Rhiannon Hendricks
Kate Middleton's wedding dress is one of the most iconic gowns in history. The dress, designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, featured handmade lace, 58 gazar and organza buttons, and an almost 9-foot train. It is believed to have cost £250,000, or $434,000, with the bill being footed by Middleton's parents. The gown was so popular that it went on display at Buckingham Palace from July until October 2011, attracting over 600,000 people.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Designer | Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen |
| Cost | £250,000 ($434,000) |
| Fabric | Lace and organza |
| Details | Handmade lace, 58 gazar and organza buttons, a nearly 9-foot train, and a silk tulle underskirt trimmed with lace |
| Jewellery | Robinson Pelham earrings designed to look like the Middleton family's coat of arms |
| Bouquet | Hyacinth flowers, Lily-of-the-valley, Myrtle, and sweet William |
| Second gown | Satin A-line skirt and a sweetheart neckline, accessorised with a cream cardigan |
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What You'll Learn
Kate Middleton's wedding dress designer
Kate Middleton's wedding dress was designed by Sarah Burton, the creative director of Alexander McQueen. The dress featured handmade lace, 58 gazar and organza buttons, and a nearly 9-foot train. The lace design included roses, thistles, daffodils, and shamrocks, representing the national flowers of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, respectively.
The dress was widely anticipated and generated much comment in the media. Fashion experts noted that the design was largely traditional and inspired by dresses from the 1950s, with references to Grace Kelly and Queen Elizabeth's dresses. The dress was also noted for its symbolism, with hidden details requested by the Princess of Wales and special nods to her family, her new husband, and her late grandmother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II.
The dress is believed to have cost around £250,000, paid for by the bride's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton. The choice of designer and style was kept a closely guarded secret in the months leading up to the wedding, with Burton's name only officially revealed on the morning of the wedding.
The dress has since been displayed at Buckingham Palace and has been the subject of much fascination and speculation, with replicas being produced and sold. It is considered one of the most memorable royal wedding looks of all time and has influenced bridal style in the years since.
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The dress's intricate details
The wedding dress of Catherine Middleton, now known as the Princess of Wales, was designed by Sarah Burton, the creative director of Alexander McQueen. The dress featured handmade lace created by the Royal School of Needlework, with floral motifs cut out of lengths of machine-made lace and stitched to machine net. The lace was produced by three companies: Sophie Hallette and Solstiss in France, and the Cluny Lace Company in the UK. The majority of the dress was made using Solstiss lace, specifically the skirt and train. The lace bodice echoed that worn by Grace Kelly for her marriage to Rainier III, Prince of Monaco, in 1956.
The dress featured a number of hidden details requested by the Princess, as well as special nods to the Middletons, her new husband, and her late grandmother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II. The lace design included images of roses, thistles, daffodils, and shamrocks, which were placed on both the bodice and skirt. The skirt was designed to echo an opening flower, with white satin gazar arches and pleats that pooled into a train measuring almost nine feet long. The dress also featured 58 gazar and organza buttons.
The level of secrecy surrounding the creation of the gown was notable, with embroiderer Amanda Ewing commenting on the tight security measures in place. The dress was not formally announced until the bride arrived at Westminster Abbey just before the service. Replicas of the dress were produced and sold, and the original dress was on display at Buckingham Palace from 23 July 2011 until 3 October 2011.
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The cost in today's money
Kate Middleton's wedding dress, designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, is considered one of the most expensive royal wedding dresses of all time. The dress, which featured handmade lace, 58 gazar and organza buttons, and an almost 9-foot train, is believed to have cost her parents £250,000, which is equivalent to approximately $434,000.
In today's money, the dress would likely cost even more, with some sources estimating that it would exceed $500,000. While the exact cost of the dress is not known, it is clear that it was a significant expense and a true investment piece. When adjusted for inflation, the dress's original price tag of £250,000 in 2011 would be equivalent to approximately £321,000 in 2024, or $395,000.
Considering the intricate details and luxurious materials used in the dress's construction, it is safe to assume that the cost of replicating the gown in today's market would far exceed the original price. The delicate lacework, intricate embroidery, and detailed buttonwork would all contribute to a higher price tag. Additionally, the inclusion of a nearly 9-foot train would add to the overall cost, as it requires more material and intricate construction.
It is worth noting that the value of the dress extends beyond its monetary cost. The gown has become one of the most iconic in history, with people travelling from all over to view it during its display at Buckingham Palace in 2011. The exhibit broke attendance records, attracting over 600,000 visitors, which further emphasises the dress's cultural significance and impact.
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The cost of the second gown
Kate Middleton's wedding dress is considered one of the most expensive royal wedding dresses of all time. The dress, designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, cost a whopping $434,000.
Kate's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, footed the bill for the dress, which featured handmade lace, 58 gazar and organza buttons, and a nearly 9-foot train. The dress also included special nods to the Middletons, her new husband, and her late grandmother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II.
After the wedding ceremony, Kate changed into a second gown, also designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. The second gown featured a satin A-line skirt and a sweetheart neckline, which Kate accessorized with a cream cardigan.
While the cost of the second gown is not publicly known, it is estimated that the entire wedding cost approximately £250,000, with the dress taking up a significant portion of the budget. Given the likely high cost of the first dress, it is reasonable to assume that the second gown was also quite expensive.
The second gown offered a more comfortable option for Kate to wear during the reception, allowing her to relax and enjoy the festivities with her new husband and guests.
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The cost of displaying the dress
The cost of displaying Kate Middleton's wedding dress is unknown. However, there are some associated costs that can be estimated. For instance, the dress was on display at Buckingham Palace from July until October 2011, with tickets costing £17.50 each. Over 600,000 people viewed the dress, breaking attendance records.
The display of the dress was controversial. The late Queen Elizabeth II, who was one of the attendees, described the exhibition as "horrible" and "horrid". In contrast, Kate Middleton commented that the 12 spotlights created a "3D effect".
Following the exhibition, the dress was reportedly placed into storage to preserve its delicate fabric. The decision to store the dress was made in consultation with the Duchess of Cambridge and curatorial experts.
The cost of storing the dress is unknown, but it is likely to be significant. Preserving delicate fabrics requires controlled environmental conditions, such as temperature- and humidity-controlled rooms, which can be expensive to maintain. Additionally, the dress may require regular conservation and restoration treatments to prevent deterioration, further adding to the overall cost of its display and preservation.
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Frequently asked questions
Kate Middleton's wedding dress is believed to have cost around £250,000.
The dress was designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.
The dress was made of lace and organza and featured a nearly 9-foot train.
The dress was on display at Buckingham Palace from July until October 2011. After the exhibition, it was put into storage to preserve its lifespan.
