Anytime there’s a wedding, the centerpiece is almost always
the dress. So it’s no wonder that people across the world are wondering what
dress Meghan will wear on the big day. Whether she will choose clean lines or a
dramatic design will remain a mystery until May 19th. What we can be sure of
though, is that the dress will be white and there will be plenty of flowers.
Some of the classic details brides continue to use to this
day stemmed from the 19th century and Queen Victoria. When Victoria married
Albert, she chose to wear white in a time period that women typically chose
bright colors. She also wore a tiara made orange blossoms instead of one with
jewels since the blossoms represent fertility. Designs from Elie Saab’s 2019bridal collection showcase lace detailing, full skirts and hair adorned with
blooming flowers.
“I wore a white satin
dress, with a deep flounce of Honiton lace, an imitation of an old design. My
jewels were my Turkish diamond necklace and earrings and dear Albert’s
beautiful sapphire brooch.” –An excerpt from Victoria’s journal
Victoria wore her wedding dress in the painting by Franz
Xaver Winterhalter. It was painted seven years after the wedding, in 1847, as
an anniversary gift to Albert.
Once the Queen walked down the aisle in white
and accessorized in flowering blooms, it wasn’t long for other ladies to take a
cue and create a new tradition. The color choice was quickly embraced as a
symbol of purity and innocence during the ceremony that joined two hearts in
matrimony.
Meghan may channel her love for classic lines and tailoring
and choose a gown inspired by the 1950s. Elizabeth Taylor, both on screen and
in real life, chose designs with a fitted bodice and full skirt. In 1957,
Audrey Hepburn wore a fitted gown with a full skirt, though in a tea cut
length, as a bride in the film Funny Face.
It’s hard to talk about wedding dresses without mentioning
Princess Diana’s iconic gown from 1981. The dress featured a fitted waist, 25 foot train and full sleeves that were reminiscent of the 19th century
leg-o-mutton sleeves and also the 1980s trend of power shoulders and
shoulder pads that would reign throughout the decade.
Carolyn Bessette's choice of dress in her wedding to John
F. Kennedy Jr. in 1996 continues to inspire modern brides. Her straight-line
sheath dress was elegant in its simplicity. Plus, she wore her hair in a
low-key chignon, which is sure to speak to Meghan’s style sensibilities.
Before Meghan, there was of course Kate. Kate Middleton
married Prince William in 2011 while wearing and elegant design from Sarah Burton
of Alexander McQueen. The bodice was covered in lace that acted as sleeves and
a delicate cover up above the sweetheart neckline. The fitted waist blossomed
into full skirt and train. It was the epitome of a modern-day princess with
romance, elegance and a nod to tradition.
Temperley London Bridal 2019
Meghan may take cues from historical brides like Queen
Victoria or Princess Diana, or she may write a new story that’s all her own.
The options are endless.
Gowns from Marchesa are romantic and feminine with tiered
skirts, bits of tulle, fine lace, and flower crowns that Victoria would approve
of.
Though not limited to orange blossoms, Reem Acra showered
his brides with blooms.
Crowns and bouquets are used as natural accents to the
lace and flowing lines of his gowns. Designs range from conservatively
beautiful with high necks and sleeves, to a Greek goddess with plunging
necklines and simple lines reminiscent of tunics dating back to 800 BC.
The ultimate princess gowns can be found in the Zuhair Murad collection. Whether with a full skirt or straight sheath design, the gowns offer plenty of lace, beads and romance.
Though not likely, there is always the possibility that
Meghan may choose to create a new tradition by choosing a gown in a color.
VeraWang could offer plenty of options, with tulle confections in shades of pink,
yellow and beige.
The big reveal is only days away. What style of princess bride do you think Meghan will be?
