My invitation to the Royal Wedding must have gotten lost in the mail so I’ll just have to get up in the middle of the night — along with half the world — to watch William and Kate get married on Friday.
I vividly remember Princess Diana’s wedding 30 years ago – it was the same summer Michael and I got married – and I’m actually happy and relieved that William has found someone who seems as down-to-earth and compassionate as his mother. I love that he gave Kate Diana’s engagement ring, and don’t believe it’s bad luck at all. I think it’s a really beautiful symbol of the love and respect he had for her, and a way to make her part of the wedding ceremony.
To get you in the mood for the wedding of the century, here are some great commemorative items:
If you can’t attend the Royal Wedding in person, simply create your own with the help of this brilliant book. Seriously, this is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. Fiona Goble’s Knit Your Own Royal Wedding provides you with easy-to-follow instructions to whip up the entire cast of characters from the happy couple to Charles and Camilla to Liz and Phil and, of course, best man/little brother Harry. I am only a knitter in my dreams but I know someone who could have these done by, oh, maybe the time Harry gets married. MOM!
For those whose crafting skills don’t go further than using a scissor, William and Kate Paper Dolls from Dover Press lets you re-enact the Royal Wedding – or, if you want to shake things up a little, a Royal Tiff. The book comes with seven different outfits for each of them, including William’s RAF uniform and Kate’s now-famous blue wrap dress. Dover also has a Diana, Princess of Wales Paper Doll with 31 of her signature evening dresses that were auctioned off for charity so, in your fantasy, the late princess can take her place at her son’s wedding.
You can find everything from William and Kate bobble heads to souvenir coins, china and crystal at the official Royal Wedding online store. You can even buy a sterling silver replica of Kate’s sapphire engagement ring – for only $57. Hey, maybe they should set one of these up outside of Buckingham Palace! I’m partial to the Union Jack iPhone case that screams William and Kate in red, white and blue bling, but think it would be more appropriate for me to have one that says Lois and Michael instead.
I really, really want to paper the walls of my home office with Crowns and Coronets from Graham and Brown. Designed in celebration of the Royal Wedding, this simple yet sophisticated style can be dressed up and personalized with self-adhesive jewels and colored with “Princess To Be” paint from their Colours That Made Britain Great collection. A man’s home may be his castle, but I’m convinced this wallpaper can transform my royal mess into a palace.
Stay up on all the latest William and Kate news with one of the many Royal Wedding apps from the Apple store. You can Tweet your guess about who will design Kate’s dress, count down to the big day and follow all the action at the actual event. The NBC News app features more than 300 photos and 40 news reports, as well as an interactive family tree and ideas for hosting your own viewing party.
Any princess worth her salt deserves a tiara, so I was thrilled to find this beauty from Glow Tiaras. The description alone — “a swirling tangle of beautiful silver wire, Austrian fire polished AB crystals, and glass pearls” — is enough to get you all tingly. Handmade and sparkly, it’s perfect for watching the Royal Wedding and insuring that no one disturbs you to ask for something as common as breakfast.
When Kate’s big day is over, she can store her gown on this great-looking personalized hanger by FutureMrsRedford. Handmade from rich cherry wood and special aluminum wire, this is a meaningful gift which also makes a very special photo for the wedding album.
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Lois. The book looks like it has some fun ideas and I will tell my knitting friends about it. I may try one of the characters…….the Queen?
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to you, Amy and Susan.
With much love, Mom.
Knew you’d like it! Happy Mother’s Day to the best mom in the world! xo
Hey, Lois,
Racer woke me just in time to catch the 1 am pre-show. I wanted to just take a peak….but I couldn’t hel myself! I watched until the royal couple emerged from Westminster Abby! 4 am! What’s with the hats??!….I had recorded it all, of course. I gave the future princess “ellie” a quick peak at the wedding procession this morning on our way out the door. She was impressed, as was Gary. I came home an hour later to find my beloved glued to the TV, still in his bath robe. He was embarrassed to be discovered initially, but the launched into a critique of the bridal gown and tiara!. Who would have known……I may order him a bobblehead pair for his beemer.
Too funny! I was watching at the exact same time — we should’ve talked on the phone then! I’m cracking up about Gary — you should definitely buy him a souvenir! P.S. I was surprised at all the hats, too — I thought that was some old-fashioned idea that was no longer in style. I would not have wanted to sit behind some of the women with those hats!