The royal wedding proved to the world that fairytales really do come true.

As 2 billion fans around the globe watched in awe as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle said their vows in front of 600 guests at St George’s Chapel, we couldn’t help but swoon at the tender moments and pure love and affection between the newlyweds.

While there was an abundance of memorable moments from the royal wedding ceremony that tugged at our heartstrings, the real festivities began at the lunchtime and evening wedding receptions, in which guests and the bridal party were able to let their hair down.

Here’s an inside scoop of what happened once the cameras were turned off:

LUNCHTIME RECEPTION

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth reportedly threw a fancy lunchtime reception for the 600 guests that were at the ceremony.

Prince Harry’s moving speech 

Prince Harry reportedly gave an emotional speech at the lunch, in which he gushed about his love for Meghan. According to the Sun, he said they make a “great team” and “I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.” Can they get any cuter?

Father of the groom speech 

Father of the groom, Prince Charles gave a speech too, which was in equal parts sweet and typical father-son banter. According to Daily Mail, he joked around in his trademark dry sense of humour  but gave an overal emotional and endearing speech.

Guests swapped their heels for slippers

Pretty Little Liars star Troian Bellisario, who is married to Meghan’s Suits co-star, Patrick J. Adams, shared on  Instagram that guests were given fancy slippers to change into if their feet were hurting from their heels.  What a nice gesture!

There was extravagant cake

The lemon elderflower cake that Meghan and Harry picked out, and baked by Claire Ptak from Violet Bakery in London, looked like an actual work of art that belongs in a museum.

OUTFIT CHANGES PRE-EVENING RECEPTION

The newlyweds changed into more party appropriate attire for the evening reception. Meghan swapped her Givenchy gown for a minimal Stella McCartney creation that exposed her shoulders while Prince Harry looked dapper in a fancy tuxedo.  The couple were the epitome of cool when they drove away in a Jaguar convertible.

Guests including Serena Williams, Priyanka Chopra and Meghan’s best friend, Jessica Mulroney showed off their outfit changes on social media.

Serena flaunted sneakers with her Valentino eveningwear, Priyanka dazzled in Dior, while Jessica was party-ready in a sparkly number by Naeem Khan.

A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) on May 19, 2018 at 11:06am PDT

Little known fact: I often wear sneakers under my evening gown. These @maisonvalentino @pppiccioli gave to me last min. I told him be careful I tend to be comfy for long nights #beingserena

A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) on May 20, 2018 at 6:13am PDT

Magical weekend with a handsome fella

A post shared by Jess Mulroney (@jessicamulroney) on May 20, 2018 at 2:43pm PDT

PARTY TIME AT THE EVENING RECEPTION

In contrast to the more formal lunch reception at Windsor Castle following the ceremony, the evening reception was more of a “carnival and festival” themed after-party, as per Harry’s request. Harry reportedly wanted the evening festivities to be reminscent of his favourite London nightclubs (as an ode to his party-boy ways of the past), according to the Daily Mail.

Dinner

The evening began with a “sit-down dinner” for the couple’s close family and pals of 200 guests who were  invited to the after party (Pippa Middelton and Harry’s ex Chelsea Davy were reportedly not invited).

The dinner consisted of “light-bite” canapes made from organic ingredients and also featured a specialty drink called “When Harry met Meghan”, a source revealed. The meal ran from 7.30 am to 10 pm.

Prince Williams’s best man speech

Reports from inside the party say Prince William gave a “naughty” best mans speech during the dinner, while Meghan also gave a speech thanking the royals for welcoming her into their family, according to Us Weely.

Meghan and Harry’s first dance

The couple shared their first dance to Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” which seems the most adorable way to end off a fairytale wedding. Harry also reportedly chose the music for the evening.  DJ Totolee kept the party going all night, playing Harry’s favourite house jams.

Fireworks! 

Fireworks apparently took place at 11pm.

A post shared by Emily Nash (@emilynashhello) on May 20, 2018 at 1:42am PDT

Midnight snacks

After a formal lunch and elegant finger foods in the evening, the real hearty meal came out at the after-party in the form of “dirty burgers” as a midnight snack, complemented with candy floss (via Daily Mail).

AFTER-AFTER PARTY

A second after took place in London for the 200 guests to continue the celebrations in London! The party was reportedly planned in a “soundproof private home” in Chelsea. It seems the royals really do know how to party.

READ NEXT: Meghan Markle’s dance with George Clooney 

AUTHOR: Farah Khalfe