On Being a Princess

Tomorrow, Waity Katy will wait no more.  Tomorrow, Kate Middleton, the future Catherine, the Something of Somewhere will be a bride, and the most watched bride of all time.

Kate and William via People.com

I mentioned in conversation the other day that I sort of feel badly for Kate - yea, we're on a first name basis.  It can be tough to be a bride, especially when your every move is scrutinized and then compared to one of the world's most beloved women, your groom's mother.  

Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, July 29, 1981via People.com

But, it also got me thinking, how unique is her situation, really?  On her wedding day she will become a princess, and on your wedding day so will you.  Stay with me here...

You might hate the idea of being a princess, and what is stands for: the patriarchy, and pomp and circumstance.  

You might be a beach bride, a ballroom bride, a courtroom bride or a castle bride.  

You might get your dress off the rack, at a sample sale, or have it be the most highly speculated gown of the year.  

You might share donuts with your spouse, cupcakes, or a multi-tiered traditional English fruitcake (*yikes!).

You might have a very small budget, be a DIY-er, or be employing a royal army of vendors for your wedding day.

It makes no difference.  On the day you put on your dress (maybe it's red, "diamond" white, ivory, or somewhere in between) and walk towards your groom, (up the stairs of the courthouse or down the long and storied aisle of Westminster Abbey), you will be the only person anyone looks at, the only person anyone talks about, and the only Princess for your Prince Charming.

Mark and I on our Wedding Day, via 1313blog.com

I will be watching tomorrow as William and Kate say "I do" and share their awkward first public kiss as husband and wife.  

If you're in need of more Royal Wedding info, People has done a great job of pulling it all together, and you can watch it live online at 5 AM, EST.  You can also follow the wedding news on Twitter with #rw2011.

Now all that's left is seeing what she wears!