It was on April 29, 2011, that Kate and William decided to say "I do." They had been enjoying a beautiful love story for over ten years, and this was the perfect way to demonstrate their love. Their relationship, closely followed by the press, had its ups and downs, but they were still certain they wanted to get married.
Both dresses were designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.
For one of the most important days of her life, Kate chose two Alexander McQueen designs by its creative director, Sarah Burton. There was much speculation about who would dress the bride on such a special day, and it seems Kate knew exactly who she wanted from the very beginning.
The design was characterized by its exclusivity: it featured a 2.7-meter-long veil and a back adorned with 58 silk-covered buttons and organza appliqués.
The dress was distinguished by its numerous lace flowers. The dress was covered in lace motifs by the Carrickmacross brand, which were handcrafted by the Royal School of Needlework, a renowned academy of dressmakers.
The lace flowers were meticulously arranged, creating shapes of daffodils, thistles, roses, and clovers. Each one was crafted individually and covered with ivory silk tulle. The garment also included lace imported from France, from the Chantilly company.
The choice of flowers was not random, as they represented the countries of the United Kingdom, a tribute that would later be seen in Meghan Markle's dress.
To complete her look, Kate opted for a tiara that belonged to Queen Elizabeth II.
To complement her look, Kate wore various accessories. She wore a tiara that belonged to Queen Elizabeth II. It was the Cartier Scroll tiara, a gift the monarch received in 1923. The jewel had only been worn on ten occasions and features nearly a thousand diamonds. She paired it with earrings that had been a gift from her parents. Besides something borrowed, Kate wore something blue, tucked inside her dress: an embroidered bow made by Alexander McQueen's seamstresses.
The bouquet, a nod to Lady Di
The bouquet was designed by expert Shane Connolly, a clear nod to Lady Di. However, Kate's bouquet was a simpler and smaller version of the one carried by the Princess of Wales. It stood out for its romantic motifs and perfectly complemented her dress.
The dress was estimated at around £250,000
The dress was estimated at around £250,000, making it one of the most expensive in history. Weeks after the wedding, it was displayed in the drawing room of Buckingham Palace for four months. Also on display were her jewelry, a replica of her bridal bouquet, her shoes, and a wedding cake similar to the one she had chosen.
Kate's second dress was simpler and she wore it with a cardigan.
Once the ceremony was over, Kate wore a second dress, also designed by Alexander McQueen. The dress was simpler than the first and had the advantage of not having a train, so she could fully enjoy the evening. It was also designed by Sarah Burton and she wore it with an ivory cardigan and her hair completely loose.
