Meghan Markle’s wedding dress, a contemporary yet timeless style by the acclaimed British designer, Clare Waight Keller, is arguably the simplest and most stylish royal bridal gown ever. Discover the beauty of the royal bridal gown, veil and tiara, and find out where to steal her style if you’re currently choosing your wedding dress.
Meghan Markle’s Wedding Dress
The royal bridal gown was crafted from the finest silk cady, a precious three-ply silken fabric that is superior to the more widely known duchess satin. Unembellished and with a soft matte lustre, the gown featured an elegant bateau neckline, three-quarter length sleeves and a gentle A-line skirt with underskirts made of triple silk organza. The high neckline, floor-length skirt and long sleeves all give the gown a fitting regal air of dignity and grace.
Veil and Tiara
The royal bridal gown was accessorised with Queen Mary’s diamond bandeau tiara, made in 1932, featuring a central brooch dating from 1893. It was lent to Ms. Markle by The Queen for the royal wedding. The tiara held in place the incredible 5-metre long veil made from antique lace featuring the distinctive flora of each of the 53 countries in the Commonwealth, all united in one spectacular floral composition.
Royal Wedding Dress Designer
British designer, Clare Waight Keller, notably the first female Artistic Director of the French fashion house of Givenchy, designed the gown with input from the Duchess of Sussex.
Sketches of Meghan Markle’s wedding dress were released by Kensington Palace with the caption: ‘The Duchess and Ms. Waight Keller worked closely together on the design, epitomising a timeless minimal elegance referencing the codes of the iconic House of Givenchy.’
The Official Royal Wedding Photo
In the official royal wedding photos, released by Kensington Palace, we can see the happy newlyweds surrounded by their page boys and flower girls. Meghan Markle’s wedding dress appears modern, minimalist and comfortable as she sits on the floor, something she would not have been able to do in a gown with a more structured or corsetted-style bodice. After the ceremony, the Duchess of Sussex changed into a second dress, a sleeveless, long halterneck gown by Stella McCartney.
Meghan Markle’s Wedding Dress: Steal Her Style
The royal wedding dress is a classic design with a stylish simplicity, markedly different from the gown worn by Princess Diana in 1980, when fashion was larger than life. If you love the plain lines and demure neckline of the royal gown and would like to wear a dress with that same classic look, here are some of our favourite similar designs by top bridal designers and other variations on the theme.
Style 8396 by Justin Alexander
Meghan Markle’s wedding dress style is seen in this design from the Autumn/Winter collection by Justin Alexander. The distinctive bateau neckline, long sleeves and chic simplicity of the silhouette make it very similar to the royal wedding dress, albeit with more of a mermaid or fishtail skirt than an A-line. Where it differs is in the amazing back detailing that is in sharp contrast to the absence of any embellishment to the front of the gown.
Orchidea by Pronovias
A mermaid wedding dress, with a bateau neckline and long sleeves, has a similar silhouette but where it differs is that it’s made from beautiful Chantilly lace, crepe, guipure and tulle. The delicate lace, lovely floral motifs, gives this elegant wedding dress a slightly different feel to the royal gown but with the overal look being very similar.
Style 2105 by Mikaella Bridal
A crêpe bridal gown with a bateau neckline, long sleeves and a fit and flare skirt. Featuring a removable crêpe belt with beaded appliqué and covered buttons down centre back of the skirt, right down to the hem. This is another lovely alternative that is still in keeping with the royal wedding dress in its simple lines and bateau neckline.
Dylan by Clara Rosa
A simple draped crepe gown with a bateau neckline, a distinctive low V-back and long sleeves. The gown has no added embellishment except plain covered buttons to the sleeves. There is no structural internal shaping to this dress but the bateau neckline is in keeping with the royal bridal gown and the simple lines are beautifully reminiscent of Meghan Markle’s wedding dress.
Olalde by Pronovias
A stunning sleeveless variation on Meghan Markle’s wedding dress, this mermaid gown in crepe features the bateau neckline and gemstone motif embellishments to the straps so the overal silhouette and simplicity is very similar but with added sparkle.
Whatever style of bridal gown you are looking for, from ballgown to fishtail, we’ll show you how to choose the right dress for your body shape. For more wedding inspiration please visit Bridalwear and Fashion.
