Rhiannon Hendricks
Meghan Markle's wedding dress, designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy, is estimated to have cost $265,000. The Duchess of Sussex's gown was one of the most anticipated elements of her wedding to Prince Harry on May 19, 2018, which drew in over 2 billion viewers worldwide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | $265,000 |
| Designer | Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy |
| Fabric | Double-bonded silk cady |
| Design time | 3,900 hours |
| Fittings | 8 |
| Design collaboration | 5 months |
| Inspiration | Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's wedding dress |
| Neckline | Boat-neck, off-the-shoulder, bateau |
| Sleeves | Three-quarter-length |
| Train | 16-foot-long |
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What You'll Learn
Meghan Markle's wedding dress cost
Meghan Markle's wedding dress, designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy, reportedly cost $265,000. Markle herself paid for the dress, which took 3,900 hours to design and included eight fittings. The design process involved five months of collaboration between the Duchess of Sussex and the design team. The dress featured a pure white sheen, a bateau neckline, three-quarter-length sleeves, and a 16-foot-long train. The silk cady fabric was sourced from fabric mills across Europe, creating a soft matte yet luminous effect.
The dress was inspired by Markle's admiration for Audrey Hepburn, specifically the iconic off-the-shoulder neckline of the dress worn by Hepburn in the 1957 film Funny Face. Markle's dress also drew inspiration from Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's simple and surprising wedding dress in 1996. Markle's minimalist and contemporary design stood out from traditional royal wedding styles, reflecting her personal style and American fashion sensibilities.
For the wedding reception, Markle changed into a second wedding dress, a silk crepe halter dress designed by Stella McCartney. This choice continued the theme of supporting British designers. The designer, McCartney, expressed her honour and pride in being chosen by the Duchess of Sussex to create the evening gown.
The cost of Meghan Markle's wedding dress sparked comparisons with other royal wedding gowns. Markle's dress was significantly more expensive than Kate Middleton's $434,000 Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen gown. However, Queen Letizia of Spain's wedding dress holds the record for the most expensive royal wedding gown in history.
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The designer
Meghan Markle's wedding dress was designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy. The dress was simple and sleek, with a boat neckline and three-quarter-length sleeves. It was a departure from the usual royal wedding style, with no lace, embroidery, or other decorations. The pure white colour and contemporary design evoked a sense of modernity and freshness.
Waight Keller collaborated closely with Markle on the design, which took five months of clandestine communication, eight fittings, and 3,900 hours of work on the veil alone. The designer scoured fabric mills across Europe to develop a double-bonded silk cady fabric with a soft matte, yet luminous effect. The gown's contoured silhouette was constructed with six meticulously placed seams, culminating in a 16-foot-long train.
Markle's choice of designer was highly anticipated, with speculation about whether she would choose a US designer as a nod to her California roots or select the same designer as Kate Middleton, Sarah Burton. Ultimately, Markle opted for a contemporary fashion house and uplifted a British woman designer. Waight Keller, who was the first woman artistic director of Givenchy, described the experience as "one of the most humbling moments of [her] career".
For her wedding reception, Markle wore a second dress designed by Stella McCartney. The silk crepe gown featured a halter neckline and was described by the designer as "an honour" and "a stunning sunny royal day".
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The design process
Meghan Markle's wedding dress was designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy. The dress reportedly cost $265,000 and was paid for by the former Suits star herself. The design process was a collaborative effort between Markle and the design team, taking five months and requiring eight fittings.
Markle's vision for her wedding dress was inspired by her affinity for Audrey Hepburn, specifically the iconic gown designed by Hubert de Givenchy in the 1957 movie Funny Face. The off-the-shoulder neckline and bateau style of Hepburn's dress influenced the open neckline and neat, rounded shoulders of Markle's gown. The design also drew inspiration from Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's simple and surprising wedding dress from 1996, reflecting Markle's desire for a minimalist aesthetic.
To achieve the desired pure white sheen that evoked modernity, Waight Keller scoured fabric mills across Europe. She ultimately developed a double-bonded silk cady fabric that created a soft matte yet luminous effect. The gown's contoured silhouette was constructed with six meticulously placed seams, culminating in a majestic 16-foot-long train. This was intensified with a triple-silk organza underskirt.
The wedding dress featured a near-off-the-shoulder neckline and three-quarter-length sleeves, a style that felt contemporary and progressive while still respecting tradition. The design process also included 3,900 hours of work on the veil, adding to the overall cost and intricate craftsmanship of the ensemble.
For her wedding reception, Markle changed into a second dress, a silk crepe halter dress designed by Stella McCartney. This choice continued the theme of British design and contemporary fashion houses, marking a departure from traditional royal wedding styles.
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Who paid for it
Meghan Markle's wedding dress was reportedly estimated to cost $265,000. The bride paid for the dress herself. The dress was designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy. The design process for the dress took five months of clandestine communication, 3,900 hours of work on the veil, and eight fittings. The dress was made of double-bonded silk cady with a soft matte but luminous effect. It featured a boat neckline, three-quarter-length sleeves, and a 16-foot-long train. The dress was described as simple, sleek, and minimalist, marking a departure from traditional royal wedding styles.
For the wedding reception, Markle changed into a second wedding dress, a silk crepe halter dress designed by Stella McCartney.
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How it compared to other royal wedding dresses
Meghan Markle's wedding dress, designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy, was estimated to cost $265,000. The dress was paid for by the Duchess of Sussex herself and featured a pure white sheen, an off-the-shoulder neckline, and three-quarter-length sleeves. The design was a departure from traditional royal wedding gowns, which often feature intricate beading, embroidery, and delicate lace.
In comparison, Kate Middleton's wedding dress, designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, featured long lace sleeves and a more traditional silhouette. Princess Diana's wedding dress, designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, was a voluminous ball gown with volume and ruffles. Both of these dresses embodied the lush, luxurious style often associated with royal wedding dresses.
Markle's dress was also unique in that it was designed by a British woman. This was a nod to her new home in the United Kingdom, as well as a departure from the usual royal wedding style. The minimalist design was influenced by American fashion, which tends to be more practical and less adorned.
While the cost of Markle's dress was significant, it is unknown how it compared to other royal wedding dresses in terms of expense. However, it is safe to assume that royal wedding dresses are generally very expensive, given the high-quality materials and intricate craftsmanship involved. For example, royal-inspired wedding dresses often feature jewel-encrusted corsets, voluminous ball gowns, and long trains. The fabrics used are usually luxurious and elegant, such as double-bonded silk cady or triple-silk organza.
Overall, Meghan Markle's wedding dress stood out for its simplicity, modernity, and departure from traditional royal wedding styles. It represented a blend of Hollywood glamour and American royalty, with a nod to the classic designs of Audrey Hepburn and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.
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Frequently asked questions
Meghan Markle's wedding dress is estimated to have cost $265,000.
Meghan Markle's wedding dress was designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy.
Meghan Markle paid for her wedding dress herself.
