George Boyle
Meghan Markle's wedding dress has become an iconic piece in bridal fashion history. The Duchess of Sussex wore two wedding dresses on her big day in May 2018, both of which were British designs. The first, a simple and elegant gown, was designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy and featured an intricate veil. The second, a modern halter-neck dress, was designed by Stella McCartney. The dresses were displayed in a special exhibition after the wedding and have since been returned to the care of the British royal family.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding date | 19 May 2018 |
| Wedding designer | Clare Waight Keller |
| Wedding dress designer label | Givenchy |
| Wedding dress style | Simple, classic, minimalist |
| Wedding dress fabric | Double-bonded silk cady |
| Wedding dress neckline | Bateau, open, off-the-shoulder |
| Wedding dress sleeves | Three-quarter length |
| Wedding dress waist | Sculpted, slender |
| Wedding dress silhouette | Sculptural, contoured |
| Wedding dress train | 16-foot-long |
| Wedding dress veil | Embroidered with flowers representing the 53 countries of the Commonwealth, California poppy, and wintersweet |
| Reception dress designer | Stella McCartney |
| Reception dress style | Halter-neck, sheath |
| Reception dress silhouette | Slinky |
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What You'll Learn
Meghan Markle's wedding dress designer
Meghan Markle's wedding dress was designed by Clare Waight Keller, the artistic director of the fashion house Givenchy. The dress was made of silk with three-quarter-length sleeves, an open boat neckline, and a train with a built-in triple silk organza underskirt. The design of the dress was kept a closely guarded secret until the wedding day, with Waight Keller unable to tell anyone that she had been chosen as the designer.
Markle chose Waight Keller because she admired the designer's "elegant aesthetic" and "relaxed demeanour". She also wanted to highlight the success of a leading British talent, as Waight Keller had served as the creative head of three globally influential fashion houses: Pringle of Scotland, Chloé, and Givenchy. In an interview, Waight Keller described the dress as epitomizing "a timeless minimal elegance referencing the codes of the iconic house [of Givenchy]".
The dress was made in Paris by a small team of ateliers. There were eight fittings, and only five months to manufacture both the dress and the veil. The veil was also embroidered with flowers representing the countries of the Commonwealth, as well as the California poppy and wintersweet, a flower that grows at Kensington Palace. The veil was designed to represent the distinctive flora of each Commonwealth country united in one composition.
The choice of designer was also indicative of Markle's commitment to empowering women through her global platform. Waight Keller became the first female artistic director of the historic French fashion house in 2017. The dress was estimated to cost about $265,000, which the bride paid for herself.
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The veil and its significance
Meghan Markle's wedding dress, designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy, is on display at the Royal Collection Trust in London. The veil was an important part of the Duchess of Sussex's wedding ensemble, and it carried a significant amount of symbolic meaning.
The veil, measuring 16.5 feet (5 metres) long, was made from silk tulle and featured a trim of hand-embroidered flowers. Each flower represented a country within the 53 nations of the Commonwealth, of which Queen Elizabeth II was the head at the time of the wedding in 2018. Some of the flowers included in the veil's design were the California poppy to represent Meghan's place of birth, the wintersweet, which grows in front of Kensington Palace, and the cactus blossom, the national flower of Mexico. Two personal favourites of Meghan were also included: the forget-me-not, Princess Diana's favourite flower, and the lily of the valley, which Prince Harry handpicked for his bride. The veil took hundreds of hours to create and was made by a team of embroiderers who washed their hands every 30 minutes to keep the tulle and threads pristine.
The tradition of wearing a veil has its roots in ancient times, often symbolizing modesty, purity, and respect. It is often seen as a way to conceal the bride's face from onlookers, adding an air of mystery and intrigue to the wedding ceremony. In many cultures, the veil is also believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the bride and groom. For Meghan, the veil took on a unique significance, becoming a way to honour and represent the Commonwealth, an organization that is deeply important to the royal family.
The decision to include the flora of the Commonwealth countries was a thoughtful and symbolic gesture, showcasing unity and diversity. It also paid respect to the Queen's role as the head of the Commonwealth, acknowledging the global reach and impact of the British monarchy. The veil became a canvas to tell a story and convey a message of inclusion and celebration of the Commonwealth nations, bringing attention to their unique identities.
The veil has become an iconic part of bridal wear, and Meghan's choice to use it as a platform to showcase her values and pay respect to the Commonwealth adds to its symbolic power. It is a testament to the thought and care that went into every detail of her wedding ensemble, ensuring that it not only looked exquisite but also carried a meaningful message.
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The dress's cost
Meghan Markle's wedding dress was designed by Clare Waight Keller under the Givenchy label. Markle chose Waight Keller because she wanted to highlight the success of a leading British talent, and because of the designer's elegant aesthetic and relaxed demeanour. The dress was made in Paris by a small team of ateliers, with only five months to manufacture it. Markle and Waight Keller worked closely together on the design, which featured a timeless minimal elegance.
The dress was made of double-bonded silk with a bateau neckline, structured three-quarter-length sleeves, and a sculpted waistline that draped into a train made from triple silk organza. The silk cady fabric would have been difficult to move in if the dress had been more form-fitting. The dress received mixed reviews from the public, with some describing it as "beautiful" and "stunning", while others called it "boring" and "ill-fitting".
The exact cost of the dress is unknown, as the Royal Family never released official figures. However, it is estimated to have cost between $200,000 and $450,000. Markle paid for the dress herself.
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The dress's current location
Meghan Markle's wedding dress was designed by British designer Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy. The dress was made in Paris by a small team of ateliers and featured an open bateau neckline, three-quarter-length sleeves, and a train with a built-in triple silk organza underskirt. The dress was made of silk and featured precise seam work, with only six seams placed to achieve the pure lines of the dress.
The dress is likely currently located in the Royal Archives, as is tradition for royal wedding gowns. It may have been stored in the Queen's private apartments at Windsor Castle following the wedding and will likely be added to future exhibitions.
Markle wore two gowns on her wedding day, one for the ceremony and one for the reception. The second gown was a Stella McCartney high-neck, halter dress that brought a modern touch to traditional royal aesthetics. This reception gown featured a Slinky silhouette and a refined glamour, with a high halter neckline and no sleeves.
The choice of designer for her wedding dress was seen as a bold and rebellious choice, as Markle chose a French designer instead of following the tradition of commissioning a British designer. The dress was also an exercise in simplicity, devoid of the opulent lace and crystal embellishments that had been favoured by past royal brides.
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Comparisons to other royal wedding dresses
Meghan Markle's wedding dress, designed by British designer Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy, has been compared to several other royal wedding dresses. The dress, a simple, white, silk design with three-quarter-length sleeves, an open boat neckline, and a train with a built-in triple silk organza underskirt, has received mixed reviews, with some describing it as "beautiful" and "stunning", while others found it "boring", "ill-fitting", and "too big".
One notable comparison has been drawn between Markle's dress and the one worn by Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy at her wedding to John F. Kennedy Jr. in 1996. Markle's reception dress, a 1990s-style halter dress, has also been likened to Bessette-Kennedy's classic wedding gown. Markle had previously expressed her admiration for Bessette-Kennedy's style, describing her wedding gown as "everything goals".
Additionally, Markle's dress has been compared to those worn by Angela Brown at her wedding to Prince Maximilian of Liechtenstein in 2000 and Mary Donaldson at her wedding to Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark in 2004. It has also been likened to a Givenchy dress worn by Audrey Hepburn in the 1957 film *Funny Face*. Emilia Wickstead claimed that the dress was "identical" to one of her designs.
Unfavourable comparisons have also been made between Markle's dress and the one worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales. Markle's dress was criticised for attempting to mimic Bessette-Kennedy's style, while Catherine's dress was proclaimed the "victor" by some commentators.
Markle's second wedding dress, designed by Stella McCartney, has also been compared to Princess Eugenie's second wedding dress. Both brides opted for streamlined, clean, and minimal silhouettes, although their specific design choices differed. Markle's choice reflected her effortless, California girl style, while Eugenie's gown was described as intricate and sophisticated.
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Frequently asked questions
Meghan Markle's wedding dress was displayed at Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in an exhibition called "A Royal Wedding: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex" from 26 October 2018 to 6 January 2019. Since the conclusion of the exhibition, the dress has been returned to the care of the British royal family. While its exact current location has not been publicly disclosed, it is likely preserved within the Royal Collection.
Meghan Markle's wedding dress was designed by British designer Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy.
Meghan Markle's wedding dress was made of silk with three-quarter-length sleeves, an open boat neckline, and a train with a built-in triple silk organza underskirt. The dress was noted for its minimalist design, paying homage to the history of the Givenchy house.
Meghan Markle's wedding dress is estimated to have cost between £100,000 and £387,000. The exact amount remains undisclosed.
