There’s no denying it — famous weddings leave a major mark on the dress market and Kate Middleton‘s mystery frock will likely no exception. With less than a week left to wait, we took a look back on royal dresses past.
Will it be opulent and over the top, with a train for days? Or sleek and slim, a classic cut for a modern bride? A wedding dress could go a thousand different ways, and the world still has just under a week of waiting to glimpse Kate’s chosen style.
Is the suspense killing you yet? To help temper the eager anticipation, we compiled a look back at some very special dresses of royal weddings past.
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden
Princess Victoria’s ceremony at the Stockholm Cathedral may have been lavish and large, but her dress was decidedly understated. The bride donned a sleek, off the shoulder number for her nuptials to personal trainer Daniel Westling (perhaps to show off her newly sculpted physique?) by Swedish designer Par Engshed.
Princess Elizabeth
10,000 white seed pearls, silvery thread, and glistening crystal detailing on Princess Elizabeth’s ivory duchesse satin dress may sound opulent, but in truth, the frugal royal saved up ration cards to afford the material required for her fancy, formal frock
Princess Margaret
Simple and refined best describe Princess Margaret’s silk Normal Hartnell dress when she wed Anthony Armstrong in 1960. The modest silhouette was signed by the designer, who also crafted special gowns for her sister.
Grace Kelly
Pure fairy tale was to be expected for her 1956 nuptials to Prince Rainier of Monaco in Monte Carlo and Grace didn’t disappoint. The striking beauty chose a gown designed by Helen Rose, an MGM designer, that was made from antique Valenciennes rose point lace, 25 yards of silk taffeta and 98 yards of tulle. It featured a decorated upper bodice and high neck line.
More on royal weddings
- Royal honeymoons of the past
- Royal wedding gowns for any budget
- Kate Middleton’s best fashions
More royal photos
Take a sneak peek at the Royal Family Photo Exhibition at New York City’s Charbonnel et Walker Chocolate Café in Saks Fifth Avenue from April 28 to May 9, 2011. It’s the first time these photos are on display in the U.S.
Princess Elizabeth
Princess Elizabeth places Princess Margaret’s arm in a sling as part of the girl guides in Frogmore, Windsor, England on April 11, 1942.
Queen Elizabeth And Daughters
The Queen Mother (1900-2002). Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret sitting in the garden at Windsor Castle, England on July 8, 1941.
Gardening Princesses
Princess Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II, left) and her younger sister Princess Margaret Rose (1930-2002) in their garden at the Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, April 1940. The passenger in the wheelbarrow is a corgi named Carol.
Photos by Lisa Sheridan
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