Unless you live under a rock, you have probably heard something about last week’s “Royal Wedding.” The union of Prince William and Catherine Middleton became official on Friday, April 29th, at Westminster Abbey in London. Its worldwide popularity can be attributed to the fact that there is a little something there for everyone. If you’re fashion-oriented, there was plenty of hype over Kate’s dress, as well as the attire of other high-profile guests. Some may have valued the historical prominence of the event. For many, however, it wasn’t even the event itself that mattered, it was the worldwide obsession that overtook social media almost entirely. It was incredible how one event could have so much media presence. Through Facebook, Twitter, and blogging sites, everyone had an opportunity to comment, and they did.
Here in Blacksburg, there was no exception to the worldwide theme of celebration. The Lyric Theater hosted a Royal Wedding Viewing Party and screened the ceremony. Beginning at 4 A.M., because of the five-hour time difference between here and Great Britain, guests were invited to view the festivities on the big screen. For only five dollars, attendees got to feel a little royal. The event was sponsored in part by WDBJ 7, so there were live news reports from The Lyric. Once the doors were opened, guests were greeted by a nearly life sized cardboard cutout of Will and Kate themselves perfect for photo ops. Hors d’oeuvre included scones with jelly, cucumber sandwiches, wafer cookies, and wedding cupcakes. Coffee and tea were also served, in real teacups and with saucers. The refreshments were a great pick me up for a start to a regal occasion so early in the morning.
The theater filled up with guests of all ages. Many were represented, from school-aged girls wearing plastic tiaras, to an older woman impersonating Queen Elizabeth herself. Even though most of them were probably dragged there by their girlfriends or wives, there were even some men in attendance. The mayor of Blacksburg, Ron Rordam, welcomed everyone and thanked The Lyric for hosting the event. Activities included a “Funky Formal Wear and Silly Millinery Contest” to encourage guests to dress in their most British wedding wear. Contestants filled the stage and a few were awarded for their well-crafted appearances. Soon enough, however, all focus turned to the silver screen and the emergence of Kate Middleton out of the 1977 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI that carried her. People gasped in excitement and screamed in joy when the elegant royal-to-be stepped out in a gorgeous Alexander McQueen gown. Her simple hair and makeup solidified her flawless appearance.
From that moment until the conclusion of the ceremony, the viewers at The Lyric watched in awe. Many people, including myself, stayed to watch their first kiss as a married couple as well. Just as those standing below the balcony of Buckingham Palace erupted, (at least after the second kiss) so did The Lyric. It was a joyful ending to a beautiful morning of royal love.
This wedding was untraditional in many ways. Even though it has been done before, Prince William married a commoner. He has also chosen not to wear a wedding band. In addition, Kate’s sister, Pippa Middleton, wore white just like her sister. Just as there is nothing wrong with any of those things, I found no problem with waking up before the Sun, wearing heels and a cocktail dress, and spending my morning indulging in the glamorous ceremony. The Lyric had a fantastic idea with putting on this event, and it allowed for everyone to feel a little royal that day.