Skip to main content
Part of complete coverage on

Where will you be? Best places to watch Kate and Wills say 'I do'

By Susannah Palk for CNN
Expect to see much of the pomp and circumstance which went with the Queen's Golden Jubilee Parade in 2002.
Expect to see much of the pomp and circumstance which went with the Queen's Golden Jubilee Parade in 2002.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • A list of the best vantage points in London for every type of royal wedding watcher
  • Spots include Hyde Park, Trafalgar Square and street parties in east and south London
    An estimated half a million people will line the procession route
  • Another half a million people are expected to watch the wedding on screens in Hyde Park

London, England (CNN) -- It will be grand, it will be glitzy and there will be plenty of pomp and circumstance. When Prince William and fiancee Kate Middleton finally tie the knot on April 29, all of London will be on show.

And what a show it will be -- horse-drawn carriages, guards of honor and lots of snazzy uniforms.

A chance, says London's Mayor, Boris Johnson "to show the world how we relish our traditions and that we know how to throw a party."

It promises to be a truly memorable event, with the royal procession taking in some of the capital's most prestigious sights, including Westminster Abbey, Downing Street, The Houses of Parliament and of course Buckingham Palace.

But where will you be when the prince and his bride say "I do"?

Surfing the crush: How to get around London on the big day

From couch potato to die-hard royalist, we've put together a guide of the best vantage points for every type of wedding watcher in London.

The hard-core

This is a chance to show the world how we relish our traditions and that we know how to throw a party.
--London Mayor Boris Johnson.
Dressing like a princess
Chinese tourists eager for Royal Wedding
The recipe for a great marriage
RELATED TOPICS

For the truly dedicated wedding watcher, the only place to be on April 29 is outside Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the British monarchy, where the procession kicks off.

Set in the verdurous surroundings of St. James's Park, the Palace's East Front will be a fantastic location to witness the beginning and end of the wedding procession -- as well as that all-important balcony kiss.

A horse drawn parade will be led from its front gates and the queen will host the wedding's reception celebration within its walls.

Other vantage points along the route include The Mall, the Horse Guard Parade, Whitehall and Parliament Square.

With half a million people expected to line the route, prime positions are likely to be snaffled by dawn, or even before -- with many people planning to camp out to bag the best positions. So if you want a front seat view, be prepared and be early!

Last minute royal wedding hotel rooms for every budget

The happy camper

For those who want to be spared the crush of over-enthusiastic royalists, but still fancy copping an eyeful and making a day of it, then a number of London locations will be hosting large screens broadcasting the wedding live around the city.

Hyde Park will be acting as the main "overflow" point for crowds, with officials preparing for an estimated 500,000 people. As well as three giant outdoor cinema screens, Hyde Park will have it's own "celebration" observation wheel, offering spectacular views over the parks.

Other screens will be place in Trafalgar Square -- right in the heart of all the action -- which can hold around 10,000 people and south London's Clapham Common, which will also be holding it's own street party.

The party animal

In order to encourage a proper carnival atmosphere, local councils have been asked to relax the rules for people organizing street parties.

Over 4,000 little fetes are expected to erupt on unassuming roads around the country come April 29.

Among the best street parties in London will be the alternative Leonard Street Royal Wedding Street Party in Shoreditch, East London, which promises "fancy dress, cocktails, bunting and flags" as well as the Battersea High Street Royal Wedding Party, showing coverage of the wedding in amongst "fire eaters, stilt walkers and donkey rides."

There's even a street party planned for Britain's Republicans in Holborn, in London's West End.

And if you're not one of the privileged few attending the two receptions at Buckingham Palace, head down to London's South Bank for The Alternative Royal Wedding Reception, which will be hosting "comedy, cabaret and entertainment." Dress in your best wedding frock to get drink discounts.

Parties will extend well into the night, including an 80s Right Royal Knees Up party at Club de Fromage and A Royal White Wedding with a line-up of "special guest DJs" playing into the wee hours of the morning.

For information on parties and receptions around the capital visit TimeOut London and Visit London websites.

The couch potato

If it's all too much, why not enjoy the big day from the comfort of your own home?

With live television coverage expected to attract a global audience of around two billion, The Royal Channel will be broadcasting the event live via YouTube, accompanied by a live multi-media blog put together by St. James's Palace.

And of course the whole event will be broadcast live here on CNN International.

Part of complete coverage on
'Not the royal wedding' street party
A lot has changed since the 15th century, when Oliver Cromwell overthrew the monarchy. Today, British republicans fight with ... street parties.
The best moments of the royal wedding
From the walk down the aisle to the vows and kiss on the balcony, we show you the best moments from the royal wedding.
The big day in big pictures
From camping out in Hyde Park to highlights of the wedding ceremony, take a look at the day in photos
Hats off to royal wedding guests
The biggest fashion show on earth, the royal wedding, got underway in a riot of bright colors, flamboyant fascinators and larger-than-life hats
Wedding dress mystery solved
At last, it's revealed! Kate walks down the aisle in a timeless dress designed by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen.
Unveiled blog
Crazy memorabilia, the skinny on the dress and more! Your spot for all things royal wedding right now.
Across the pond, a reason to party
Americans woke up at dawn to attend royal wedding parties complete with tea, scones and in some cases, clipped British accents
Join CNN's wedding party!
Share your photos and video and be a part of the royal wedding with CNN and iReport!