Royal Garden Party

[Katrinawaves]

I’ve been invited to a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May and am looking for a wow outfit for the day. I am told the dress code is posh wedding with hat or fascinator a requirement

Please hit me with some ideas.

I am:

mid fifties
5’7”
size 10, 32E bust, slightly rounded belly
redhead

Budget is flexible but 3 figures all in not 4 please!

@BIossomtoes yes that's exactly what I think. She's also got very short hair. But in very much doubt she'll go to a hairdresser to get it professionally blow dried and done in the morning. Which it really could do with. So she needs a hat.

Shame my dad can't be persuaded into a Morning suit. He's look great.

That is my favourite of all of the ones posted so far.

Lots here that would work.

https://caprilite.com/collections/black-fascinator-hats-and-hatinators

Absolutely not those shoes if there's been recent rain.

a) you'll ruin them
and b) they'll sink and you'll be uncomfortable.

There is some seating but it's very limited. So you'll be on grass or gravel the whole time

You absolutely don't HAVE to wear anything on your head anymore.
It's absolutely a free choice

Yes, often community people

I went in the Centenary Year of the WI so lots of members 'won' tickets as National had applied to the Palace to hold one for us as so many of the RF were members.

Are you sure about the hat/fascinator requirement?
I have a friend attending in May and hats are optional

The info shared with me was that hard/fascinators are not mandatory but that most women do wear them.

I so rarely have an opportunity to wear a statement hat that I would like to wear one but I know that a PP’s mother would like to avoid it if she can and I think that’s a perfectly valid choice these days.

Anthropologie have some gorgeous dresses at the moment!

Really? I think it is awful.

It's fine too. Not too understated.

https://www.theprettydresscompany.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8pKszfSKhQMVoJVQBh215QSmEAAYASAAEgJcsfD_BwE

Don't know if these have already been suggested but they're lovely dresses, well made

@Toddlerteaplease It isn't compulsory and of course she will be allowed in if she really doesn't want to wear one, but, when we went it was a very small minority of ladies that weren't.

@Katrinawaves and the other poster who is going (sorry, can't scroll back to pick up your name) 100% take on board the advice about shoes. You are on grass the whole time you are there and there aren't that many chairs. Then, there is also a lot of walking to get to the palace in the first place for most people (train to tube, change tube, lots of stairs, then walking across Green Park then being directed round to the right entrance, then across the gardens to get to the lawn if you aren't going through the front gate). There were a lot of hobbling women when we went, and others getting stuck in the grass.

What is the matter with you ?

If it isn't your sort of thing, fine, but why on earth would you post to piss on someone's chips ?

You can just scroll past a thread that isn't of interest to you, you know.

What a sad mindset you have.

I only know about Scotland invitations, it’s the Lord Lieutenant for our area who deals with the invitations. Anyone can email to nominate someone for an invitation explaining why they would like to nominate the person. Due to DH’s job we go every year to the Holyrood Palace one, it’s such a lovely day out.

Could I ask a question at the risk of sounding nosy? Who decides on the invitation list? Is it generally for folk who are prominent in their community, charity workers etc? I’ve never come across anyone who’s been invited to a royal garden party.

I don't know who gets to decide, but you don't have to be "prominent". Everyone we spoke was saying "I don't really know why I've been nominated" as no-one felt they were 'special' in any way. That said, we were all there, having been nominated by the Charities we volunteer for. The people there would have ranked up millions of hours of volunteering between them over the years.

Oh wow, same. Maybe see you there! But, not many options for family attendees!

Very jealous! I was nominated to attend by my organisation but lost out in the draw.
Have a wonderful time.

This is in the sale

https://www.lkbennett.com/product/DRKRISTENCOTTONMIXGreenPistachio%20Multi~-Green

That one is stunning but I don’t think my 55 year old back would stand up to the scutiny 😂

I went some years ago, although it was June it was freezing! I wore a smart wool trouser suit with a fascinator. The wind whipped across the enormous lawn! There were lots of people in summer frocks who looked blue with cold. Tea was good.

If you are on Facebook try the group 'pre loved wedding and occasion outfits UK'

I live near Buckingham Palace
Can always tell when a garden party is on

It often rains- I see bedraggled people in pastel colours covered in mud and wet. Those who are struggling to walk back in heels (which are muddy) and hats that are askew. One last year had torrential rain.

So:
have 2 outfits- sunny day, pastel and glamorous
Rainy day alternative
Spare pair of flat shoes
See though umbrella

Stay at the Conrad, Goring , Trafalgar, hub by Premier Inn, Rubens so that you are very close!

COMFORTABLE

The gardens are enormous and its nice to be able to explore
Seating is limited - you will be on your feet for hours

I wore a Phase 8 dress and had a cardigan in my bag in case
and then pumps so I did not dig into the grass

Managed to avoid Prince Andrew luckily !