Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are getting married in St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on Saturday, May 19, 2018. They have been engaged since November 2017. Traditionally, the bride's family pays for the wedding. In this case, the royal family is picking up the tab for the ceremony, music, food, cake, flowers, decorations, and two receptions. The wedding is estimated to cost in excess of $45.8 million.

Security and venue

Nearly half of the budget is going for security to protect the royals and their guests for the one-day event. The state is paying for security that includes undercover police, snipers, security drones, and military technology.

The fee for the venue for most weddings takes up half the budget. However, there is no fee for the use of St. George's Chapel. The glass marquee costs $500,000 that will be used by the thousands of guests on the grounds of Windsor Castle. The decorations will cost $186,000, and the flowers are costing $157,600.

Bride's wedding dress

Reportedly, Meghan will pay for her own wedding dress like Kate Middleton did. The gown is estimated to have a six-figure price tag between $430,000 to $560,000. The former "Suits" actress has a net worth of $5 million.

The newlyweds are not going on a honeymoon immediately after their wedding. When they do decide to go, Meghan is paying for it as a gift to her new husband. It could cost around $172,000 depending on where they go and how long they stay.

Food and drink

Bridebook, the wedding resource guide, estimates that the cost of food and drinks is estimated to be about $686,000.

Approximately $195,000 will be spent on champagne alone. Food for the two receptions will cost about $388,000 that will be provided by the London-based event caterer, Table Talk.

Another $36,000 will be paid for food and hot tea for the 2,640 invited members of the public who will be on the ground.

Cake and flowers

Pastry chef Claire Ptak based in California has the honor of making and designing the wedding cake.

It will be a lemon elderflower cake covered with buttercream and fresh garden roses and peonies. The cost is $71,600.

Philippa Craddock, a top London florist, will take care of all the floral displays for the chapel and the outdoor glass marquee as well as flowers for the bride's bouquet. Craddock is charging at least $157,600 for flowers.

Invitations and wedding favors

Barnard and Westwood designed the wedding invitations with a badge printed in gold. The cost of the invitation and personal favors was $290,800. Those who received an invitation will more than likely treasure it as a keepsake.

Other fees

Musicians, soloists, choirs and choral groups will be paid to perform at the ceremony. The fee of $430,000 includes a live band and a DJ at the receptions.

Other fees include payment for a photographer and a videographer who will be on duty throughout the day for a fee of $24,300. A hair and makeup team will also be available to keep Meghan and her bridesmaids fresh all day long. That will cost about $14,300.

A top London production company will decorate the hall at Windsor Castle for the first reception. The company is charging for transforming the room into a seating area, dance floors, bars, lighting, and decorations. The cost is $186,000.
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