinators
I've always had a weak spot for fascinators, so I was very excited to see that vast array of designs worn to the wedding.  Some were more fascinating than others (sorry Beatrice I didn't like the horns!) but I think it is safe to say that hats and fascinators are here to stay.  Check out Esemee Designs for bespoke designs to fit every budget.

Wedding Websites
Why not truly embrace the modern era and go digital.  A wedding website can complement or replace traditional wedding invitations, are much more cost effective as they can be contuniually updated to give your guest all of the information they need about your wedding, but best of all they are great for the environment!

Wedding Cakes
In more recent times cupcakes have been the cake de jour at weddings but is their time over?  Will brides revert back to the traditional tiered wedding cake?  Check out Peggy Porschen's fabulous collection - p.s. you don't need an Royal budget to be able to afford one!

Blossom Appliqué from Peggy Porschen

The Buffet
A quick and easy way to reduce your wedding costs is to have a standing buffet in place of a sit down meal.  Personally I hate the idea of a buffet at a wedding but depending on your budget and also how formal your day is, then maybe a buffet is perfect for you.

And finally.......
With everyone talking about the Royal Wedding, click on the video below to check out Ruby getting a piece of the action on Heart FM!

I hope you enjoyed the wedding as much as I did.....roll on Zara Phillips' Edinburgh Wedding.

Lots of Love