Franklin Dean
Princess Diana's wedding dress is one of the most iconic bridal looks of all time. The ivory taffeta gown, valued at an estimated $115,000, was intricately embroidered with sequins, frilled lace, and 10,000 pearls. Designed by husband-and-wife team David and Elizabeth Emanuel, the dress featured a 25-foot train and a 153-yard tulle veil. Diana's dramatic entrance in the voluminous gown at St. Paul's Cathedral on July 29, 1981, captivated the world and set new trends in wedding fashion. While the exact size of the dress is not publicly known, it is reported that Diana lost a significant amount of weight before her wedding, shrinking her waist from 26-27 inches to 23 inches. This weight loss required alterations to the dress, and on the wedding day, she was sewn into the final version of the gown.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Designer | David and Elizabeth Emanuel |
| Fabric | Silk, Taffeta, Tulle, Lace |
| Colour | Ivory |
| Length of Train | 25 feet |
| Length of Veil | 153 yards |
| Value | £9,000 ($43,573 in 2023) |
| Number of Pearls | 10,000 |
| Number of Sequins | N/A |
| Back-up Dress | Yes |
| Good Luck Charm | 18-carat gold horseshoe trinket studded with white diamonds |
| Something Old | Antique lace from Queen Mary |
| Something Blue | Blue bow inside the bodice |
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What You'll Learn
The dress was ivory silk taffeta with antique lace
Princess Diana's wedding dress was a far cry from the simple, sleek designs popular with brides today. The dress was made from ivory silk taffeta with antique lace. The silk taffeta was woven by Stephen Walters of Suffolk. The Emanuels, who designed the dress, described it as something that "had to be something that was going to go down in history, but also something that Diana loved". The dress was hand-embroidered with mother-of-pearl sequins and an estimated 10,000 pearls. It also featured elaborate embroidery and a dramatic 25-foot-long train.
The dress was so iconic that it sparked copycats around the world, influencing the over-the-top, frilly aesthetic that the '80s bridal scene became known for. The dress was so famous that it is considered one of the most closely guarded secrets in fashion history. In fact, the Emanuels went to great lengths to keep the sketch, silhouette, and details of the design a secret until the wedding day. They even installed a safe in their studio to store the designs and fabric swatches.
The dress was so influential and recognisable that it surpassed the fame of Princess Diana's engagement ring, which now sits on Princess Catherine's finger. The dress was so famous that a duplicate copy of the dress was claimed to have been made, although the Emanuels denied this. They did, however, design an alternate dress with a more pronounced V-neckline and no lace in case the design of the original was leaked to the press.
The dress was so large that it was difficult to fit inside the glass coach that Princess Diana and her father rode to the ceremony in, which is why the dress appears wrinkled in photos. The dress was so voluminous that it had a 25-foot-long train and a 153-yard tulle veil. The dress was so special that it toured for many years with the exhibition "Diana: A Celebration".
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It had a 25-foot train and 153-yard veil
Princess Diana's wedding dress was an ivory silk taffeta and antique lace gown, with a 25-foot (7.6 m) train and a 153-yard (140 m) tulle veil. The train was so long that it caused some issues with Diana's carriage to the ceremony. It was difficult to fit inside the glass coach, and the train was badly crushed, resulting in visible wrinkles in the wedding gown upon her arrival at the cathedral.
The dress was designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, who described it as a dress that "had to be something that was going to go down in history, but also something that Diana loved". The Emanuels took several precautions to keep the dress a secret prior to the wedding, including placing shutters on their windows and putting the wrong colour threads in the bins to throw off reporters. They also installed a safe in their studio to store the designs and fabric swatches.
The silk taffeta was specially woven and dyed ivory by Stephen Walters of Suffolk, Britain's oldest silk weaving company. The same company also created the lining for Queen Elizabeth II's coronation gown and Princess Anne's wedding dress. The gown featured a ruffled collar, puffed sleeves, and a voluminous skirt. It was hand-embroidered with mother-of-pearl sequins and an estimated 10,000 pearls, with a heart motif at the centre.
The veil, which was connected to Diana's tiara, was made of tulle and measured 153 yards (140 m) in length. It was designed to create a "fairy dust effect" as Diana walked down the aisle, with tiny mother-of-pearl sequins that sparkled in the light. The veil, along with the train of the dress, contributed to the dramatic and theatrical look of Diana's ensemble, making it truly fit for a princess.
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There was a backup dress
Princess Diana's wedding dress was one of the most famous dresses in the world, and its design was one of the most closely guarded secrets in fashion history. The dress was designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, who described it as a dress that "had to be something that was going to go down in history, but also something that Diana loved".
The Emanuels went to great lengths to keep the dress a secret, including installing a safe in their studio to store the designs and fabric swatches. However, they did create a second, backup wedding gown in case their original creation was leaked to the press. This alternate dress, which was revealed for the first time in 2011, was also an ivory silk taffeta gown with the same ruffles around the neck as the original but without the signature lace. It had a more pronounced V-neckline and no lace, and tiny pearls sewn onto the bodice. This backup dress would have been worn if something went wrong with the original, or if the design of the original was revealed before the wedding day.
The Emanuels also created a parasol in matching taffeta for Diana to use in case of rain on the wedding day.
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The dress was designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel
The dress was designed by British designers David and Elizabeth Emanuel, who described it as a dress that "had to be something that was going to go down in history, but also something that Diana loved," and which would be "suitably dramatic in order to make an impression".
David and Elizabeth were not the only ones involved in the creation of the dress. The woven silk taffeta was made by Stephen Walters of Suffolk, and the Emanuels consulted Maureen Baker, who had made the first wedding dress of Princess Anne, during the construction of the gown.
The Emanuels also created a second, backup wedding gown in case their original creation was leaked to the press. This dress was made out of "pale ivory silk taffeta with embroidered scalloped details on the hem and sleeves" and had tiny pearls sewn on the bodice. Elizabeth Emanuel told People in 2011 that "at the time we wanted to make absolutely sure that the dress was a surprise. Had the secret of the real dress got out, it’s possible that Diana would actually have worn" the backup.
The Emanuels first started working with Diana prior to her engagement to Charles. They designed three to four evening gowns for key occasions, which turned heads and established her as a style icon. Diana personally selected the Emanuels to make her wedding dress because she was fond of a chiffon blouse they designed for her formal photo session with Lord Snowdon.
The dress was a defining moment in the Emanuels' career. Their profile soared, and they became household names. David Emanuel has since dubbed designing the dress "the greatest job of his career".
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It was valued at $115,000
Princess Diana's wedding dress was a true fairytale gown, with its long train and intricate details, and it has become one of the most iconic wedding dresses of all time. The value of the dress, however, was not just in its exquisite design and materials but also in its sentimental value as a part of royal history. The dress was valued at $115,000, which was a significant amount even for a royal wedding dress. This value took into account the fine materials used, the intricate workmanship, and the historical significance of the dress. The dress was made from ivory silk taffeta and antique lace, featuring 10,000 mother-of-pearl sequins and intricate hand-embroidery. The train, measuring an impressive 25 feet, contributed significantly to the overall value.
The process of creating the dress was a meticulous one, with every detail carefully considered and crafted. David and Elizabeth Emanuel, the designers, worked closely with Princess Diana to create a dress that reflected her style and personality while also meeting the expectations of a royal wedding gown. The result was a dress that combined tradition and modernity, with its billowing sleeves, full skirt, and dramatic train. The $115,000 valuation also took into account the time and expertise required to create such a unique and complex garment.
The $115,000 valuation of Princess Diana's wedding dress also reflects its place in fashion history. The dress has had a lasting impact on bridal fashion, with its influence still evident today. The design's romanticism and attention to detail inspired a generation of brides and designers alike. The value, therefore, goes beyond the mere cost of materials and craftsmanship; it represents the dress's iconic status and its impact on popular culture. The auction price reflects the public's enduring fascination with Princess Diana and the enduring legacy of her style choices.
The auction of the dress also highlighted its value as a historical artifact. The sale, which took place at a famous auction house, attracted worldwide attention and generated significant interest from collectors and enthusiasts of royal memorabilia. The winning bid of $115,000 emphasized the dress's importance beyond its role in fashion history; it represented a piece of British royal history and a moment in time that captured the world's imagination. The auction also served as a tribute to Princess Diana's enduring legacy and the impact she had, and still has, on so many people.
The value of Princess Diana's wedding dress at $115,000 is a testament to its beauty, craftsmanship, and historical significance. It is a reminder of the fairy-tale wedding that captivated the world and the enduring legacy of Princess Diana's style. The dress has become an iconic symbol, not only of that special day but also of Princess Diana herself, and its value will undoubtedly continue to be recognized and celebrated for generations to come. This iconic dress will forever be etched in our memories, a testament to a beautiful moment in time and a beloved princess who touched so many lives.
The figure of $115,000 is indeed impressive, and it reflects the many aspects that made this dress so special: the exquisite materials, the intricate design, the masterful craftsmanship, and, of course, the magical moment it helped create. This dress will forever be a timeless treasure, a priceless memento of that fairy-tale wedding and the enchanting Princess Diana.
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Frequently asked questions
Princess Diana's wedding dress was a size 10. The princess had lost a lot of weight before her wedding, going from a size 14 to a size 10.
Princess Diana's wedding dress was made of ivory silk taffeta and antique lace. The silk taffeta was specially woven and dyed ivory.
Princess Diana's wedding dress was designed by husband-and-wife duo David and Elizabeth Emanuel.
Princess Diana wore the Spencer Tiara, a family heirloom, and a veil that was 153 yards long. She also wore diamond earrings that belonged to her mother and carried a cascading bouquet of gardenias, stephanotis, freesias, orchids, lily of the valley, Earl Mountbatten roses, ivy, veronica, and myrtle.
Princess Diana's wedding dress toured for many years with the exhibition "Diana: A Celebration". It was displayed at Althorp House in Northampton. In 2014, ownership of the dress was transferred from her brother to her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. In 2021, it was displayed at Kensington Palace as part of the "Royal Style in the Making" exhibition.
