So, you didn’t get a seat in St. George’s Chapel. Same. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the Royal Wedding celebration happening in May. With royal tours and royal beers, here’s how to join the festivities in London and Windsor — without a proper invitation.
1. Set a Royal Alert.
First thing’s first. We created Royal Alerts so you can track airfare to London for Harry and Meghan’s Big Day. It’s like a regular KAYAK Price Alert, but way fancier.
2. Stake out a street party.
For nearly 100 years, it’s been a tradition for neighborhoods to get together and host a street party for a royal wedding. This is when the street is closed to anything but pedestrian traffic with music, dancing and plenty of food. Some streets even have a theme where you’re encouraged to come in costume (or “fancy dress” as the Brits call it). Plus, the wedding is on the same day as the FA Cup Final — which we’re sure will only serve to ramp up the celebration.
3. Grab a royal pint.
Cheers the newlyweds. Treat yourself to a Windsor Knot while the royals tie the knot. The Windsor & Eton Brewery (just blocks from St. George’s Chapel) has released this limited-edition brew in honor of the couple. You can visit the brewery to taste it yourself, pre-order a case or stop by the Royal Farms Windsor Farm Shop to pick up a few bottles.
4. Join the royal parade.
Harry and Meghan are expected to take a royal procession through the town of Windsor on their way to St. George’s Chapel. Thankfully, there will be ample room on the streets for loyals to cheer on the royals as they pass (the town of Windsor put out a video of the route here). Just be sure to line up early — spots closest to the procession will likely be hard to come by as revelers can sometimes camp out for hours before the big event.
5. Book a boat ride.
Boat tours along the River Thames are a pretty popular way to see Windsor. While security measures have not yet been fully disclosed, it may be possible to reserve a boat on May 19th so you can pass by Windsor Castle as the festivities are going on. In the meantime, start perfecting your “royal wave.”
6. Drop some serious dough.
Okay, so you’re all-in. You’re completely committed to experiencing this Royal Wedding as the Queen intended — fancy teas and all. For a cool $2,500 you can book the Royal Wedding Celebration in England: Inside the British Monarchy You’ll get to hear from former royal staff and security about the preparations that go into a Royal Wedding, plus an indoor “street party” on the Big Day and plenty of food. Flights aren’t included — but we can help with that.
7. Go for Tea.
Fancy a cuppa? Starting May 1st, the Tea Terrace restaurant chain will offer a special royal-inspired menu. This includes a selection of dishes from Botswana — a favorite destination of the happy couple — and a roast chicken. Apparently, that’s the dish Harry was preparing when he proposed.
8. For those stuck in the States.
So you can’t swing a trip across the pond (blast you for using your PTO for that winter vacation). That doesn’t mean you can’t still celebrate stateside. Harney & Sons Tea has released a Royal Wedding variety that’ll let you feel fancy while you watch the ceremony on the telly. And Trader Joe’s, inspired by Meghan’s cake choice, recently released a Lemon Elderflower-flavored soda. How festive.
Has the Royal Wedding got you feeling all romantical? Check out the Romantic Escape list on our Explore tool for destinations on your budget that let you dial up the romance.
