【eroticism and female imagery in nineteenth-century art】

Some of us can eroticism and female imagery in nineteenth-century artbut dream of landing an invite to the biggest gig of the year—Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding.

But, once the invite has plopped onto lucky attendees' doormats, there's much more than just outfit planning to be considered. This is a royal wedding, remember, and that means guests will be expected to behave in a certain way.

SEE ALSO: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's visit to radio station shows the royals are finally tuning in to young people

Mashable spoke to etiquette experts to find out just how high the bar is set for guests' at the royal nuptials.

Get to the church on time

It seems that no latecomers will be admitted on the big day. British etiquette expert William Hanson says that guests will need to get to the church on time because tardiness won't be tolerated.

"The more important you are, the later you turn up."

"The British like being punctual," says Hanson. "But, you have got to turn up really, reallyearly to this event." He says guests who've already confirmed their attendance will have been sent a booklet of "instructions and logistics for the day," including what time to arrive. Your allocated time of arrival will actually depend on how important you are.

"The more important you are, the later you turn up," says Hanson. "The Queen being the last person to turn up before the bride." So, friends of Harry and Meghan who "have no status" will have to rock up to the chapel first, while people like world leaders or politicians will show up much later.

No selfies with the Duchess of Kent (or anyone)

Most of us take the odd snap when we watch our friends or family walk down the aisle. But, personal photography likely not be encouraged at Harry and Meghan's big day.

"The instructions might even tell you not to bring cameraphones at all," says Hanson. The reason for this rule is largely for security reasons, but there's also a privacy element to it as well. The rule applies to both the ceremony and reception too, according to Hanson. "So, no selfies with the Duchess of Kent. Or anyone," he says. Duly noted.

Kate Beavis, from wedding blog Magpie Wedding, says that guests may have their phones taken off them upon arrival. According to Beavis, the royal family will be keen to avoid any photos taken by guests being leaked.

William and Kate tying the knot in 2011. Credit: Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images

Stick to the dress code

According to Beavis, the Queen issued an edict on "what can and cannot happen at a royal wedding' back in 2011 when William and Kate tied the knot.

Mashable Trend Report Decode what’s viral, what’s next, and what it all means. Sign up for Mashable’s weekly Trend Report newsletter. By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up!

"This included hem lengths for guests (knee length), be smartly dressed in a jacket/suit, and that no one should wear white," says Beavis. "No bare shoulders for guests and no floor length gowns."

Hanson says it's imperative that guests stick to the dress code, which is clearly marked on the invites. "Dress: Uniform, morning coat or lounge suit. Day dress with hat," reads the invite.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Hanson says female attendees should wear hats, and "no fascinators." "This is the chance for Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie to redeem themselves on the hat front," says Hanson.

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie at the wedding of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. Credit: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Play it cool

Wedding etiquette expert Jo Bryant says guests will need to play it cool around any VIPs in attendance.

"Guests should avoid being overfamiliar with or starstruck by anyone royal or famous," says Bryant. You've been warned. "If they are presented to a member of the royal family, they should bow or curtsey," she adds.

Don't disgrace yourself

This one is a good rule of thumb for all weddings, to be honest. In fact, it's a good rule for life, in general.

Both Bryant and Hanson are in agreement on this one: "Know your limits." Hanson advises sticking to "under" your limits, so you "don't disgrace yourself." Bryant says guests at the reception should steer clear of overindulging in booze, and "know when to stop."

Know your limits. Credit: Getty Images

No talking to the press afterwards

No one likes a blabbermouth. But, the royal family would take exception to anyone running to the press to spill the beans on what they witnessed behind closed doors at the wedding.

"If you are so fortunate to have been invited to the wedding, no talking to the press afterwards about what happened, or conversations you had, or 'this is what they first danced to,'" says Hanson. "This is a guaranteed way to make sure you're not invited back to any future events."

Wait for the Queen

If you want to make a swift exit to go to the loo after the speeches, you'll have to think twice. Hanson says that guests shouldn't leave the room until the Queen does so.

Don't keep eating after Queen Elizabeth II has finished. Credit: Steve Parsons - WPA Pool/Getty Images

"Don’t leave the room until the queen leaves the room, whether that's in the chapel or during the reception," says Hanson. "Once the queen is in the room, you are in the room until she leaves the room."

The same rule applies to food. "Don’t start eating until the Queen starts," he says. And, the moment she drops her knife and fork, all guests must do the same.

So, if you're lucky enough to have nabbed an invite to the Wedding Of The Year™, you'd do well to mind you manners. Enjoy!

---

Featured Video For You

---

The acting roles of Meghan Markle before her royal engagement

---