Thank you for starting a thread up about the "wedding in general," and from a positive perspective. There's been so much talk about titles, tiaras and dresses, surely there needs to be a thread about the wedding in general
Some of my impressions may need to be corrected, but here they are:
The female guests really got into the notion of hats and fascinators (I do not remember quite so many at the last two Royal Weddings I watched). It was amazing to see, and quite entertaining. There was one lady, in her sixties I'd say, in all purple who looked quite stunning. I wish I knew she was. (And not to be too much off topic, but I didn't enjoy the woman in the purple wide brimmed conical hat with the red dress). Most people showed respect or reserve in their choice of headgear - or creativity. I was disappointed in the prime minister's wife.
The chorale music and orchestral music was amazing. What a treasure this is for England, everyone must be so proud. The choirs (combined from two places as I understand it) were amazing and so well-rehearsed. The orchestra was so good, one forgot it was a live performance. The one mistake by the trumpeter as HM entered was not commented upon by the BBC commentators - which was nice, no need to cause a trumpeter to feel badly on television.
The service itself was moving, religious and I believe the young couple really paid attention and felt it. They were getting married, and Prince William looked very much as if he felt the responsibility and the awe of the long linkage such an act is supposed to make. The bride can't seem to look at him in any way except with adoration. That was lovely to see.
Her Majesty, the Queen, looked lovely, although a bit tired and Prince Phillip was nothing short of amazing, in his handsomeness (for such an elderly man). Such bearing.
I enjoyed watching Prince Harry walk up the aisle, with his slightly bandy-legged, almost goofy walk - he is not a charmer, but he is so dear and natural, and a perfect companion to his more self-possessed elder brother.
All those camera views (from BBC, anyway) were amazing, and we felt like we really there. It was very moving, open and elegant. The trees were a great touch. On the whole, it was the greatest ritual of recent memory, and I think we all needed it.
Thank you, Great Britain and Commonwealth, for making this possible.