I think the loopy hats are a hoot - probably the only time the girls can poke fun at all of the stuffiness. I attended a Garden Party at Clarence House once, and we were given a book on how we were to behave, dress, curtsy and even what to wear. They no doubt thought that we 'Colonials' would not know how to behave....(There were a few who deliberately didn't wear ties to that one, either).
I enjoyed watching the wedding as everyone appeared much more relaxed than they were in previous times.