Rhiannon Hendricks
Meghan Markle's wedding dress, designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy, is estimated to have cost between $265,000 and £387,000. The exact amount remains undisclosed, but the dress reportedly required 3,900 hours of design for the veil, eight fittings, and five months of collaboration between the bride and the design team. Markle's dress was a minimalist design, featuring a boat neckline and three-quarter-length sleeves, crafted from double-bonded silk cady with a triple silk organza underskirt. The gown stood out for its simplicity, marking a departure from the usual royal wedding style, and has since become an iconic piece in bridal fashion history.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Designer | Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy |
| Cost | $265,000 or £110,000-£387,000 |
| Fabric | Double-bonded silk cady and triple silk organza |
| Veil | Embroidered with flowers representing the 53 countries of the Commonwealth and the California poppy |
| Style | Minimalist, simple, and without lace, embroidery, or decorations |
| Inspiration | Audrey Hepburn's wedding dress in Funny Face, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's 1996 wedding dress |
| Other | Meghan Markle personally paid for the dress, which took 3,900 hours to design and included eight fittings |
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What You'll Learn
- The designer: Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy
- The cost: $265,000
- The design process: 3,900 hours for the veil, eight fittings, and five months of collaboration
- The dress's inspiration: Audrey Hepburn and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy
- The exhibition: A Royal Wedding: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at Windsor Castle
The designer: Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy
Meghan Markle's wedding dress was designed by Clare Waight Keller under the Givenchy label. Markle's vision diverged from previous royal wedding dresses, such as Kate Middleton's lace wedding dress and Princess Diana's voluminous ball gown. Markle's gown was incredibly simple, without lace, embellishments, or embroidered details. Instead, it was a double-bonded silk gown with a bateau neckline, structured three-quarter sleeves, and a sculpted waistline that fell into a train made of triple silk organza. The dress was inspired by Markle's affinity for Audrey Hepburn, whose iconic dress in the 1957 movie Funny Face inspired the off-the-shoulder neckline. Another source of inspiration was Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, who surprised everyone with the simplicity of her 1996 wedding dress.
Clare Waight Keller, the designer of the dress, is a British-born designer who previously worked as the creative head at Pringle of Scotland and Chloe. She became the first female leader of the French fashion house Givenchy when she joined in 2017. Waight Keller's relationship with the Duchess of Sussex extended beyond the wedding day, as she dressed Markle for other occasions, such as Ascot and the Trooping of the Colour ceremony. The two women have remained close friends, with Markle owning several of Waight Keller's Uniqlo pieces.
The design process for the wedding dress entailed 3,900 hours of work for the veil, eight fittings, and five months of clandestine communication between Waight Keller and Markle. The designer scoured fabric mills across Europe to develop a double-bonded silk cady for a soft matte, yet luminous effect. The dress's silhouette was constructed with six meticulously placed seams, culminating in a majestic 16-foot-long train. The veil, with intricate hand embroidery, was also carefully crafted, featuring the 53 flowers of the Commonwealth countries, as well as flowers representing Kensington Palace and Markle's home state of California.
The choice of designer was significant to Markle, who stated, "I wanted a female designer, that was very important, I wanted a British designer because I wanted to embrace my new home in that way." Waight Keller, as a British designer at a Parisian haute couture house, felt proud of what they had accomplished together. The dress, which cost an estimated $265,000, was paid for by Markle herself.
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The cost: $265,000
Meghan Markle's wedding dress is estimated to have cost $265,000, which the bride paid for herself. The gown was designed by Clare Waight Keller under the Givenchy label. Markle's dress was incredibly simple and did not include lace, embellishments, or embroidered details. The former Suits actress wore a double-bonded silk Givenchy gown, which featured a bateau neckline, structured three-quarter sleeves, and a sculpted waistline that fell into a train made of triple silk organza. The dress was inspired by Markle's affinity for Audrey Hepburn, whose iconic dress from the 1957 movie Funny Face inspired the off-the-shoulder neckline.
The $265,000 price tag of Markle's wedding dress can be attributed to several factors, including the use of high-quality materials, handcrafted details, and bespoke design. The dress was made of premium fabrics such as double-bonded silk cady and triple silk organza, which contributed to the overall cost. The extensive hand-embroidered veil, which featured flowers representing the 53 countries of the Commonwealth and the California poppy, honoring Meghan's home state, required 3,900 hours of work. Additionally, the custom nature of the gown, tailored specifically for Meghan, involved multiple fittings and personalized design elements.
The design process for the dress entailed eight fittings and five months of collaboration between the bride and the design team. Waight Keller scoured fabric mills across Europe to develop the perfect fabric for the gown, resulting in a soft matte, yet gracefully luminous effect. Six meticulously placed seams construct the gown's contoured silhouette, with a majestic 16-foot-long train. The near-off-the-shoulder neckline and three-quarter-length sleeves added a contemporary and progressive touch while still respecting tradition.
Markle's wedding dress stood out for its minimalist design, which departed from the usual royal wedding style. It reflected American fashion, known for its practicality and less adorned aesthetic. The simplicity of the dress surprised many, especially when compared to previous royal looks, such as Princess Kate's long-sleeved lace gown or Princess Diana's voluminous ball gown. Markle's vision aligned with her desire to embrace her new British home while also incorporating her own personal style and influences from American royalty.
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The design process: 3,900 hours for the veil, eight fittings, and five months of collaboration
The design process for Meghan Markle's wedding dress was a collaborative effort that spanned five months and involved the bride, designer Clare Waight Keller of Givenchy, and a dedicated team of experts. The veil, a key element of the ensemble, took an astonishing 3,900 hours to create by hand, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into the overall design.
Markle's vision for her wedding dress was clear from the outset. She wanted a design that reflected her personal style and embraced her new role within the British royal family. In choosing a designer, Markle made a purposeful decision to select a female British designer, ultimately opting for Clare Waight Keller, who was then the artistic director of Givenchy. This choice marked a departure from the traditional choice of designers often selected by royal brides.
The design process involved a series of eight fittings, ensuring that the gown perfectly complemented Markle's silhouette and reflected her unique sense of style. The collaboration between the bride and the design team was a clandestine affair, with discreet communications taking place over several months to perfect every detail. The dress was crafted from luxurious fabrics, including double-bonded silk cady and triple silk organza, resulting in a sleek and minimalist design that stood out from previous royal wedding gowns.
The veil, which took an impressive 3,900 hours to create, was a masterpiece in itself. It featured a lace trim and was embroidered with flowers representing the 53 countries of the Commonwealth, as well as the California poppy, a nod to Markle's home state. The veil's length was also noteworthy, extending to 16 feet or 25 feet, depending on the source, and gracefully trailing behind the bride as she walked down the aisle.
The final result was a testament to the collaborative efforts of all involved. Markle's wedding dress defied traditional royal wedding fashion trends, opting for simplicity and elegance. The gown featured a bateau or boat neckline, structured three-quarter-length sleeves, and a sculpted waistline, creating a timeless and iconic look that has since become a part of bridal fashion history. The design process, with its meticulous attention to detail, skilled craftsmanship, and collaborative spirit, resulted in a wedding ensemble that perfectly captured the spirit of the modern royal bride.
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The dress's inspiration: Audrey Hepburn and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy
Meghan Markle's wedding dress, estimated to cost $265,000, was designed by Clare Waight Keller under the Givenchy label. Markle's gown was simple and elegant, featuring a bateau neckline, three-quarter-length sleeves, and a sculpted waistline that fell into a train made of triple silk organza. The dress was a departure from traditional royal wedding gowns, as it lacked lace, embellishments, or embroidered details.
The design of Meghan Markle's wedding dress was inspired by two iconic women: Audrey Hepburn and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Markle's affinity for Hepburn's timeless and elegant style, particularly the iconic Givenchy dress from the 1957 movie "Funny Face", influenced the off-the-shoulder neckline of her wedding gown. Markle's dress also captured the essence of Hepburn's classic and refined aesthetic, which has endured as a source of inspiration for generations.
Additionally, Markle drew inspiration from Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, whose 1996 wedding to John F. Kennedy Jr. became a landmark moment in bridal fashion. Bessette-Kennedy surprised everyone with the simplicity and sophistication of her chic and minimal wedding ensemble, designed by Narciso Rodriguez. Markle admired Bessette-Kennedy's ability to surprise and captivate with her choice of a sleek and understated gown, a sentiment that resonated with her own vision for her wedding day.
Markle's choice of a sleek and minimal wedding dress, designed by a female British designer, reflected her desire to embrace her new home while also paying tribute to her Californian roots. The dress stood out from traditional royal wedding styles and embodied a blend of Hollywood glamour and American practicality. The gown's pure white sheen, achieved through the use of double-bonded silk cady, evoked a sense of modernity and freshness, capturing the spirit of Markle's new journey as a royal bride.
The influence of Audrey Hepburn and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy on Meghan Markle's wedding dress extended beyond the physical design. It represented a merging of classic elegance and modern sophistication, reflecting Markle's own style and personality. The gown's simplicity and understated beauty became a defining feature, setting a new standard for royal weddings and challenging traditional expectations.
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The exhibition: A Royal Wedding: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at Windsor Castle
From 19 January to 17 February 2019, an exhibition titled "A Royal Wedding: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex" was held at Windsor Castle. The exhibition featured the wedding outfits worn by the couple at their wedding in May 2018. The Duchess of Sussex's wedding dress, designed by Clare Waight Keller under the Givenchy label, was a simple silk gown with a bateau neckline and three-quarter-length sleeves. The dress was estimated to cost around $265,000 and was paid for by the Duchess herself. It required 3,900 hours of design for the veil, eight fittings, and five months of collaboration between the Duchess and the design team.
The exhibition was organised by The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity responsible for the care and conservation of the Royal Collection. The trust also promotes access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans, and educational activities. The display was set in the Grand Reception Room at Windsor Castle, where the Duchess of Sussex's wedding dress was showcased alongside the Duke's frockcoat uniform. Also on display were the outfits worn by Prince George and Princess Charlotte, who were pageboy and bridesmaid at the wedding.
The exhibition provided an immersive experience, allowing visitors to listen to audio clips of Meghan discussing her wedding look. In the clips, she emphasised her desire for a female designer, specifically a British designer, to embrace her new home. The dress's simplicity stood out from previous royal wedding styles, with no lace, embroidery, or decorations. It reflected Meghan's personal style and served as an allegory for the new journey that the Sussexes were embarking on.
The veil, which was held in place by Queen Mary's diamond bandeau tiara, lent a unique and delicate touch to the ensemble. It featured intricate embroidery, including crops of wheat symbolising love and charity, as well as flora representing the Commonwealth and the Duchess's personal favourites. The Duke of Sussex's frockcoat uniform was specially commissioned for the wedding and made by tailors at Dege & Skinner on Savile Row. Overall, the exhibition offered a glimpse into the royal wedding, allowing visitors to admire the stunning outfits and learn about the thoughtful details that made the day so memorable.
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Frequently asked questions
The dress is estimated to have cost between £110,000 and £387,000, or $135,000 to $265,000.
Meghan Markle's wedding dress was designed by Clare Waight Keller under the Givenchy label.
The dress was crafted from double-bonded silk cady, with an underskirt made of triple silk organza.
The dress featured a bateau neckline, structured three-quarter sleeves, and a sculpted waistline that fell into a train made of triple silk organza.
Yes, Meghan Markle personally paid for her wedding dress, following royal tradition.
