Royal Weddings have always been a noteworthy affair in England, and Westminster Abbey has seen its fair share of wedding dress styles. We explored the fashion history of the British Monarch's royal weddings and paired them with a carefully curated selection of our wedding dresses. Get inspired below!
November 1927: Queen Elizabeth marries the Duke of Edinburgh
Anyone who has watched The Crown or knows anything about the royal family knows that Queen Elizabeth is the face of the English monarchy. For her ceremony at Westminster Abbey the Queen chose a stunning wedding gown by couturier Norman Hartnell. The dress was made from ivory silk, accented by 10,000 seed pearls, and finished with a 15-foot China silk train. The long sleeved ball gown silhouette was complemented by a subtle v-neck.
While it's hard to recreate a wedding dress that symbolized rebirth for England, these Justin Alexander Signature styles can come close.
Justin Alexander Signature Style 99040 mirrors the classic royal look found in the Queen's wedding gown. The long sleeved crepe bodice is accented with asymmetrical pleating on the shoulders and a voluminous Mikado skirt.
Channel the intricate beading found on the Queen's wedding gown in Justin Alexander Signature Style 99015. This couture ball gown is embellished with sparkling beading throughout the bodice and full tulle skirt. This royal look is finished with embroidered illusion sleeves.
May 1960: Princess Margaret marries Antony Armstrong-Jones
When the Queen's younger sister took her turn at Westminster Abbey, she chose Norman Hartnell as her designer as well. However this fashion forward ball gown was the opposite of her sister's traditional wedding dress. This chic wedding gown was made of white silk organza with simple beaded embroidery to accent Margaret's petite figure. The dress' bodice featured a fitted, transparent jacket that flowed into a voluminous skirt made with 30 meters of fabric.
Justin Alexander Style 88019 mirrors the chic design of Princess Margaret's dress. This wedding dress is also made with white organza with a modest v-neck that flows into a stunning Mikado circular-cut skirt. This style embodies the modest sophistication in Margaret's wedding gown.
The biggest statement in Princess Margaret's wedding dress was the voluminous skirt. Style 8937 is a clean Mikado ball gown that is finished with a voluminous, pleated skirt. For a modern element of surprise there is a beaded illusion back.
November 1973: Princess Anne marries Captain Mark Phillips
The only daughter of Queen Elizabeth, Princess Anne based her dress off of the Tudor era. Designed by Maureen Baker, this wedding dress featured a high collar with dramatic chiffon bell sleeves. Like her mother, this wedding gown was made of pure silk with subtle beaded accents. While this wedding dress had its fair share of critiques, the modest yet unique design makes it a memorable style.
While it is difficult to recreate the tudor-style of Princess Anne's dress, Justin Alexander Style 88001 pulls inspiration from the design. The timeless high lace neckline is paired with a voluminous and clean silk dupoin skirt. A chapel length train finishes this classic look.
July 1981: Prince Charles marries Lady Diana Spencer
Unveiled as a complete surprise on her wedding day, the stunning gown of Princess Diana made quite a statement. The ivory taffeta gown was embroidered with sequins, frilled lace, and 10,000 pearls. The ball gown silhouette had a skirt that was so voluminous, it almost didn't fit in the carriage. A conservative v-neckline was embroidered with ruffles that led into puffed sleeves. It is rumored that Meghan Markle's wedding dress will take inspiration from this style.
Princess Diana's wedding dress may have taken almost a year to make, but you can still shadow her statement design with Justin Alexander Signature Style 9868. Oversized hem lace is layered across a dramatic layered Organza skirt. The bodice and sweetheart neckline are also accented by luxurious lace. This dramatic style is finished with a cathedral length train.
Justin Alexander Signature Style 99005 channels the same dramatic glamour as Princess Diana's dress. This allover lace ball gown has soft embroidered details throughout the bodice and skirt. The flowin glace skirt is hemmed with lace and finished with a chapel length train.
April 2011: Prince William marries Kate Middleton
The most recent wedding at Westminster Abbey was between Queen Elizabeth's grandson Prince William and Duchess Kate Middleton. Kate's dress was designed by Sarah Burton, the creative director of Alexander McQueen. The wedding gown featured an ivory satin bodice inspired by Victorian tradition. The satin was covered with hand-cut chantilly lace over the bodice and down the long illusion sleeves. The look was finished with a voluminous white satin skirt and 9 foot train accented with floral appliques.
Recreate Duchess Kate's signature wedding look with Justin Alexander Signature Style 99009. This wedding dress is a couture take on the royal wedding dress. Intricate beading patterns the bodice and illusion sabrina neckline, flowing into a tulle skirt. The look is finished with a chapel length train and touch of modern colorization.
Check out these stunning dresses and more styles that will make you feel and look like royalty: Justin Alexander and Justin Alexander Signature.
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