We all love a fairy tale wedding, and nothing says fairy tale like a royal wedding especially when it comes to the wedding gown! From Kate Middleton’s gorgeous lace dress to Princess Diana’s fabulous 25-foot train, these classic royal weddings have inspired many wedding fashion trends. Let’s take a look back on the most iconic royal wedding dresses of all time.
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Princess Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth was married soon after the Second World War, and as such her dress was made from fabrics bought using ration coupons. The government however, did grant her an extra 200 coupons to pay for the dress. Designed by Norman Hartness, the dress was made of soft white satin, heavily embroidered and embellished with 10,000 seed pearls.
Image via: The Imperial Court Tumblr
Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon
Princess Margaret’s wedding was the first televised royal wedding, and her dress has become a true classic. Also designed by court designer Norman Hartnell, Margaret’s wedding dress is very different from her older sister Queen Elizabeth. Created from silk organza and comprised of 30 meters of fabric for the skirt alone, the dress was perfectly tailored to Margaret’s petite frame.
Image via : Order of Splendour
Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco
Truly one of the most iconic wedding dresses in history, this gorgeous high-collared dress was designed by Helen Rose, a costume designer at MGM studios. It features fine lace fitted bodice and silk billowing skirt, accented with a wide belt-like sash across her waist. Rumour has it that Kate Middleton’s wedding dress was inspired by this amazing gown.
Image via: The Telegraph
Lady Diana, Princess of Wales
One of the grandest wedding dresses in royal history, Princess Diana’s dress was the epitome of 80’s wedding fashion trends. Made from ivory silk taffeta and antique hand-made lace, which belonged to Queen Mary, it featured a 25-foot train. It was designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel and featured iconic puffed sleeves and full skirt.
Image via: Daily Mail
Marie-Chantal Miller, Princess of Greece
British-born Marie-Chantal wore an immaculate pearl-encrusted ivory silk wedding dress designed by none other than the Valentino Garavani. The dress featured a tulip shaped front and 15 foot Chantilly lace train. Plus it took 25 people to make, took four months to construct, and had 12 different types of lace. Her dress was thought to inspire Nicky Hilton’s gorgeous gown.
Image via: The Royal Post
Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano, Queen of Spain
TV journalist Letizia Ortiz, now Queen of Spain wore a stunning long-sleeved dress by Spanish designer Manuel Pertegaz. The dress was quintessentially royal with a modern twist, having a deep v cut with high collar. Letizia paired this with a 15-foot train and luxurious silk veil.
Image via: Pop Sugar
Mary Donaldson, Princess of Denmark
Our very own Australian-born princess, Mary wore an ivory duchess satin gown, lined with silk organza. Designed by Uffe Frank the dress has one of the most spectacular scooped necklines, accentuating her slim frame and collarbones. Mary reportedly had her late mother’s wedding ring sewn into the dress.
Image via: The Telegraph
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge
Kate Middleton’s gorgeous gown has become a modern classic. Designed by Sarah Burton, creative director of Alexander McQueen the dress embodies tradition. The dress is padded slightly at the hips and narrowed at the waist thought to be inspired by Victorian corsetry. Absolutely gorgeous!
Image via: Time Magazine
Claire Margareta Lademacher, Princess of Luxembourg
Designed by the oh-so-fabulous Elie Saab, Princess Claire’s stunning wedding gown was picture perfect. The ivory silk dress was intricately embroidered with Chantilly lace floral motifs and silver thread. It also featured a long flowing train and neo baroque floral detail on the silk tulle veil.
Image via: Hello Magazine
Stéphanie, Hereditary Grand Duchess of Luxembourg
Another Elie Saab creation, Stéphanie wedding dress was perfectly fit for a grand duchess. In true Elie Saab style, the dress was embroidered by a team of 15 people, had 50 meters of Chantilly lace, 40 meters of Calais lace, 30 meters of satin organza, 70 meters of tulle and an extra 15 meters of silk tulle for the veil. It also features 200 pieces of transparent glitter and a countless number of crystals and beads.
image via: Daily Mail
Caroline, Princess of Hanover
Princess Caroline’s unconventional take on a royal wedding dress was truly unique. Her first marriage to Philippe Junot was a lavish affair. She opted for a 70s style bohemian wedding dress and swapped out a glittering tiara for a flower crown, and so the trend began.
Image via: Hello Magazine
Queen Soraya of Iran
In true royal form, this regal wedding gown was designed by master courturier Christian Dior. It was made from silver lamé and studded with pearls, 6000 diamonds pieces, and 20,000 marabou feathers; and it weighed a massive 20 kilograms!
Image via: Order of Splendour
Wallis Warfield, Duchess of Windsor
Wallis, an American socialite who caused a constitutional crisis in the United Kingdom, wed Prince Edward Duke of Windsor after he abdicated his throne to marry her. Known for her iconic fashion-forward looks, her wedding dress has continued to inspire the modern bride for years. Created by Mainbocher, her silk crepe wedding dress, featured a nipped waist, sleek skirt, and high collar. The best part? It was created in “Wallis Blue” a soft blue shade to match her eyes. How fabulous!
Image via: Jewels Du Jour
Fairies, which dress do you think is the most iconic? Let us know.
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