The Givenchy Wedding Dress Worn by Meghan Markle

 

The ivory dress that oozed elegance and style still has everyone talking. Could this be the dress for your special day?

It’s been nearly two weeks since the wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry but talks around Meghan’s dress, designed by Clare Waight, Artistic Director of Givenchy continue well after the beautiful wedding day. Tina Waller is a wedding dress designer based in Maidenhead and shares the details around Meghan’s wedding dress and accessories.

The Dress

Kensington Palace revealed some of the details on the thought process behind the stunning bridal gown:

“The focus of the dress is the graphic open bateau neckline that gracefully frames the shoulders and emphasises the slender sculpted waist.”

“The lines of the dress extend towards the back where the train flows in soft round folds cushioned by an underskirt in triple silk organza. The slim three-quarter sleeves add a note of refined modernity.”

Harper's Bazaar fashion director Avril Mair had said "Clare Waight Keller’s debut couture collection for Givenchy was full of the most beautiful, sculpted dresses - they had the kind of grace and dignity that’s often lacking nowadays when everything has to be embellished and decorated to stand out on Instagram. Hubert De Givenchy was all about structure and simplicity: this amazing wedding gown honoured that spirit while being entirely and perfectly modern. It’s heaven!"

The gown was beautifully simple, which is more than some may have expected, but its understated, fuss-free look has an elegance that I love.  The gown is also very reflective of Meghan Markle's personal style. The actress is well known for her polished, pared-down style, and her personality showed in her wedding dress. The Silk Crepe fabric was divine and the way the train ‘walked’ behind Meghan was wonderful!

Some of my clients have commented that it was maybe too plain, but I thought it was perfect for her! Maybe I would have added little covered buttons at the back……………….but that’s very me!

Wedding Gowns don’t have to be ‘all singing, dancing plus bells’ to make an impact! When you choose a beautiful fabric, you can sometimes let that alone tell the story.

Here's one of my customers, Claire Ritchie on her wedding day, looking beautiful wearing a similar fabric and neckline at the front...

 

The Veil

The five-metre long veil was a much-praised masterpiece, made from silk tulle with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers native to all the 53 countries in the Commonwealth.

The gorgeous veil was by far the most theatrical part of the beautiful ensemble and held its place by Queen Mary's diamond bandeau tiara, made in 1932, lent to Meghan by the Queen. Its centre brooch dates from 1893, while the bandeau itself is made of diamonds and platinum, formed as a flexible band of eleven sections, pierced with interlaced ovals and pavé set with large and small brilliant diamonds.

The Veil was spectacular, such detail. However, a long veil does need to be controlled! The page boys did a tremendous job, but if you plan on a similar idea………..may I suggest not so long! A standard venue or even a larger church would throw some obstacles to that choice. There are usually corners to turn, smaller aisles, etc. Probably not a good idea for the veil to turn up an hour or so after the bride!

Richard Designs stocks some fantastic veils in various lengths and a range of tiaras, including the one on the right.

 

Get in touch

If you are thinking about getting your wedding dress made why not make an appointment to pop in to see me for a free consultation. At this consultation we can discuss all your ideas, look at fabrics and budget and let you know how it all works.

If you would like to find out more about our alterations service or wedding dress design services, please contact me on 01628 624340 or send me an email tinawallerbridal@sky.com