Royal wedding guests given ‘etiquette guide’

Royal Wedding guests have been sent a 22-page list of do's and don'ts – including how to hold their teacups.

The etiquette guide has commonsense tips such as not clashing with bride Kate Middleton’s outfit by wearing white or cream and keeping phones silent.

But there is also advice for the 1,900 guests on how to greet the Queen.

Etiquette is very important but for some it will be a minefield. That's why this guide will help.

• Guests are asked to arrive at least 20 minutes before the ceremony begins.
• As the Queen enters Westminster Abbey, everybody has to acknowledge her arrival with a curtsey or bow as she walks through. The same must happen as she leaves.
• Wearing the right hat and not overdoing it is important. Wearing cream or white is not appropriate. That must be left to the bride.
• Men in the Armed Forces should wear uniform and male civilians a lounge or morning suit. A top hat should be carried, not worn, inside the church.
• There will be champagne flowing and you've got to hold the glass properly, by the stem.
• During the formal dinner a lot of people won't know how to use a knife and fork properly, let alone which cutlery to choose from.
• You must eat from the outside in and if you have a mass of glasses in front of you, it helps to know which to use.
• With tea cups, lift the cup not the saucer and hold it very gently with your index finger and thumb, returning the cup to the saucer after every sip.
• They have been told not to look at Kate, the Queen or any of the royals while serving. They must keep their heads down and be as discreet as possible.