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Meghan Markle's wedding dress, designed by Givenchy's then-creative director, Clare Waight Keller, is reported to have cost between $236,000 and $265,000. Markle, a successful actress, paid for the dress herself, unlike Kate Middleton, whose £250,000 wedding dress was paid for by her parents. Markle's wedding to Prince Harry in 2018 is estimated to have cost $42.8 million, with the dress alone costing more than Kate Middleton's.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Designer of the wedding dress | Clare Waight Keller of Givenchy |
| Cost of the wedding dress | $265,000 according to Vanity Fair; £387,000 according to one source; £110,000 according to two sources; $236,000 according to Vanity Fair |
| Who paid for the dress | Meghan Markle paid for it herself |
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What You'll Learn
Meghan Markle paid for her own wedding dress
Meghan Markle's wedding dress was designed by Clare Waight Keller, the first female artistic director of French fashion house Givenchy. Markle explained that she was drawn to the gown for its "'elegant aesthetic" and "relaxed demeanour". The dress was made from double-bonded silk cady and featured a classic boat neckline. It is estimated to have cost £110,000, and Markle paid for it herself.
The Duchess of Sussex had been funding her wardrobe since her engagement to Prince Harry and was expected to pay for her wedding dress. As a successful Hollywood actress, she certainly had the means to do so. Markle's wedding attire, including the dress and veil, is estimated to have cost $236,000 according to Vanity Fair. Other sources put the cost of the dress alone at around $265,000.
The veil was sixteen feet long and took 500 hours to embroider. Markle's choice to pay for her own dress is seen as an act of empowerment, especially when compared to Kate Middleton, whose £250,000 wedding dress was paid for by her parents. Markle's decision aligns with her identity as a feminist and a wealthy, independent woman.
The total cost of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's wedding is estimated to have been $42.8 million, with about £32 million covered by the Royal Family. Markle's wedding dress, though expensive, was still cheaper than Princess Diana's and Kate Middleton's.
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The dress cost £110,000
Royal weddings are never going to come cheap, and Meghan Markle's wedding dress was no exception. The Duchess of Sussex wore a pure white dress designed by Givenchy's then-creative director, Clare Waight Keller. The dress was made from double-bonded silk cady, with an underskirt in triple silk organza, and featured clean lines, three-quarter-length sleeves, and a boat neckline. It is estimated to have cost £110,000, though some estimates put it as high as $500,000.
The bride usually pays for her dress at royal weddings, and Meghan was no exception. The royal family offered to pick up the bill, but Meghan decided to foot some of the costs herself. She was an independently wealthy actress before marrying Prince Harry, with a net worth of around $5 million.
The cost of the dress is significantly higher than the average wedding dress. In the US, for example, the average bride spends $1,564 on her bridal gown. Meghan's dress was also more expensive than Kate Middleton's, which cost £250,000. However, it was less than Princess Diana's wedding dress, which was estimated to cost $115,000.
The high cost of Meghan's dress can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the fabric used was of the highest quality. The triple silk organza underskirt, in particular, drove up the price. Additionally, the unique design and countless dress fittings would have contributed to the final cost. Finally, the dress was made by a top designer, which always comes with a high price tag.
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It was designed by Clare Waight Keller
Meghan Markle's wedding dress was designed by Clare Waight Keller, the first female artistic director of French fashion house Givenchy. Markle's pure white dress was made from silk and featured a classic boat neckline. It was structured with clean lines and three-quarter-length sleeves, accented by a 16-foot cathedral-length veil and the Queen Mary Diamond Bandeau tiara.
Waight Keller's relationship with the Duchess of Sussex extended beyond the wedding day. She dressed Markle for Ascot, the trooping of the colour ceremony, and Remembrance Sunday. The Duchess presented Waight Keller with the British Designer of the Year award in 2018 while wearing one of her Givenchy designs.
Waight Keller said of the dress:
> A wedding dress is one of the most exquisite and beautiful moments for a designer, but also personally as a woman artist, creator there is a lot of sensitivity that flows through the process from the knowledge and understanding of the feelings that you have as a bride.
The designer also shared that being part of Meghan's wedding to Harry in such an integral way "will truly be the most memorable moment" in her career.
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The veil took 3,900 hours to embroider
The wedding dress of Meghan Markle, now the Duchess of Sussex, has gone down in history as one of her most iconic style moments. The dress was designed by Givenchy's then-creative director, Clare Waight Keller, and featured clean lines, three-quarter-length sleeves, and a pure white silk construction with a boat neckline. The dress was estimated to have cost around $265,000, with the entire ensemble, including the veil and tiara, valued at £387,000.
The veil, in particular, was a stunning 16-foot cathedral veil, adorned with Meghan's two favourite flowers: Wintersweet, found in Kensington Palace, and the California poppy, representing her birthplace. But what truly stands out about this veil is the intricate embroidery that went into its making. It took a staggering 3,900 hours to embroider, showcasing an incredible attention to detail and craftsmanship. This veil was not just a fabric accessory but a work of art.
The embroidery on the veil represented the 53 countries of the Commonwealth, with each country's unique flora and fauna carefully stitched into the design. The embroiderers had to wash their hands every 30 minutes during the process to ensure the delicate work remained pristine. The edging of the veil also featured delicate scroll work, adding to the overall elegance of the piece.
The veil was not only a beautiful accessory but also a meaningful one. Meghan's choice to include the flowers from her birthplace and her current residence at Kensington Palace added a personal touch to her wedding ensemble. The representation of the 53 countries of the Commonwealth also symbolised her support and appreciation for the Commonwealth nations.
The 3,900 hours spent embroidering the veil showcase the level of detail and precision that went into its creation. It is a testament to the artisans who worked tirelessly to bring Meghan's vision to life and a reminder that sometimes, the most intricate and laborious processes can yield the most breathtaking results.
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The gown was made from double-bonded silk cady
The wedding dress of Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, was designed by Givenchy's then-creative director, Clare Waight Keller. The gown was made from double-bonded silk cady, a fabric that underscored Markle's independence and celebrated female strength. The choice of fabric was in line with the overall design of the dress, which featured clean lines and a classic boat neckline, reflecting Markle's personal style of simplicity and elegance. The dress was structured with three-quarter-length sleeves and accented with a 16-foot cathedral veil, adorned with her two favourite flowers: Wintersweet, found in Kensington Palace, and the California poppy, representing her birthplace.
Double-bonded silk cady is a luxurious and durable fabric created by bonding two layers of silk cady together. This results in a fabric that is smooth, supple, and slightly heavier than single silk cady, providing structure and flow to the gown. The fabric's subtle sheen and elegant drape likely contributed to the timeless and sophisticated aesthetic of Markle's wedding dress.
The use of double-bonded silk cady in Markle's wedding dress reflects the attention to detail and quality that went into its creation. It is reported that no expense was spared in the making of the dress, with estimates placing its cost at around $265,000 according to Vanity Fair, or even higher at £387,000 according to other sources. The fabric's role in the overall design showcases the importance of selecting the right material to embody the wearer's style and personality.
Markle's choice of designer, Clare Waight Keller, also contributed to the significance of the gown. Keller, as the first female artistic director of the French fashion house Givenchy, aligned with Markle's desire to celebrate female empowerment. Markle's decision to work closely with Keller highlights a mutual appreciation for timeless elegance, impeccable tailoring, and a relaxed demeanour, as stated by Kensington Palace.
The wedding dress of Meghan Markle, now a part of royal fashion history, showcases how the choice of fabric, such as double-bonded silk cady, can contribute to the overall statement and impact of a garment. The gown's design, fabric, and wearer come together to create a memorable and iconic moment in fashion and royal culture.
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Frequently asked questions
Meghan Markle's wedding dress was designed by Givenchy's then-creative director, Clare Waight Keller.
Meghan Markle's wedding dress is reported to have cost between $236,000 and $265,000.
Meghan Markle is reported to have paid for her wedding dress herself. However, there are also rumours that she may have been helped by her family or used the royal budget.
Yes, Meghan Markle's wedding dress is reported to have cost £137,000 more than Kate Middleton's.
Meghan Markle's wedding dress was made from double-bonded silk cady, cushioned by an underskirt in triple silk organza.
