The Royal Wedding: Details for Prince William & Kate's Wedding; Viewing Party Ideas

I've got to admit that I have a growing curiosity about the big day... I'm talking about the most anticipated wedding of the year; that of Prince William to Kate Middleton. It is estimated that over 2 BILLION people around the world will stop what they are doing to watch as this historic event takes place at 11am on April 29, 2011 at Westminster Abbey and I will be one of them. I planned a little viewing party back in the day when Princess Diana married Prince Charles and I do not intend to slight the oh-so dashing William- who, I am sure, is marrying Kate only because she reminds him so much of me:) Live pre-wedding coverage begins at the following times around the USA:

New York, Atlanta: 6am (Eastern)

Chicago, Dallas: 5am (Central)

Denver, Salt Lake City: 4am (Mountain Daylight)

Phoenix: 3am (Mountain Standard)

Los Angeles: 3am (Pacific)

Details of the wedding have been closely guarded secrets; very few of the plans have been released or leaked out. What is known thus far is that Kate will arrive at Westminster Abbey by car and not by carriage. The ceremony will last for approximately an hour. After the wedding, the couple will travel by the same carriage used for the wedding of Charles and Diana to Buckingham Palace where the royal family and invited guests will enjoy a reception hosted by the Queen. Later in the evening, Prince Charles will host a wedding dinner for close friends and family at Buckingham Palace. For more details of the wedding, the history of Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the couple, visit William and Kate's official wedding website... after all, every couple has one these days:)

ROYAL WEDDING VIEWING PARTY IDEAS

If you're planning a royal wedding viewing party to watch the actual event as it happens, a typical British breakfast is a must. Use formal china and teacups if you have them. This is the perfect occasion to drag out all of your silver trays and tiered serving pieces. The Brits are known for their eclectic and whimsical sense of style so feel perfectly free to mix and match patterns like a slightly kooky old aunt. Kate's wedding color is blue which you can incorporate in china, flowers, or linen. The English are known for their incredible gardens and every Brit I know has a bit of green they are proud to show off. Known for their roses - a bunch of any large, open roses make the perfect decorations. 

THE ENGLISH BREAKFAST: TWO WAYS

The British call the post-wedding meal a 'Wedding Breakfast' but it actually features brunch and main course dishes, not breakfast items. The culinary team at Buckingham Palace is responsible for catering the reception, which will begin with an array of cold and hot canapes for the 660 guests invited to Buckingham Palace after the ceremony. Read more and watch videos about the reception and wedding cakes from the royal wedding site...

Full English Breakfast with eggs, sausage, tomato, etcSince the wedding will happen at the crack of dawn in the US, a real breakfast menu is the perfect way to go. There are two traditional types of English breakfast menus: a 'fried' breakfast" or "Full English" features eggs, grilled sausages, which are called bangers, beans (like our baked beans), hash browns, a baked tomato and mushrooms with grilled cheese on toast on the side.

Scones with cream and jamThe other type of English breakfast includes tea with milk, scones, toast, or English muffins, jam, marmalade, butter, and fresh fruit. The Brits are known for their strawberries and cream, which always show up on the menu at Royal Ascot, Wimbledon, and posh polo matches. The symbol of love, purity, passion, and healing, the strawberry has been incorporated into English wedding breakfast since medieval times. 

Get Martie's recipe for strawberry scones...

Other typical wedding breakfast items include Buck's Fizz, similar to what we know in the USA as a Mimosa.

Buck's Fizz Recipe

Fill a champagne flute with 2 parts orange juice and top it off with one part chilled champagne. The traditional recipe calls for a drop of grenadine.

If you really want to pitch in and feel as if you are a part of the Royal Wedding, the couple has set up a charitible gift fund to help celebrate their wedding. The fund will focus on aid for five different causes that have been chosen by the couple: Conservation for future generations, aid to service personnel and their families, changing lives through arts and sports, children fulfilling their potential, and help and care at home.

Touched by the massive outpouring of good will and congratulations since their engagement, the couple asks that anyone with the desire to send them a wedding gift consider making a donation in their name to the fund.

 Learn more about the Prince William & Miss Catherine Middleton Charitable Gift Fund...

 Cheers and best wishes to William and Kate. Here's to a long and happy life together!

FOLLOW MARTIE ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE RECIPES, COCKTAILS, PARTY IDEAS, AND CONTESTS! Martie with Chanda Temple, writer for the Birmingham News