What we know so far about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's nuptials so far, and where to watch and when

The countdown is on! Details are coming in fast about what we can expect for Meghan and Harry’s big day on May 19. Here’s the complete lowdown based on what we know so far (plus a few educated guesses!) and how you can tune in to the celebrations. 

The bridal party
After intense speculation, we finally have our answer to who Meghan Markle will have as her maid of honour and it’s officially...nobody! Apparently, she has a tight-knit group of friends and she doesn’t want to single anyone out in particular for the role. Harry, however, will have his older brother Will standing up with him. 

Meghan’s family
Kensington Palace has confirmed that her father, Thomas Markle, will be flying in from California to walk her down the aisle. Her mother, Doria Ragland, will be with her in the car on the ride to the venue. Her half-siblings have revealed in interviews that they have not received invites to the wedding — but they haven’t been saying particularly kind things, so we can't blame her.

The cake
Claire Ptak, a fellow California girl now based in London at Violet Bakery, will be creating a non-traditional elderflower and lemon creation.

The photographer
Alexi Lubomirski, the fashion photog who took their engagement shots, will reprise his role as the official snapper of the big day.

The flowers
Philippa Craddock has been confirmed to create the floral decor for the celebration. She’s shared that the couple has chosen white roses, foxgloves and peonies for their palette. According to royal tradition that dates back to Queen Victoria, Meghan also will carry one sprig of myrtle in her bouquet.

The entertainment
The officially confirmed musical guests for the ceremony include a gospel choir and a young cellist. Those rumours about Elton John, Ed Sheeran and the Spice Girls performing in the evening remain just that.

The guest list
The invites, created by Royal-endorsed company Barnard & Westwood, have been sent out. Six-hundred people have been invited to the ceremony and an afternoon reception, but the real inner circle are the 200 lucky folk who are going to the evening reception hosted by Prince Charles. 

The dress code
For those who have made the cut, details have leaked about what they’re being encouraged to wear. It’s a “morning coat or lounge suit” for gents and a “day dress” and hat for women. They’ve also specifically asked for no swords or medals to be worn. 

The dress
This will be a mystery until the moment Meghan steps out of the car but at the moment Ralph & Russo are the hot favourites. She wore the designer in her engagement photos, the designers have been spotted working late at their London studio. Plus, Harry was supposedly spotted leaving there a few weeks ago, too. Our inkling? It'll pay tribute to one of the classic royal wedding dresses from the past. 

The night before
Just like Kate Middleton before her, Meghan will be spending the night at a hotel with her family on the Friday before the wedding. Kate stayed at The Goring (just behind Kensington Palace) so it’s a contender.

The day’s schedule
9 AM UK / 4 AM EST
Gates open for 1200 members of the public invited to stand outside of Windsor Castle.

9:30 AM to 11:30 AM / 4:30 AM to 6 AM 
Those 600 guests invited for the ceremony are bussed in and take their seats in St George’s Chapel. 

11:20 AM / 6:20 AM
The royal family arrive! That includes Prince Harry who will walk with his brother, greeting guests along the way. Somewhere around this time, Meghan leaves her hotel and drives to Windsor Castle along the Long Walk where guests will be able to glimpse her.

12 PM / 7 AM
Meghan should have walked down the aisle at this point and the wedding ceremony will officially begin, lasting about an hour.

1PM / 8 AM
Official business done, Meghan and Harry will hop in a carriage (the Ascot Landau, if you care) and go for a 25-minute ride through Windsor town. Watch for Meghan’s first royal wave!

The honeymoon
Details on this remain TBD (many speculate Africa, near and dear to both their hearts and site of one of their first dates). What is for sure is that Kensington Palace says the pair have an official engagement a week after the wedding, so clearly it won’t be long — so it'll have to be a minimoon, or they’ll take their honeymoon later like so many do. 

How to tune in
You'll have to ensure your guests for your royal wedding viewing party arrive super early — the live broadcast will start at (before?) the crack of dawn. Most Canadian networks like CTV, City and Global will be broadcasting coverage of the wedding from around 4:30 AM onwards — key if you want to watch guests like Priyanka Chopra, the Beckhams and the Cambridge kids arrive. Only CBC is broadcasting the actual ceremony live on TV though. If you want to stream, City will have one on their website and it is likely you can catch it on the Royal Family’s official Youtube channel although that has not been confirmed.