With all the talk about a NEW Royal Wedding in the works, we thought we’d pay tribute to the Original Royal Wedding by sharing some fun photos depicting details from the amazing vintage affair: 

On July 29th 1981, Lady Diana Spencer married His Royal Highness Prince of Wales. Princess Diana was only 20 years old and from this moment on, the Princess became an International icon and this particular event has simply always been referred to as the Royal Wedding.

Arriving in a glass coach, Lady Diana was like a true fairytale bride. St. Paul’s Cathedral was filled with friends, family and many important dignitaries from all over the world on this gorgeous summer day.

Image courtesy of Dream Dress

The Royal Wedding dress was designed by British designers David and Elizabeth Emanuel of Wales. The ivory silk taffeta, lace and tulle wedding dress was true icon of the 1980’s with the Romantic Renaissance revival in the music and film worlds. Princess Diana’s vision for a “Bigger is Better” wedding is most detailed in her 25-foot train and large ballroom style dress with exaggerated ruffled collar and puffed sleeves.

Image courtesy of The Canadian Press

Princess Diana’s something borrowed on her wedding day was the diamond earrings from Collingwood Jewelers. Her look also dazzled with the Spencer Family Tiara atop her head. The tiara was made from gold formed into tulip and star-like flowers, and then embellished with diamonds in silver settings.

Image courtesy of Diana Princess of Wales

The Royal Wedding was very traditional, using a royal color pallet of mainly deep sapphire blue and rich ruby red, accented by lush flowers – this really made Princess Diana the center of attention in her gorgeous ivory gown.

Image courtesy of Getty

Image courtesy of Celebration of Princess Diana

Traditionally, Royal Events are marked by members of the Royal Family waving to the crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace – and this wedding was no exception as the wedding party made their way to greet the massive crowd which had gathered below.

Image courtesy of Playle

The wedding party eventually left the balcony, leaving just the bride and groom. There was an enormous roar of appreciation from the crowd below as Prince Charles kissed his new bride.

Image courtesy of Remembering Diana Forum

With the passing of Princess Diana’s engagement ring to newly engaged Prince William and Kate Middleton, Princess Diana’s Fairy Tale Wedding legacy will soon be continued!