The Royal Wedding in London on Friday 29th April 2011 proved that not only can us Brits put on a display like no other, but that we sure know how to dress for a wedding.
Everyone knows the bride is the centre of attention on her wedding day, and Kate was no exception, with her beautiful dress drawing gasps from the billions of people watching worldwide. The perfect mix of timeless, stylish and chic, the dress didn't fail to disappoint viewers after months of speculation about what Kate would wear for her big day.
Everyone knows the bride is the centre of attention on her wedding day, and Kate was no exception, with her beautiful dress drawing gasps from the billions of people watching worldwide. The perfect mix of timeless, stylish and chic, the dress didn't fail to disappoint viewers after months of speculation about what Kate would wear for her big day.
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| Arriving at Westminster Abbey |
Custom designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen, the dress was rumoured to cost around £250,000. With it's sweetheart neckline, Victorian corsetry and ivory and white satin gazar, the intricate detailing and the subtle but flattering shaping of the dress was reminiscent of wedding dresses worn by Grace Kelly and Princess Margaret.
The lace applique for the bodice and skirt, created by The Royal School of Needlework, undoubtedly took hours of hard work to complete and the results were simply stunning. As the 2.5 metre train trailed behind her, Kate entered the Abbey looking every inch the Princess she was about to become.
Following closely behind, Pippa Middleton, the chief bridesmaid, wore an equally stunning but simpler dress, also by McQueen.
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| Pippa Middleton in McQueen |
The dress hung just right on Pippa's slender frame, with silk covered button detailing on the back and an elegant cowl neck showing just the right amount of skin. Her appearance was fitting for a chief bridesmaid- she looked beautiful yet didn't overshadow the bride-to-be.
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| Carole Middleton (left) and the Duchess of Cornwall |
The mothers of both the bride and groom also pitched their outfits perfectly. In a sky blue ensemble by Catherine Walker and a Jane Corbett hat, Carole Middleton did her daughter proud by nailing the mother of the bride look in a smart, dignified outfit. The Duchess of Cornwall proved that sticking to what you know suits you is always best, as she presented herself in an elegantly embellished dress coat by Anna Valentine in a peach shade that matched her complexion perfectly.
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| David and Victoria Beckham |
The Beckhams once again proved themselves to be an enviably stylish couple. David chose a smart Ralph Lauren morning suit, and heavily pregnant Victoria wore a plain dress of her own design, choosing instead to say it with shoes by wearing a six inch pair of Christian Louboutin 'Daffodile' court shoes.
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| Tara Palrmer-Tomkinson shows how colour blocking can go wrong |
Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, on the other hand, took colour blocking a step too far in her electric blue ensemble, complete with matching shoes, gloves, hat, bag... Too much!
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| Chelsy Davy in Alberta Ferreti |
Whilst in separate parts Chelsy's outfit by Alberta Ferreti wasn't terrible, altogether the oufit was too short and too tight for royal wedding standards. Accessorised with a hat by Victoria Grant and shoes by Jimmy Choo, the poorly-fitting outfit couldn't be saved.
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| Princess Eugenie (left) and Princess Mathilde of Belgium |
It seems Princess Mathilde didn't get the memo about not dressing as a sweet wrapper to the royal wedding. The Giorgio Armani outfit was too shiny, too bright and too frumpy. Princess Eugenie was also guilty of missing the mark in a Vivienne Westwood Couture creation which appeared a little on the tight side. Her Philip Treacy hat was reminiscent of a pirate ship with feathers tucked into the brim, not to mention it was a distinctly different shade of blue from her dress.
Last but not least I give you...
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| Princess Eugenie leaving the ceremony |
Now, I actually quite like Princess Beatrice's blush Valentine dress coat. The colour suits her, the detailing around the neckline is pretty and the length is demure. But I have to ask, WHAT THE HELL is she wearing on her head? The hat, by Philip Treacy, stuck out like a sore thumb not only as she walked to and from the Abbey, but during the ceremony where its awkwardly striking shape kept appearing in the background. It's the perfect example of a wedding outfit ruined by a badly chosen headpiece.