Has the Royal Wedding Dress Affected Your Dress Choice?

Kate Middleton’s wedding dress was expected to be an instant sell out with many brides to be. While elements of the lace overlay and neckline detail translates well for many ladies, I feel it hasn’t had them clambering over themselves to replicate the look of the Sarah Burton design for their own wedding.

The moment the dress became available to see back in April, teams of tailors and seamstresses across the globe whirred into action to copy the elegant dress. Many bridal salons debuted their in-house version of the dress within days.

This version was assembled by a team who worked throughout the weekend to replicate elements of the Sarah Burton design. While it is a beautiful design, I feel it is too conservative for today’s modern bride.

Debbie Buck of Glamour Bridal Boutique in Bolton says she has two versions in store. The first is an Alfred Sung, which has eighty meters of satin in the dress alone. Feedback has been that it is pretty, but an enormous dress few are considering buying. The second by Charlotte Balbier is a tulle dress with ¾ length sleeves. The Charlotte Balbier dress is much more purchasable.

She went on to tell me. “I've recently opened my bridal boutique in Bolton, Lancs and have 4 gowns which have been heavily influenced by the Royal Wedding this year.

“As part of The Royal Collection I have 3 gowns aptly named 'Pippa', 'Catherine' and 'Kate’, all of them modelled closely on the gowns worn by the now infamous Middleton sisters. The first, 'Pippa', made from the softest satin and featuring a slightly cowl neckline, is a sheath like dress chosen by our brides who require beauty and simplicity.  The second, 'Kate', is similar to the dress chosen by the Duchess of Cambridge for her evening reception, and features a perfect row of tiny satin covered buttons at the back and a diamante embellished belt with sweetheart neckline. Finally there's 'Catherine', a huge dress featuring 80 metres of satin and a train approx 4-5 metres long. It’s often a real talking point in our showrooms from a curiosity point of view, but so far only 1 bride has requested to try it and sadly nobody deciding to buy.

“Taking inspiration from the same wedding, Charlotte Balbier has created the very beautiful 'Ava', featuring 3/4 length sleeves, a drop waist enhanced by a satin sash, diamante buckle and bow, and a huge tulle skirt with several layers and diamantes scattered on it; a favourite with our brides so far.”

Claire Perkins of Silk Rose Couture was asked to make her representation of the dress. Claire had submitted her own design to Prince William’s private secretary and, although it was understood the design had been looked at by Kate herself, the outcome was a 'thanks, but no thanks'.

Claire said “The Royal Wedding Dress was made using an Ivory and White Silk Gazar from Henry Bertand. I have reduced the overall cost and used just the  Ivory Silk Gazar for the under bodice and skirt, with an Ivory Chantilly Lace overlaid with White French hand appliquéd cut out lace, to represent the Carrickmacross lace  that was used on Kate’s. The lace is incorporated in the train at the centre back. Had I had more time I would have appliquéd the lace more heavily on the skirt, but this can be done at a later date if necessary. Personally I like the lighter look and feel to it as it is.”

Personally, my favourite element of the Royal Wedding dress has to be the back detail. It is a fabulous change to that of a bow or bustle.

So, do I think Sarah Burton’s creation will have brides wanting the look? I feel brides have wanted sleeves or covered shoulders for a while, but like many, they will opt for those elements they love rather than their own Royal Wedding recreation.

Article by Wedding Dress Designer Linda Davey

Images Courtesy of -

1: Mike Flokis via Getty Images

2: Claire Perkins

3: James Melia Photography

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