With centuries of iconic past royal weddings to look back on– particularly those of the British royal family – wedding dresses worn by today’s royals continue to evolve with hints of modernity creeping in alongside ever-timeless elements and classic elegance we can always expect.
From left to right – Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Diana Princess of Wales, Catherine Duchess of Cambridge, Meghan Markle Duchess of Sussex.
Whether a member of a royal family or not, brides worldwide continue to dream of that fairytale entrance, straight out of a storybook.
Royal brides (especially those within the British monarchy, such as Meghan, Beatrice and Eugenie) have in more recent times contributed to a gradual shift in the status quo, bringing to life a more progressive era of wedding styling.
Princess Beatrice’s wedding dress at her wedding to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in 2020 was a vintage Norman Hartnell gown she borrowed from Queen Elizabeth made from Peau de Soie taffeta and organza trimmed with duchess satin and encrusted with diamantes.
And while this new generation of royals carve their own mark on wedding day trends, thanks to the success of global hit tv interpretations such as "The Crown," we’re also seeing a renewed revival and appreciation for the likes of Princess Diana’s iconic taffeta look.
Brides are just as keen to embrace contemporary ideas, as they are more retro, bold, and crisp fabrics. With an overall excitement certainly out there when it comes to dresses that showcase volume, structure, and bold dramatic details.
Princess Diana's typically 80's silk taffeta gown, with its tiny waist, big skirt and puffy sleeve aesthetic, was designed by Elizabeth and David Emmanuel and was all about the drama.
Each of our Justin Alexander collections offer royal-inspired wedding dresses with their own unique details and sensational down-the-aisle drama. Any one of these modern timeless classics will no doubt make you feel like your very own princess. Here is a rundown of our favorites.
Joan is a fresh take on the modern and clean trend with a nod to tradition. The cuffed sweetheart neckline gives way to a timeless basque waist providing an unrivalled fit, similar to the gown worn by Lady Helen of Windsor at her wedding to Tim Taylor in 1992. A detachable hard net layer snapped underneath at the hips allows a bride to transform the level of drama on the day by increasing and reducing the volume as she sees fit.
Lady Helen of Windsor at her wedding in 1992
With a nod to the future Queen of England, this beautiful satin ball gown, Elizabeth, guarantees an unforgettable entrance and emulates Catherine Middleton's custom couture gown that she wore to marry Prince William at Westminster Abbey in 2011. With a modern illusion sweetheart neckline, it features sexy exposed boning, embellished with sequined lace appliqués that continue onto the full skirt. Hidden pockets add an unexpected detail, while scalloped lace finishes the hem. Complete the look with the timeless Elizabeth Jacket, with its own essence of Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco, with its button down front and dainty on trend puff sleeve.
Catherine Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge on her wedding day in 2011
You’re sure to radiate regal elegance like Princess Mette-Marit of Norway on her wedding day to Prince Haakon, in Style Margot stretch crepe fit and flare wedding gown. It features a soft scoop neckline that's accented with off the shoulder long sleeves. The look is styled with detachable Watteau streamers on the back for a dramatic entrance down the aisle. The streamers are offered separately as 99190WT.
Princess Mette-Marit’s chic and understated wedding dress in 2001
For a bride that wants to really stand out try Style Heather, a chic fit and flare wedding gown, that will make you feel like royalty. It features a sweetheart neckline with an illusion bodice and exposed boning. Embroidered lace appliqués cascade down the hips onto the stretch crepe skirt and detail the cutout chapel length train. The style is finished with a detachable bias belt at the natural waist,
Add some edge to your look, like Princess Martha-Louise who married Ari Behn of Norway, by pairing this style with the matching Heather Jacket which is offered separately.
Puff sleeves were a key detail in the bridal jacket worn by Princess Martha Louise to Ari Behn in 2002
Create some royal wedding drama with this figure flattering, fit and flare wedding dress named Deidra. The illusion bodice features a plunging off the shoulder neckline that accentuates the décolletage and features leafy lace appliqués overtop a sequined tulle underlay for loaded sparkle. It has the same elegance as the look worn by Princess Claire Lademacher of Luxembourg at her wedding to Prince Felix in 2013. And for the perfect two-in-one option for a bride looking to wow her guests, it's paired with a matching detachable chapel length tulle train adorned in the same romantic lace that is available separately as 88245DT.
Princess Claire Lademacher at her wedding to Prince Felix in 2013
Delilah is a dreamy tulle ball gown and is equally light and romantic with its intricate lace detailing and long sleeves, like that worn by Countess Stephanie of Luxembourg when she wed Prince Guillaume in 2012. Beaded appliqués cover the illusion bodice and cascade down the long sleeves before floating through the skirt. It's designed with a sequined tulle underlay for that extra glitz, while a subtle horsehair placed at the hem completes the look. You also have the option to order this wedding dress with the bodice lined to the side seams.
Long lace sleeves finished off the look for Stephanie De Lannoy’s at her wedding to Prince Guillaume in 2012
Look timeless in Camryn, a classic Mikado ball gown. The Sabrina neckline is complemented with a flattering inset cummerbund while the back gives a touch of glamour with silver embroidery and intricate beading. The style is finished with pockets and crystal buttons cascading down the cathedral length train.
Stand out in this elegant long sleeved lace gown. Featuring a V-back, plunging neckline, and long sleeves like Princess Marie of Denmark’s wedding day look in 2008, the bodice is detailed with a delicate Chantilly lace. A bias belt compliments the natural waist and leads into a mikado A-line skirt. Scalloped eyelash lace details the neckline and cuffs while pockets add a modern touch.
A long sleeved lace bodice brought elegance to Princess Marie of Denmark’s wedding dress in 2008
Sometimes less really is more, and this trendy crepe A-line is clean and elegant just like the gown worn by Princess Charlene Wittstock of Monaco when she wed Prince Albert II. Featuring a wide pleated off the shoulder cuff, the gown is complimented by pockets in the skirt and buttons down the back to the bottom of the train.
Charlene Wittstock of Monaco showcased an off-the-shoulder cuffed neckline at her wedding in 2011
Bring fresh regal vibes wearing this Mikado A-line wedding dress called Lana. A plunging V-neckline frames the sheer bodice, which brings a fusion of Venice lace appliqués and embroidered lace trims. Detachable long sleeves, sold separately as 11215SL, offer 2-in-1 styling and the option to transform this dress throughout the day. The bold, clean skirt has hidden pockets while a manageable sweep length train allows for effortless movement all day long.
Feel light and airy wearing this regal chiffon A-line gown. With a flattering pleated bodice and on-trend off the shoulder straps, it’s got a similar vibe to the gown worn by Annemarie Duchess of Parma and Piacenza who wed Prince Carlos of Bourbon-Parma in 2010. Felicity is paired with a circular cut skirt that features a daring slit. Chiffon covered buttons to the end of the chapel length train add the finishing touch. A version without the skirt slit is also available for this style.
A flattering draped neckline frames the bodice of the gown worn by Annemarie Duchess of Parma and Piacenza in 2010
