Princess Diana’s wedding to Prince Charles was one of the most watched and memorable events in history, with an estimated global audience of 750 million viewers. Her stunning wedding dress, with its voluminous skirt, lace details, and 25-foot train, was a symbol of both luxury and elegance.
But have you ever wondered how much that iconic dress actually cost? The answer will shock you. Designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, the dress was an extravagant creation that took months to make and cost a whopping $115,000 (equivalent to over $300,000 today)!
The Emanuels were sworn to secrecy about the dress until the wedding day, and it’s no surprise that it quickly became one of the most talked-about aspects of the royal wedding. Even now, over three decades later, the dress is still considered one of the most famous and beloved wedding gowns in history.
Want to know more about the stunning dress and its creation? Keep reading to discover the secrets behind Princess Diana’s wedding gown, from the luxurious materials used to the fittings and alterations that made it a perfect fit.
How Diana’s Iconic Wedding Gown Stole the Show
When Lady Diana Spencer married Prince Charles on July 29, 1981, she captured the world’s attention with her beauty, grace, and poise. But it was her wedding dress that stole the show. Designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, the gown featured a 25-foot train, puffy sleeves, and a bodice embellished with sequins, pearls, and lace. It was a true masterpiece that cost an astonishing amount of money.
The iconic dress was rumored to have cost around $115,000, which would be equivalent to nearly $400,000 in today’s dollars. However, the true cost of the gown was shrouded in secrecy for years, and it wasn’t until recently that the real figure was revealed. And let’s just say, it’s a number that will leave you absolutely stunned.
The Design and Construction of the Dress
The design of Princess Diana’s dress was a closely guarded secret, and the Emanuels went to great lengths to keep it under wraps. The dress was made from 10,000 pearls, and the train alone was so heavy that it required the help of several bridesmaids to carry it down the aisle.
The Cost of Princess Diana’s Dress
- Despite rumors at the time that the dress cost a whopping $115,000, the real cost was even higher than that. According to David Emanuel, the dress actually cost £9000, which was equivalent to around $115,000 at the time. But when adjusted for inflation, that number jumps to a staggering $400,000 in today’s dollars.
- But the cost of the dress was just the tip of the iceberg. In addition to the gown itself, there were the costs of security, transportation, and alterations to consider. All in all, it’s estimated that the total cost of the wedding was around $110 million.
The Legacy of Princess Diana’s Dress
Princess Diana’s wedding dress has become one of the most iconic and recognizable gowns in history. It has been the inspiration for countless copies and knockoffs, and is often cited as one of the most influential wedding dresses of all time. The gown is currently on display at Kensington Palace, where it continues to inspire and captivate visitors from all over the world.
The Secret Behind the Designer’s Vision for Diana’s Dress
When it comes to fashion icons, Princess Diana is one of the most memorable. Her wedding dress was no exception, with its lavish design and intricate details. But what was the secret behind the designer’s vision for Diana’s dress?
David Emanuel, who designed the dress alongside his wife, Elizabeth, was inspired by the romanticism of the 1980s. He wanted the dress to represent a fairytale princess and capture the essence of Diana’s youth and beauty. The result was a dress that embodied the opulence and extravagance of the era while remaining timeless.
The Design Process
- The Emanuels consulted with Princess Diana extensively during the design process, making sure that every detail was to her liking.
- The dress was made from over 10,000 pearls and featured a 25-foot train.
- The intricate lace on the dress was hand-stitched and took over six months to complete.
The Legacy of Diana’s Dress
The legacy of Diana’s dress lives on today, inspiring designers and brides alike. Its timeless elegance and opulence continue to captivate people’s imaginations, making it one of the most iconic dresses in history.
The Enduring Popularity of Princess Diana
Despite her tragic death, Princess Diana’s legacy continues to inspire people around the world. Her fashion choices, philanthropy, and personal struggles have made her a beloved figure for generations to come.
Stay tuned for more articles on Princess Diana’s fashion legacy and her impact on the world.
The Luxurious Fabric and Materials Used in the Gown
The iconic wedding dress of Princess Diana was a masterpiece made from ivory silk taffeta. The designer of the dress, David Emanuel, selected the luxurious fabric because it had a crisp, yet soft, finish that would drape elegantly. The silk taffeta was sourced from the British silk farm of Stephen Walters and Sons, which was renowned for producing the finest silks.
The dress was also embellished with delicate lace that was hand-embroidered with sequins, pearls, and intricate floral motifs. The lace was sourced from Carrickmacross, a small village in Ireland that is famous for producing handmade lace. The lace was then combined with a stunning silk netting, which was gathered at the waist and cascaded down the back of the dress in a dramatic 25-foot train.
The Ivory Silk Taffeta
- The ivory silk taffeta was selected for its elegant and soft finish.
- The silk taffeta was sourced from Stephen Walters and Sons, a renowned British silk farm.
- The fabric had a crisp texture that draped beautifully and moved with ease.
The Hand-Embroidered Lace
- The lace was hand-embroidered with sequins, pearls, and intricate floral motifs.
- The lace was sourced from Carrickmacross, a small village in Ireland famous for producing handmade lace.
- The lace was combined with silk netting, which was gathered at the waist and cascaded down the back of the dress in a dramatic 25-foot train.
The Hidden Details
The wedding dress had several hidden details, including a blue bow sewn into the waistband of the dress, which was Diana’s “something blue.” The dress also had a detachable ruff collar made from the same lace as the dress, which Diana chose not to wear on her wedding day. Additionally, the dress had more than 10,000 tiny pearls sewn onto the bodice and sleeves, which gave the dress a shimmering effect in the sunlight.
Behind-the-Scenes of Diana’s Dress Fitting and Alterations
Princess Diana’s iconic wedding dress was a result of a collaborative effort between designer David Emanuel and the princess herself. The dress fitting and alterations were a crucial part of this process, and it was not an easy task. The dress was made of luxurious fabrics and intricate details that required meticulous attention to detail.
During the fittings, David Emanuel and his team worked closely with Diana to ensure that the dress fit her perfectly. They made numerous adjustments to the dress to ensure that it was comfortable and flattering. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how the dress was fitted and altered to perfection.
The Design Process
Before any alterations could be made, the dress had to be designed and constructed. David Emanuel designed the dress with input from Princess Diana, who had a clear vision of what she wanted. The dress was made from a custom-made silk taffeta that was produced by Stephen Walters of Suffolk.
The dress was adorned with intricate embroidery, which was done by the Royal School of Needlework. The embroidery took over 10,000 hours to complete, with each detail added by hand. The dress also had a 25-foot train, which was made from pure silk tulle.
Fitting the Dress
Once the dress was constructed, fittings began. Diana had several fittings with David Emanuel and his team to ensure that the dress fit perfectly. The dress was originally a size 14, but Diana had lost weight before the wedding, so it had to be altered to fit her new size.
The dress was fitted with a built-in corset that provided support and ensured that it stayed in place throughout the day. The corset was made from silk and had 10,000 pearls and sequins sewn into it. The dress also had puffed sleeves that were secured with bows, and these had to be adjusted to ensure that they sat correctly on Diana’s shoulders.
The Final Touches
After the dress was fitted, the final touches were added. The dress had a detachable collar and was adorned with a Spencer family tiara. Diana also wore a veil that was 153 yards long and made from tulle. The veil was held in place by the tiara, and the train was secured by several bridesmaids who helped to carry it as Diana made her way down the aisle.
Overall, the dress fitting and alterations were a crucial part of the process that resulted in Princess Diana’s iconic wedding dress. The attention to detail and collaborative effort between David Emanuel and Diana ensured that the dress was a true masterpiece.
The Enduring Legacy of Diana’s Wedding Dress
The iconic wedding dress of Diana, Princess of Wales has captivated the world for decades. Her wedding to Prince Charles was a global event, and her gown was a symbol of the royal family’s elegance and tradition. The enduring legacy of her dress continues to inspire brides and fashion designers today.
Despite the passing of time, the legacy of Diana’s wedding dress remains strong. From its intricate design to its historic significance, the dress continues to captivate and inspire people around the world.
Timeless Design
The design of Diana’s dress was a collaboration between the young Lady Diana Spencer and the renowned fashion designers, David and Elizabeth Emanuel. The dress was a masterpiece of elegance and sophistication, featuring intricate lace details, a full skirt, and a 25-foot train. The timeless design has continued to inspire designers and brides alike, with many seeking to replicate its classic and timeless beauty.
Cultural Significance
As one of the most-watched television events in history, Diana’s wedding was a global event that captured the attention of millions around the world. Her dress, with its ornate design and lavish materials, symbolized the elegance and grandeur of the royal family. It also marked a turning point in the monarchy’s relationship with the public, as the royal family sought to modernize and connect with younger generations.
Charitable Impact
As a symbol of Diana’s philanthropic spirit, the wedding dress was put to good use even after the wedding. The dress was auctioned off to benefit a number of charities, raising over £100,000. The sale of the dress helped to continue Diana’s legacy of charitable work and gave fans the opportunity to own a piece of history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Princess Diana’s wedding dress cost?
Princess Diana’s iconic wedding dress reportedly cost £9,000 in 1981, which is equivalent to over £30,000 today. It was designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, who were relatively unknown at the time but became world-renowned after creating the dress. The dress featured intricate lace details, a 25-foot train, and a 153-yard tulle veil.
How long did it take to make Princess Diana’s wedding dress?
It took the design team and their skilled embroiderers, seamstresses, and lace makers several months to create Princess Diana’s wedding dress. The design process alone took several weeks, and the actual construction of the dress took approximately three months to complete. The final dress was finished just in time for the wedding ceremony in July 1981.
How did Princess Diana’s wedding dress influence bridal fashion?
Princess Diana’s wedding dress was a game-changer in the world of bridal fashion. The dress inspired countless copycat designs, and its dramatic train, puffy sleeves, and romantic lace details became major trends for wedding dresses in the 1980s. The dress also set the standard for royal wedding dresses, with future royal brides drawing inspiration from its elegant simplicity and regal details.
What happened to Princess Diana’s wedding dress after the wedding?
After the wedding, Princess Diana’s wedding dress went on display at Buckingham Palace, where it was viewed by millions of people. In 1997, after her untimely death, the dress was inherited by her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. In 2014, the dress was returned to the care of Prince William and is now part of the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection at Kensington Palace.
How has Princess Diana’s wedding dress been preserved?
Princess Diana’s wedding dress has been carefully preserved over the years to ensure its longevity. It has been stored in a temperature-controlled room with low light levels and has undergone several rounds of conservation to keep it in pristine condition. The dress has also been fitted with a special padded hanger and is covered by a protective outer layer to prevent any damage.
Can the public see Princess Diana’s wedding dress?
Yes, the public can see Princess Diana’s wedding dress as part of the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection at Kensington Palace. However, due to its delicate condition, the dress is not on permanent display and is only shown on special occasions. Visitors are advised to check the palace’s website for the latest information on when the dress will be available to view.