This weekend marks a major pop culture moment; another royal wedding will be going down in the history books – but this time with a modern twist!
While the British royal family is renowned for their age-old tradition and strict protocol, the contemporary couple that is Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have already broken royal customs in more ways than one.
On Saturday the 19th of May, the Suits acress will step into her role of Duchess of Sussex after saying ‘I do’, merging Hollywood glamour with aristocratic nobility for the first time ever, and bringing a whole new dynamic to the royal family.
But what does one wear for such a momentous occassion? A wedding dress fit for…royalty of course. One tradition that has remained in tact is that details of the dress, such as designer and style is a carefully guarded secret, yet that hasn’t stopped style experts from weiging in on the matter.
As the couple’s flair for the unconventional takes centre stage in the Royal Wedding lead-up, we can’t help but wonder, will Meghan go rogue and opt for a modern, skin-baring gown, or will she follow in the footsteps of royal brides before her, choosing a classic and conservative wedding day ensemble?
These are our predictions for what Meghan Markle’s wedding dress might look like:
REGAL GLAMOUR
Based on the grandeur of the occassion and the fact that the ceremony will be taking place at the historical St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, Meghan might mirror this opulence in her dress via rich lace and intricate embelishments.
We’re thinking long lace sleeves, a high neckline and a full skirt complete with dramatic train, similar to that of soon-to-be sis-in-law Kate Middleton.
Liz Crystal, Chief Marketing Officer at David’s Bridal seems to agree with this sentiment. She says: “I think we’ll see a lot of lace, beautiful beading and buttons of her dress.” She also envisions a tremendous veil. “It will be beyond. She will have some beautiful orientation or decor on it,” she added.
SLEEK AND SOPHISTICATED
Instead of succumbing to the opulence around her, Meghan may choose to stay true to her personal sense of style, which tends to lean more towards simplistic elegance and classic sophistication – with a twist.
Understated designs can be extremely striking and powerful, such as this form-fitting gown from Berta Bridal (right). We could be seeing clean lines and a structured silhouette, and according Sarah Swan, Studio Director from bridal boutique Amsale in New York, we should not rule out a touch of drama. She predicts a”single, striking detail.” that will elevate a minimal and classy look into one fit for a royal affair.
RUSTIC ROMANCE
Since Meghan is marrying into the British royal family, it is customary and couteous of her to wear a British-based designer on her wedding day. Well-established coutour houses based in London include the romantic and ethereal label, Ralph and Russo, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, as well as soft and feminine British-Canadian designer Erdem.
Meghan may well wear two gowns on the day, with the second one being something simple, romantic and easy to move in.
Since Meghan wore a ruffled, Ralph and Russo ballgown in her official engagement photos with Prince Harry, many are speculating that she may maintain the rustic and romantic theme in her wedding gown, with another design by the brand.
MODERN MUSE
Meghan is no ordinary royal. She embodies a confident, accomplished and all-American It Girl, and may want to reflect this in her wedding gown, opting for a design that challenges traditional norms.
If so, we can expect to see something a little risque (by royal standards, at least). Perhaps she’ll show off a bit of skin with something shoulder-baring or strapless of even a low back cut if she really wants to be daring.
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AUTHOR: Farah Khalfe