Meghan Markle’s wedding to Prince Harry was a momentous occasion that captured the world’s attention. From the stunning venue to the star-studded guest list, the royal wedding was a spectacle like no other. But perhaps the most talked-about aspect of the event was the bride’s dress. Designed by Clare Waight Keller, artistic director of Givenchy, Meghan’s dress was a true work of art.
But just how much did this masterpiece of a dress cost? The answer may shock you. Rumors swirled in the lead-up to the wedding, with estimates ranging from a few thousand dollars to over a million. In this article, we’ll cut through the speculation and uncover the true cost of Meghan Markle’s wedding dress.
We’ll take a close look at the dress itself, from its intricate embroidery to its sleek silhouette. We’ll also explore how Meghan’s dress compares to other iconic royal wedding gowns, including that of Kate Middleton. So sit back, relax, and prepare to be amazed by the incredible world of high fashion and royal weddings.
Keep reading to discover the fascinating story behind Meghan Markle’s wedding dress and the surprising price tag that came with it.
The Royal Wedding Dress That Captivated Millions
When Meghan Markle walked down the aisle to marry Prince Harry, all eyes were on her stunning wedding dress. The dress was designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy and featured a simple, elegant design with a boatneck neckline and three-quarter sleeves. But what was the cost of this iconic dress that captivated millions around the world?
According to Town & Country Magazine, the dress is rumored to have cost around $265,000. While this may seem like an exorbitant amount for a dress, it’s important to remember the incredible amount of craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into its creation.
The Design and Inspiration
The design of Meghan Markle’s wedding dress was a closely guarded secret until the day of the wedding. The dress was inspired by the timeless elegance of Audrey Hepburn and was designed to be both modern and classic.
The Fabric and Embroidery
- The fabric of the dress was a custom-made double-bonded silk cady, which was sourced from a family-run mill in Italy.
- The dress featured a 16-foot-long veil, which was embroidered with the flowers of all 53 countries of the Commonwealth.
The Fitting and Alterations
Meghan Markle’s wedding dress was made to fit her perfectly, with multiple fittings required to ensure a flawless finish. The dress was also altered slightly on the day of the wedding, with the neckline and sleeves adjusted to ensure a comfortable fit.
The cost of Meghan Markle’s wedding dress may seem steep, but it’s important to remember that this was no ordinary dress. It was a work of art, crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail. And it will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most iconic wedding dresses of all time.
How Much Did the Dress Actually Cost?
The world watched in awe as Meghan Markle walked down the aisle in her stunning wedding dress, designed by acclaimed British designer, Clare Waight Keller. The simple yet elegant design left many wondering how much it cost.
After months of speculation, the actual cost of the dress was finally revealed. The price tag? A staggering £110,000. The dress, which was made of silk and featured a 16-foot-long veil, was undoubtedly a masterpiece, but many were surprised by the high price tag.
Breaking Down the Cost
So, how did the cost of the dress add up to such a significant amount? Here are some of the factors that contributed to the price:
- Fabric: The dress was made of double-bonded silk cady, which is a luxurious fabric known for its durability and fluidity.
- Hand-stitching: The dress was hand-stitched using a technique known as “invisible seaming,” which involves stitching the fabric from the inside to create a seamless finish.
- Veil: The 16-foot-long veil was made of silk tulle and featured delicate hand-embroidered flowers representing the 53 countries of the Commonwealth.
Comparable Royal Wedding Dresses
While £110,000 may seem like an exorbitant amount for a wedding dress, it is not unheard of for royal weddings. Here are some comparable royal wedding dresses:
- Kate Middleton: Kate’s wedding dress, designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, reportedly cost £250,000.
- Princess Diana: Princess Diana’s iconic wedding dress, designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, cost £9,000 in 1981, which is equivalent to approximately £38,000 today.
While the cost of Meghan Markle’s wedding dress may have been shocking to some, it is clear that no expense was spared in creating a truly unforgettable gown for the royal wedding.
Designer Clare Waight Keller’s Stunning Creation
The designer behind the royal wedding dress that captivated millions was Clare Waight Keller, the artistic director of Givenchy. She was personally chosen by the bride, Meghan Markle, who admired her previous work for the fashion house. Keller had only been at Givenchy for a year before creating the iconic dress, which was hailed as a modern classic.
Keller took a minimalistic approach to the design, with a focus on clean lines and elegant simplicity. The dress was made from a custom-made double-bonded silk cady fabric, which was designed to be lightweight and comfortable. The silhouette featured a boat neckline and three-quarter-length sleeves, with a fitted waist and a dramatic train that flowed behind the bride as she walked.
The Inspiration
The dress was designed to reflect Meghan Markle’s personal style and was inspired by the iconic wedding dresses worn by Audrey Hepburn and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. Keller also took inspiration from the iconic designs of Hubert de Givenchy, the founder of the fashion house.
The Details
- The dress featured intricate embroidery on the veil, which depicted the flora of all 53 Commonwealth countries. It took a team of embroiderers hundreds of hours to create.
- The delicate veil was held in place by a tiara, which belonged to Queen Mary and was borrowed from Queen Elizabeth II for the occasion.
- The bride’s shoes were also designed by Givenchy and were made from silk duchess satin.
The Legacy
Clare Waight Keller’s stunning creation has been hailed as a modern classic and has inspired countless brides around the world. The dress was a celebration of minimalism and elegance, and it showcased the designer’s incredible talent and attention to detail. The dress will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most iconic wedding dresses of all time.
A Look at the Dress’s Intricate Details
The dress worn by Meghan Markle on her wedding day was a stunning creation by British designer Clare Waight Keller for French fashion house Givenchy. The dress was made of pure white double silk cady and featured a bateau neckline and three-quarter length sleeves. But what really made the dress stand out were the intricate details that made it a true masterpiece.
From the 53 individual hand-cut pieces of fabric used to create the dress, to the organza underskirt that gave the gown its structure, every aspect of the design was carefully crafted to create a timeless and elegant look. Here’s a closer look at some of the dress’s most notable details.
The Veil
The veil was a key element of the dress’s design, and it was also designed by Clare Waight Keller. It was made of silk tulle and measured an impressive 16 feet long. The veil featured intricate embroidery that included the national flowers of all 53 Commonwealth countries, as well as two of Meghan’s personal favorites: the California poppy and the wintersweet. It took a team of embroiderers hundreds of hours to create the stunning design.
The Train
The dress’s train was also a noteworthy detail, measuring approximately 5 meters long. It was designed to complement the simplicity of the dress and featured a soft, flowing silhouette. The train was made of double silk cady and was hand-stitched to the main dress.
The Tiara
The final touch to the dress was the Queen Mary diamond bandeau tiara that Meghan wore on her wedding day. The tiara was made in 1932 and features a detachable brooch that can also be worn as a necklace. The tiara was loaned to Meghan by Queen Elizabeth II and was the perfect complement to the elegant simplicity of the dress.
Similar Dresses You Can Buy for a Fraction of the Cost
If you’re in love with Clare Waight Keller’s stunning creation, but don’t have the budget for it, don’t worry. There are plenty of beautiful dresses on the market that won’t break the bank. Here are a few options to consider:
ASOS DESIGN Puff Sleeve Mini Dress: This dress has a similar silhouette to Keller’s creation, with voluminous puff sleeves and a fitted waist. It comes in a soft pastel pink color that’s perfect for spring. And the best part? It’s only a fraction of the cost of Keller’s gown.
Zara Pleated Dress:
- This dress has a similar pleated skirt and cinched waist as Keller’s gown, but in a more casual, everyday style.
- The dress comes in a variety of colors, so you can choose the one that best suits your personal style.
H&M Satin Wrap Dress:
- Like Keller’s gown, this dress has a draped, asymmetrical hemline and a feminine, romantic feel.
- The dress is made from a silky satin fabric that looks and feels luxurious, but won’t break the bank.
With these options and more out there, you don’t have to sacrifice style to stay on budget. Keep an eye out for dresses with similar details to Keller’s creation, like pleated skirts, draped hemlines, and cinched waists. And remember, you don’t have to spend a fortune to look and feel beautiful.
Meghan’s Dress Compared to Kate Middleton’s Iconic Gown
When it comes to royal weddings, the bride’s dress is always a major talking point. Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton’s wedding dresses were no exception, with both women making headlines for their stunning gowns.
While both dresses were beautiful in their own right, there were some key differences between the two that set them apart.
Style
- Meghan: Meghan’s dress was a simple, elegant design with a boat neckline and three-quarter length sleeves. The dress was made from double-bonded silk cady and had a fitted bodice that flowed into a full skirt with a dramatic train.
- Kate: Kate’s dress was a more traditional style, with a lace bodice and long sleeves. The dress had a v-neckline and a full skirt made from layers of ivory and white satin gazar. The train was also quite long, measuring almost nine feet.
Details
While both dresses were stunning, Meghan’s dress had some unique details that set it apart from Kate’s iconic gown.
- Meghan: Meghan’s dress featured intricate embroidery on the veil, which was designed to represent the flowers of all 53 countries in the Commonwealth. The veil was also made from silk tulle and was an impressive 16.5 feet long.
- Kate: Kate’s dress had its own special details, including a train that was embroidered with delicate flowers and leaves. The lace on the bodice and sleeves was also handcrafted using a technique called Carrickmacross, which is a type of Irish lace-making.
Overall Impression
Both Meghan and Kate looked absolutely stunning on their wedding days, and their dresses were a reflection of their unique styles and personalities.
While Kate’s dress was a more traditional style, Meghan’s dress was a modern take on a classic design. Both dresses were beautiful in their own way, and will be remembered as iconic pieces of fashion history for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Meghan’s wedding dress cost?
Meghan Markle’s wedding dress reportedly cost £110,000, which is approximately $135,000 USD. The dress was designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy and was made with double-bonded silk cady. The intricate embroidery and veil were also hand-stitched.
Was Meghan’s dress more expensive than Kate Middleton’s?
Meghan’s dress was significantly more expensive than Kate Middleton’s iconic wedding gown, which reportedly cost £250,000, or approximately $325,000 USD. Kate’s dress was designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen and was made with French Chantilly lace and silk organza.
Did Meghan pay for her dress herself?
It is not clear who paid for Meghan Markle’s wedding dress, but it is likely that the cost was covered by the royal family. The cost of the dress and associated expenses may have been funded through the Sovereign Grant, which is the official fund that supports the royal family’s official duties.
Did Meghan have any input into the design of her dress?
Meghan Markle worked closely with designer Clare Waight Keller to create her wedding dress. The dress was designed to reflect Meghan’s modern and minimalist style, with a focus on clean lines and simplicity. Meghan reportedly chose the designer because of her commitment to empowering women and promoting sustainability.
Did Meghan wear a tiara with her wedding dress?
Yes, Meghan Markle wore a diamond tiara on her wedding day. The tiara, which is known as the Queen Mary Diamond Bandeau, features a center brooch that was originally owned by Queen Mary. The tiara was lent to Meghan by Queen Elizabeth II.
What happened to Meghan’s dress after the wedding?
Meghan’s wedding dress was put on display at Windsor Castle for a limited time after the wedding. The display also included the veil and tiara worn by Meghan on her wedding day. The dress was later moved to an exhibition at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland.