Rhiannon Hendricks
Princess Elizabeth's wedding dress, worn when she married Prince Philip at Westminster Abbey on 20 November 1947, was an ivory silk gown with a 15-foot train. The dress was designed by Norman Hartnell, who was inspired by Botticelli's figure in a London art gallery. The gown featured a heart-shaped neckline, long tight sleeves, a carefully tailored bodice, and a full skirt. It was decorated with 10,000 seed pearls, crystals, and floral motifs, including jasmine, smilax, lilac, and white rose-like blossoms. The dress was paid for with clothing ration coupons, which the future Queen saved up, with a little help from the government, who provided a 200-coupon supplement.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding Date | 20 November 1947 |
| Designer | Norman Hartnell |
| Fabric | Ivory silk |
| Train | 15-foot |
| Train Motifs | Jasmine, smilax, lilac, white rose-like blossoms, wheat ears, star flowers, roses, and ears of wheat |
| Neckline | Heart-shaped, sweetheart |
| Sleeves | Long, tight, fitted |
| Waist | Low v-pointed |
| Skirt | Full, floor-length, pleated |
| Embroidery | Seed pearls, crystals, diamantes |
| Number of Pearls | 10,000 or 1,000 |
| Tiara | Queen Mary's Fringe Tiara |
| Shoes | Embellished satin heels by Edward Rayne |
| Budget | Clothing ration coupons |
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What You'll Learn
The dress was made from ivory silk
The wedding dress of Queen Elizabeth, then Princess Elizabeth, was an ivory silk gown. The dress was designed by Norman Hartnell, who was announced as the designer of the dress three months before the wedding. The gown featured a heart-shaped neckline, long tight sleeves, and a full skirt that led to a dramatic 15-foot train. The silk for the dress was sourced from China, and the design of the gown was inspired by Botticelli's figure, featuring flower designs of jasmine, smilax, lilac, and white rose-like blossoms. The dress was heavily embellished with 10,000 seed pearls, crystal, and diamanté, and featured intricate embroidery of star flowers, roses, jasmine blossoms, and ears of wheat symbolising fertility. The gown took 350 women seven weeks to make, and Princess Elizabeth paid for it with clothing ration coupons, saving up until she had enough to pay for the dress.
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It featured a heart-shaped neckline and long sleeves
Princess Elizabeth's wedding dress, designed by Norman Hartnell, was a stunning creation that captured the hearts of many. The gown, made of ivory silk and decorated with 10,000 seed pearls, featured a heart-shaped neckline and long tight sleeves. This silhouette, with its sweetheart neckline, added a romantic touch to the overall design. The long sleeves, reaching down to her wrists, provided an elegant and regal touch to the ensemble.
The heart-shaped neckline, also known as a sweetheart neckline, gracefully framed the princess's face and accentuated the beauty of her jewellery choices. The neckline dipped into a gentle curve, creating a soft and flattering shape. The ivory silk fabric chosen for the dress complemented the complexion of the princess, adding to the overall allure of the outfit. The long sleeves of the dress were designed to be tight-fitting, showcasing the princess's slender arms while maintaining the modest style of the era.
The combination of the heart-shaped neckline and long sleeves created a timeless and elegant look. The neckline provided a delicate and romantic touch, while the long sleeves added a sense of sophistication and royalty. This classic combination has remained a popular choice for brides over the decades, as it strikes a perfect balance between tradition and modernity. The style of the dress not only reflected the fashion of the time but also set a precedent for future bridal gowns.
The intricate details of the dress extended beyond its iconic neckline and sleeves. The gown featured a carefully tailored bodice, emphasising the princess's slender waist. The full skirt added volume and drama, culminating in a breathtaking 15-foot train. This train, inspired by Botticelli's figure in a London art gallery, was adorned with delicate floral designs, including jasmine, smilax, lilac, and white rose-like blossoms. The embroidery on the train was embellished with white crystals and pearls, adding a touch of sparkle to the princess's walk down the aisle.
The creation of Princess Elizabeth's wedding dress was a labour of love, involving the skills of many artisans. The dress was crafted in Hartnell's workrooms, with embroiderers and seamstresses working tirelessly to bring the design to life. The attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship ensured that the final product was a true masterpiece, befitting the future Queen. The dress not only represented a beautiful piece of clothing but also symbolised the hope and growth of Britain emerging from the shadows of World War II.
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The train was 15 feet long
The wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip in November 1947 was a grand affair. It was the first big celebration of the postwar era in the UK, and the public was eager to catch a glimpse of the royal wedding dress. The final design of the dress was kept a closely guarded secret, but the public was not disappointed when they finally saw the gown. The dress was made of ivory silk satin and was embellished with 10,000 seed pearls. It also featured intricate embroidery, including star lilies, roses, jasmine blossoms, and ears of wheat. The train of the dress was truly spectacular, measuring 15 feet in length. It was made of satin and featured delicate floral designs, including jasmine, smilax, seringa, and rose-like blossoms. The length of the train added to the drama and grandeur of the gown, creating a memorable silhouette.
The 15-foot train of Princess Elizabeth's wedding dress was designed to be a show-stopping feature. The length of the train ensured that it would trail behind the bride as she walked down the aisle, creating a dramatic effect. The train was made from satin, a fabric chosen for its lustre and fluidity, which complemented the intricate floral embroidery that adorned it. The floral motifs included jasmine, smilax, lilac, and white rose-like blossoms, which were inspired by Botticelli's painting "Primavera" from 1482. The choice of these flowers was symbolic, representing rebirth and growth in post-war Britain.
The creation of the 15-foot train was a labour-intensive process. It took 350 women seven weeks to complete the entire gown, including the intricate embroidery and beading on the train. The embroiderers worked tirelessly to ensure that every detail was perfect, from the placement of the pearls and crystals to the delicate floral designs. The length of the train also presented a unique challenge, as it required careful planning and execution to ensure that the proportions and balance of the gown were just right. The final result was a testament to the skill and dedication of the women who worked on it.
The 15-foot train of Princess Elizabeth's wedding dress has left a lasting legacy. It has become one of the most iconic features of the gown, with its dramatic length and exquisite details. The train has been showcased in displays at Buckingham Palace, allowing the public to admire its beauty up close. The gown's designer, Norman Hartnell, considered it to be one of his most beautiful creations, and the dress has continued to inspire and influence bridal fashion even decades later. The train, with its combination of elegance and symbolism, has become a lasting symbol of Princess Elizabeth's wedding and a testament to the skill and craftsmanship that went into creating it.
The 15-foot train of Princess Elizabeth's wedding dress was not just a design choice but also a practical consideration. The length of the train added weight and structure to the gown, helping it to drape and flow gracefully. The satin fabric of the train also provided a smooth and elegant finish, enhancing the overall appearance of the dress. Additionally, the length of the train allowed for more intricate embroidery and beading, as it provided a larger canvas for the embroiderers to showcase their craftsmanship. The train's length, therefore, served both aesthetic and functional purposes, contributing to the overall impact and success of the gown's design.
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It was encrusted with 10,000 seed pearls
Princess Elizabeth's wedding dress was a stunning gown made from ivory silk and decorated with 10,000 seed pearls. The dress was designed by Norman Hartnell, who was announced as the designer of the gown just three months before the wedding. Hartnell's signature style included elaborate embroidery, and he certainly didn't skimp on this for the future Queen's dress. The dress was embellished with 10,000 seed pearls, as well as crystals and diamanté. The pearls were skilfully combined with flowing lines of wheat ears, the symbol of fertility, and embroidered alongside floral designs of jasmine, smilax, lilac, and white rose-like blossoms on the train.
The silk for the dress was sourced from China, rather than Japan or Italy, given that it was only two years after the end of World War II and those countries had been enemies of the UK during the war. The dress's 15-foot train was inspired by Botticelli's painting 'Primavera' from 1482 and was meant to symbolise "rebirth and growth" in Britain after the war. The gown took 350 women seven weeks to make.
The dress featured a heart-shaped neckline and long, tight sleeves, with a carefully tailored bodice and a full skirt that led to the dramatic train. The young bride complemented the look with a double strand of pearls and a diamond tiara. The final cost to make this dress during modern times was £30,000 (around $37,000).
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The dress was paid for with clothing ration coupons
In 1947, Britain was still recovering from the calamitous losses of World War II. Clothing was still rationed, and most brides could only dream of a fairytale wedding dress. Even the royal family was not exempt from rationing. Princess Elizabeth saved up clothing coupons to pay for her wedding dress. She was granted 200 extra ration coupons for the celebration, but this was not enough to cover the cost of the dress. When some of the soon-to-be Queen's young admirers heard about the rationing, they tried to send her their coupons through the mail. However, transferring coupons was illegal, so they were returned with a thank-you note, and Princess Elizabeth paid for her gown herself.
The final design of the dress was kept secret, with Princess Elizabeth fearing that if details were released, last-minute alterations would be impossible due to copy designs from fashion houses. The dress was taken to the palace the day before the wedding in a 4-foot box. The gown was made of ivory silk and decorated with 10,000 seed pearls, embroidered with star lilies and orange blossoms. The dress featured a heart-shaped neckline, long tight sleeves, a carefully tailored bodice, and a full skirt that led to a dramatic 15-foot train. The silk was sourced from Nationalist China, rather than the UK's enemies during the war, Japan and Italy.
The dress was designed by Norman Hartnell, who was announced as the designer of Princess Elizabeth's gown just three months before the wedding. Hartnell's embroiderers set to work, creating a gown that was fit for a princess and future queen. The gown was made by a team of 350 women in seven weeks. Betty Foster, who worked on the dress, recalled that "on my way home from the wedding celebration, I remember everyone on the train were talking about the dress, and I felt so proud to have worked on it".
The wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip was the first big celebration of the postwar era, and the dress served as an escape from the austerity of the time. The dress has drawn parallels with the dress worn by Grace Kelly in 1956 and the "Westminster décor" dress designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen for Catherine Middleton. The final cost to make this dress in modern times would be £30,000 (approximately $37,000).
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Frequently asked questions
Queen Elizabeth's wedding dress was an ivory silk gown with a 15-foot train, embellished with pearls, crystals, and seed pearls. The dress featured a heart-shaped neckline, long tight sleeves, and a full skirt.
Norman Hartnell was the designer of Queen Elizabeth's wedding dress.
It took 350 women seven weeks to make Queen Elizabeth's wedding dress.
The dress was inspired by Botticelli's figure in London art galleries. The design also symbolized "rebirth and growth" in Britain after the war.
Queen Elizabeth saved up clothing ration coupons to pay for her wedding dress, with a little help from the government in the form of a 200-coupon supplement.
