If you’re one of those people who plans to be a voyeur on May 19 when Meghan Markle and Prince Harry exchange vows, it wouldn’t hurt to brush up on your British lingo ahead of time. After all, a big part of the ceremony will be based on tradition, and with tradition comes some vocabulary most of us are unfamiliar with. Here are 5 words to know before the royal wedding to better understand some nuances.
Ascot
This is basically just a weird looking time. But to quote Bow-N-Ties, an ascot is a type of neckwear that looks like a cross between silken scarf and necktie.
The ascot originated in England during the late 19th century, and it got its name from the horserace called the ’Royal Ascot’ – an exclusive horserace at which men were required to wear an ascot tie in combination with a tailcoat jacket. Today the ascot tie is much less common, and usually worn during very formal day-time events and formal weddings.
If you really want to know how to tie one, good luck to you.
Fascinator
Those crazy looking embellishments that women wear on their heads? Those are fascinators, attached to the head with clips, bands or pins. Many are over-the-top ridiculous looking, while others are low-key and more respectable. While fascinators are often worn instead of hats, they are more like an accessory than headgear.
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Lounge Suit
Don’t let the word “lounge” throw you off. This type is suit is basically just…a suit. At least by American standards. According to My Tuxedo Catalog, “If the invitation were written in America, it would have called for ‘Dress Uniform, Cutaway, or Suit.”
Myrtle
Just like Kate Middleton, Markle’s wedding bouquet will certainly contain some myrtle, which is a good luck symbol. And which has been included in every royal wedding bouquet since Queen Victoria.
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Page Boys
Just like brides don’t have traditional bridesmaids in England, grooms don’t have groomsmen. Yes, Prince William will be Harry’s best man, but that’s about it when it comes to men standing at the alter along with the groom. Who will be there to catch him if he passes out? Page boys! Kidding. Again, just like bridesmaids, page boys are young, topping out around age 9. Prince George, for instance, will likely be a page boy, even though he’s only 4-years old. His sister Charlotte, on the other hand, will likely join Meghan’s crew of bridesmaids to help carry her train and throw flower petals around.
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For more key words you should know before the royal wedding, head to Southern Living.
