Did you squeal when Prince Harry announced that he and Meghan Markle were engaged? The big day is Saturday, May 19th and if you have Royal wedding fever, you should book your airline tickets so you can be in the crowd after the big event.
"It is undeniable that the royals, and especially royal weddings, increase public interest and bring in tourism to the UK in a big way," said Kylie Carlson, UK Academy of Wedding and Event Planning. "For William and Kate's wedding, 30.6 million overseas residents visited the UK in 2011, an increase of 800,000 on 2010. It's safe to assume that the wedding of Harry and Meghan will also bring in big tourism numbers - a much-needed boost since the announcement of Brexit."
Here are some things you need to know if you want to head to the UK for the wedding of the decade:
Airfare
Dee McMeeking, a UK-based Wedding Stylist and Floral Designer, suggests watching the airfares closely: "Airline flights are likely to spike for May 26 to June 3rd, as this is a designated school half-term holiday. Flights are always more expensive out-of-term time, so traveling just before or just after these dates could save you money."
If you are traveling internationally into the UK, McMeeking said you might be able to get a more competitive price by flying into another European city, such as Dublin, Paris or Amsterdam, and then taking one of the many very short (approximately 1 to 1-1/2) budget flights to London: "Just be aware of the much lower checked baggage weight and higher costs on these routes, but this can offer you more flexibility and a better range of prices."
Accommodations
You'll need a place to stay and McMeeking suggests avoiding Windsor, which is 30 miles outside of London: 'There will be more opportunities for accommodations in London and, with a well-established train link from London Paddington station or London Waterloo, there are plenty of opportunities to reach Windsor. Although not yet announced, I would imagine that there will be additional trains running for the royal wedding, but it's still a little early to tell."
It's also a great place to tour when the festivities are over.
"Windsor is a wonderful and historically significant city to visit, royal wedding or not," said Carlson. "Windsor Castle was built more than 900 years ago and is the oldest occupied castle in the world. It is rich in history and scandal that all history buffs can enjoy."
After the Wedding
The wedding is sure to drive an increase in tourists.
"With very few weddings the entire world gets (or cares) to see, this Royal wedding is sure to have all the hopeless romantics watching with bated breath as the nuptials stream live," said Paula Ramirez of the Historic Mankin Mansion in Richmond, Virginia. "Couples will then clone details of the wedding, and those that are super inspired will even make the UK their wedding destination spot."
Ramirez said that the Royal wedding will certainly influence countless destination weddings globally, adding a more refined and elegant flair to celebrations, some even fit for a queen.
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