General Questions

[pallas athina]

First, I see that many royal couples have both a civil and a religious ceremony. Why? Is it a royal thing or a European tradition? What happens at the civil ceremony?


Second, most royal brides in the pictures I've looked at have sleeves on their wedding dresses. At first, I thought maybe it was about conservative Catholic traditions, but the Protestant houses seem to do it too. So again, is this a royal or European tradition? I think there are some rather nice modern styles without sleeves that are nice. I'm thinking an off-the-shoulder bateau neckline a la Jackie O. Would a future crown princess be able to wear something like that or are sleeves sort of mandatory?

[scooter]

I think in most parts of the EU, one has a legal civil union followed by a religious ceremony if one wishes. The only places I remember as having just a religious wedding service as legally binding are countries with an established state religion such as England, or countries where pretty much everyone is the one religion like (southern) Ireland. Not sure about the sleeves issue. Although recently Princess Michael as MOB as well as the bride wore very decolletee gowns to the wedding.

[pallas athina]

I read the thread on the Kent wedding and it seems a lot of people were not too pleased with the dress. I thought Sofia could get away with it since Freddie is so far from the throne.

[Thomasine]

Originally Posted by pallas athina

First, I see that many royal couples have both a civil and a religious ceremony. Why? Is it a royal thing or a European tradition? What happens at the civil ceremony?

It is ursually a short ceremony where the couple make the same vows as in the religous ceremony but without the references to Good and then sign the register of marriage. This constitutes the actual marriage.

Second, most royal brides in the pictures I've looked at have sleeves on their wedding dresses. At first, I thought maybe it was about conservative Catholic traditions, but the Protestant houses seem to do it too. So again, is this a royal or European tradition? I think there are some rather nice modern styles without sleeves that are nice. I'm thinking an off-the-shoulder bateau neckline a la Jackie O. Would a future crown princess be able to wear something like that or are sleeves sort of mandatory?

It is considered very bad manners and disrespect to the holy room of the church to appear with bare shoulders in church, not only for the bride but also for the female wedding guests. Female guests are expected to wear a shawl or short jackett over an off-shoulder dress while in church and a wedding dress like Sofia's is serious breach of that respect and I am frankly appaled that Princess Michael didn't show better judgement.

On the other hand, that has never been her strong point, quite the contrary. Anything to find the limelight and stay there!

I doubt we will see any crownprincess in an off-the-shoulder wedding dress.

[pallas athina]

As a follow-up, I did notice today that Infanta Christina's wedding dress was off-the-shoulder :)

[4Pam]

I also noticed that in royal weddings the bridesmaids walk behind the bride instead of in front like we do here in the US. Is that a European tradition or just a royal tradition?

[Jacknch]

Originally Posted by 4Pam

I also noticed that in royal weddings the bridesmaids walk behind the bride instead of in front like we do here in the US. Is that a European tradition or just a royal tradition?

The purpose of a bridesmaid is exactly that - to act as a "maid" to bride, to assist the bride with her dress, bouquet etc and to carry her train. I'm not sure how a bridesmaid is expected to do these jobs when she is walking in front of the bride - surely by walking behind the bride, a bridesmaid can ensure the train or veil doesn't get caught or can assist properly if the bride trips etc.

[RoyalistRiley]

Maybe so that all eyes stay on the bride and can fix the train of the bride's wedding dress when she sits down?

[Dierna23]

Thats quite possible.

Originally Posted by pallas athina

First, I see that many royal couples have both a civil and a religious ceremony. Why? Is it a royal thing or a European tradition? What happens at the civil ceremony?


Second, most royal brides in the pictures I've looked at have sleeves on their wedding dresses. At first, I thought maybe it was about conservative Catholic traditions, but the Protestant houses seem to do it too. So again, is this a royal or European tradition? I think there are some rather nice modern styles without sleeves that are nice. I'm thinking an off-the-shoulder bateau neckline a la Jackie O. Would a future crown princess be able to wear something like that or are sleeves sort of mandatory?

Yes, it is european tradition to have both a civil and a religious ceremony. But its as well likely nowadays to have only a civil ceremony, depends on how romantic and religious you are.

Yes, Princess Michaels and Lady Frederick Windsors necklines were close to the edge for a relgious ceremony because you have to be lie low and decent in a church, for example its not likely to visit a church with T-Shirts and Shorts. At least not in catholic churches, as a catholic myself I cannot speak for the Protestants, but the protestantic weddings I attended included also no bride with a great neckline.

[Stefan]

Originally Posted by Dierna23

Thats quite possible.



Yes, it is european tradition to have both a civil and a religious ceremony. But its as well likely nowadays to have only a civil ceremony, depends on how romantic and religious you are.

Yes, Princess Michaels and Lady Frederick Windsors necklines were close to the edge for a relgious ceremony because you have to be lie low and decent in a church, for example its not likely to visit a church with T-Shirts and Shorts. At least not in catholic churches, as a catholic myself I cannot speak for the Protestants, but the protestantic weddings I attended included also no bride with a great neckline.

Not in all european countries. In euopean Caountries where you have a State Religion like in the UK, Spain and the scandinavian Countries only a reluigious Weddinng need. (In the Uk if you marry in an aglican Ceremony). Then you sign a register after or during the Ceremony, It's Germany, France and the Benelux Countries where the civil Wedding is the only legal Wedding.

[Crashley]

I posted this in another thread but no one answered so I'm hoping someone can/will here!

I read The Queen wasn't invited to Freddie Windsor/Sophie Winkleman wedding due to royal protocol. Can someone tell me exactly what that was? Just curious to know.