Franklin Dean
Princess Elizabeth, later Queen Elizabeth II, saved ration coupons to buy the materials for her wedding dress in 1947, just two years after the end of World War II. The dress was designed by Norman Hartnell and made from ivory silk, duchesse satin, and silver thread. It featured a heart-shaped neckline, long sleeves, a fitted bodice, and a 15-foot train adorned with crystals and 10,000 seed pearls. Elizabeth also received an extra 200 ration coupons from the government and donations of coupons from well-wishers across the UK, although she was unable to use the donated coupons as it was illegal to transfer them between households.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of Person | Princess Elizabeth, later Queen Elizabeth II |
| Year of Wedding | 1947 |
| Wedding Date | 20 November 1947 |
| Wedding Dress Designer | Norman Hartnell |
| Wedding Dress Style | Ivory silk, heart-shaped neckline, fitted bodice, long sleeves, 13-foot-long train, crystals, 10,000 seed pearls, silver thread, wheat, roses, and star-shaped flowers |
| Wedding Dress Cost | Paid with clothing ration coupons |
| Extra Coupons | 200 extra coupons granted by the government |
| Donated Coupons | Received coupons from well-wishers across the UK, which were returned due to transfer restrictions |
| Creation Time | Four months |
| Team Size | 350 women |
Explore related products
$82.99
What You'll Learn
Princess Elizabeth's wedding dress was designed by Norman Hartnell
Hartnell's design for Princess Elizabeth's wedding dress was a duchesse satin gown with a fashionable sweetheart neckline and a full skirt. The dress was embroidered with over 10,000 seed pearls, crystal beads, and silver thread. The design was inspired by Botticelli's Primavera and featured garlands of flowers embroidered in silver thread. It took thousands of white beads, crystal beads, and imported seed pearls to create this masterpiece.
Norman Hartnell's work for the royal family extended beyond Princess Elizabeth's wedding dress. He also designed the Queen's coronation dress, which was just as intricate and detailed as the wedding dress. Hartnell was appointed KCVO during the Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977, recognising his significant contributions to British fashion and his longstanding relationship with the royal family.
Hartnell's designs exemplified mid-century opulence, combining Hollywood glamour with high society elegance. He despised simplicity, favouring intricate and glamorous creations that became synonymous with his name. Hartnell's talent and skill in fashion design earned him international recognition, with clients that included Hollywood stars Vivien Leigh and Marlene Dietrich, as well as prominent figures like Eva Peron and Magda Lupescu.
Princess Elizabeth's choice to commission Norman Hartnell for her wedding dress solidified his association with the royal family. His designs not only dressed the royals but also helped define their aesthetic for decades to come. Hartnell's work for Princess Elizabeth, later Queen Elizabeth II, serves as a timeless testament to his remarkable talent and impact on royal couture.
The Perfect Satin Wedding Dress for Your Big Day
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The dress was made with ration coupons
The wedding dress of Queen Elizabeth II, then Princess Elizabeth, was indeed made with ration coupons. In 1947, just two years after the end of World War II, the future Queen of England, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, married Philip Mountbatten at Westminster Abbey. The country was still recovering from the war, and rationing was in effect for everyone, including the royal family. Princess Elizabeth saved her ration coupons to purchase the material for her wedding dress, and the government granted her 200 extra clothing coupons for the occasion. The dress was designed by Norman Hartnell, who created a stunning ivory silk gown with a heart-shaped neckline, tailored bodice, and a 13-foot-long train. The gown was embellished with crystals and 10,000 seed pearls imported from America. It was a triumph, even in war-torn Britain, and symbolised rebirth and growth after the war.
The story of Princess Elizabeth's wedding dress is a heart-warming one. Touched by the princess's decision to use ration coupons, well-wishers from around the UK sent their own coupons to Elizabeth in the post. Unfortunately, she was unable to use these donated coupons as it was illegal to transfer them between households. Each one was returned to its sender with a note of thanks. This gesture, however, highlights the support and admiration the public had for the young royal.
Norman Hartnell, the chosen designer, was known for his elaborate embroidery and love for soft, floating fabrics. He created a gown with a fitted bodice, long sleeves, and a full skirt. The motifs on the gown were inspired by Botticelli's Renaissance masterpiece Primavera, with wheat, roses, and star-shaped flowers in gold and silver thread symbolising rebirth and growth after the war. The silk for the dress was sourced from China, and the 15-foot star-patterned train was woven in Braintree, Essex. A team of 350 women worked tirelessly for seven weeks to create this exquisite gown.
Princess Elizabeth's wedding dress is a testament to her support for her country during a time of austerity. By using ration coupons to purchase her wedding dress, she showed solidarity with the people of the UK, who were still struggling to recover from the war. This gesture, along with the beauty and symbolism of the dress itself, has made it one of the most famous and beloved royal wedding gowns in history.
How to Enhance Your Wedding Dress with a Bustle
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$36.99
Elizabeth received hundreds of coupons from well-wishers
In 1947, two years after the end of World War II, Princess Elizabeth had to pay for her wedding dress using ration coupons. Elizabeth saved her rationing coupons and was granted 200 extra coupons by the government. However, this was not enough to cover the cost of the dress, so well-wishers from around the UK sent her hundreds of their own coupons through the mail. Each coupon sent to the princess was returned with a note, as it was illegal to transfer them between households.
Elizabeth's wedding dress was designed by Norman Hartnell and made from Chinese silk, duchesse satin, and silver thread. The dress featured a fitted bodice, heart-shaped neckline, long sleeves, and a 13-foot-long train adorned with crystals and 10,000 seed pearls imported from America. The gown's motifs were inspired by Botticelli's Renaissance masterpiece Primavera, with a theme of rebirth and growth after World War II.
Hartnell's signature was elaborate embroidery, and he did not hold back when designing the future Queen's wedding dress. He covered the gown with wheat, roses, and star-shaped flowers in gold and silver thread. The dress was created by a team of 350 women in just four months.
Princess Elizabeth's wedding to Prince Philip served as an escape from post-war austerity in the UK. The British government was still recovering from the Blitz, and rationing was in effect for everyone, including the royal family. Elizabeth's decision to use ration coupons to purchase her wedding dress reflected the post-war budget constraints faced by the country at the time.
Finding Your Dream Wedding Dress in 3 Months
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$98.99 $108.99
The government granted her 200 extra coupons
In 1947, two years after the end of World War II, Princess Elizabeth had to pay for her wedding dress using ration coupons. Elizabeth saved her rationing coupons and was granted 200 extra coupons by the government to buy the materials for her wedding dress. The government's grant was in addition to the coupons she had saved. Elizabeth's wedding dress was designed by Norman Hartnell, who was known for his elaborate embroidery. The dress was made from ivory silk, duchesse satin, and silver thread, and featured a fitted bodice, heart-shaped neckline, long sleeves, and a 15-foot train. The dress was created in just four months by a team of 350 women.
The use of ration coupons to purchase her wedding dress reflected the post-war austerity measures in the United Kingdom at the time. Rationing was still in effect for everyone, including the royal family. Princess Elizabeth's decision to use clothing coupons for her wedding dress demonstrated her adherence to the post-War budget constraints.
In addition to saving her own coupons and receiving the government grant, Princess Elizabeth also received hundreds of clothing coupons from well-wishers and brides-to-be from around the country. However, she had to return these donated coupons as it was illegal to transfer them between households. Despite this, the gesture highlighted the support and admiration of the British people for the young royal.
The wedding dress of Princess Elizabeth, who later became Queen Elizabeth II, holds a significant place in the history of the United Kingdom. The use of ration coupons to purchase the dress symbolised the country's recovery and growth after the Second World War. The dress itself, with its intricate design and use of luxurious materials, served as a moment of celebration and escape from the post-war austerity.
Short Dresses at Turkish Weddings: What's the Verdict?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The dress was made from Chinese silk
Princess Elizabeth's wedding dress was made from Chinese silk. The dress was designed by Norman Hartnell, who dreamt up a heart-shaped neckline and a full skirt. Hartnell described the dress as "the most beautiful dress I ever made". The silk used for the dress was ivory in colour and was decorated with 10,000 seed pearls, imported from the United States. The dress also featured a 15-foot train, said to be inspired by Botticelli's c. 1482 painting of Primavera. The painting's elaborate embroidery motifs of scattered flowers were reflected in the dress's rich satin fabric and tulle veil.
The choice of Chinese silk was likely influenced by the fact that the wedding took place just two years after World War II. Silk from Japan or Italy may have been avoided due to the recent conflict. Princess Elizabeth, like everyone else in the country, was subject to wartime rationing and had to use clothing coupons to purchase her wedding dress. She saved up coupons and was granted an additional 200 by the government. Despite the careful choice of silk, the fabric deteriorated over time due to the weight of the embroidery.
Dress Pants at Weddings: Are They Okay for Women?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, in 1947, two years after the end of World War II, Princess Elizabeth used clothing coupons to purchase the material for her wedding dress. She also received 200 extra coupons from the government.
Yes, Princess Elizabeth received hundreds of clothing coupons from brides-to-be and well-wishers from around the UK. However, she had to return them as it was illegal to transfer coupons between households.
Princess Elizabeth's wedding dress was designed by Norman Hartnell. The dress was made from Chinese silk, with a high neckline, tailored bodice, and a short train. It was embroidered with crystals and 10,000 seed pearls imported from America.
