When Michael Douglas married Welsh actress Catherine Zeta-Jones in 2000, their lavish wedding at New York's Plaza Hotel was called a royal affair by North America's media.

Now David Beahm, the celebrity event planner behind their wedding, which reportedly cost US$3 million, is eyeing the upcoming nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton with eagerness and a little envy.

"These two young people have such warm personalities and such wonderful stories to tell on their wedding day. I just wish I could be there telling it with them," Beahm told CTV.ca during a recent interview from New York.

Like millions of royal watchers, Beahm still remembers Diana Spencer's spectacular march down the aisle of St. Paul's Cathedral on July 29, 1981.

More than 750 million people around the world watched the 20-year-old Diana marry Charles, Prince of Wales.

"Those images were burnt into my memory forever," said Beahm.

"I'm hoping that Kate and her handsome prince will give me even more memories to cherish as their wedding day unfolds."

Known for his opulent use of flowers, colours and spectacular design elements, Beahm knows what he would like to see when the 28-year-old prince and Middleton, 29, wed on April 29 at Westminster Abbey.

"In years past, royal weddings were dictated affairs. They left no real room for individual expression. But I think this would be a wonderful opportunity to set a new royal tone," said Beahm.

"If William and Kate had hired me I would have spent a lot time reminding them that his is their wedding day," said the New York-based style guru.

"I do believe that royal traditions should be respected. But I also believe this is their moment to break out of the royal mold and be themselves."

Fashion picks will set the tone

According to Beahm, a wealth of luxuriant bouquets and the repetition of geometric forms might be one way the young couple shakes things up at Westminster Abbey and at their reception.

"I've always believed that wedding flowers should be joyous and full of splendour," said Beahm.

"I realize that William and Kate might have to be a little careful going for such opulence given the world's political and economic situation. But this is a royal wedding. I just want them to cut loose that day with a style full of refined exuberance."

Beahm would have also encouraged Middleton to incorporate some colour into 2011's wedding of the year.

"I know everyone is expecting a white wedding. But Kate wears colour so well," said Beahm.

"She could easily incorporate colour beautifully into her wedding dress and into the church and flowers without rolling too many eyes."

At the very least, this exchange of vows between the beautiful commoner and the prince will inspire countless style trends around the globe.

"Whatever William and Kate wear, their fashion picks will set the tone for a long time," said Beahm.

"I guarantee that hats and milliners will be popping up all over North America. We'll see brides around the world copying everything that Kate Middleton wears, right down to the tiniest detail," he said.

These historic nuptials could also send one clear message to modern royal watchers.

"The style rules have changed," said Beahm.

"I will always bow to tradition. But I also like to poke my finger in its eye. I have a feeling that Will and Kate might feel the same way."