Meghan Markle, Princess Diana, Queen Victoria – which royal wore the best wedding dress in history?
Ever since Queen Victoria started the tradition of wearing white, the world’s royal elites have set contemporary wedding trends – what can we learn from the princesses of the past, and who rocked it best walking down the aisle?
Did you know that Queen Victoria started the white wedding dress trend? She chose to wear a white dress for her nuptials to Prince Edward in 1840, and it became a tradition that lasted until this very day.
Over the last century, royal wedding trends have heavily influenced the modern brides-to-be, especially when it comes to their bridal gowns. Below, we take a look back at some of the most captivating wedding gowns throughout history – which might just give contemporary brides some inspiration for planning their own big days ahead.
In 1947, Queen Elizabeth II bought designer Norman Hartnell's wedding dress after saving up her post-World War II rations coupons. The ivory silk gown was embroidered with 10,000 pearls and featured a 15-foot (five-metre) star-patterned train, and was, no doubt, one of the most intricate looks on our list.
Her aunt Wallis Simpson, on the other hand, was the only bride who went for an unconventional option. The wife of Prince Edward – who infamously abdicated his throne for her – wore a column dress in a “Wallis blue” shade that was named after eyes.
While many opted for designers from their respective countries to design their wedding look, some turned to famed couturiers to create their ultimate dream dress. Case in point: Valentino Garavani made Crown Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece and Queen Máxima of The Netherlands' gowns.
Christian Dior designed for Queen Soraya of Iran and Queen Noor of Jordan.