I am sure everyone tuned in to see the big royal wedding today. I do have to say that I loved Kate's choice of wedding gowns!!! As soon as I saw it, I knew her inspiration came from Grace Kelly's gown. The updated design really really complimented Kate's figure and personality. I could not resist! I wanted to know more behind Kate's look. So here are a few more details that I found surfing the web today.
Let’s start with the dress…..The gorgeous Alexander McQueen gown was designed by Creative Director Sarah Burton. It had elegant lace sleeves. The lace appliqué was hand-made by the Royal School of Needlework using the Carrickmacross lace-making technique, which served as her "something old." Hand-cut English lace and French Chantilly lace adorned the ivory silk gazar skirt, which flowed out from the fitted corset. For the finishing touches, 58 covered buttons fastened the gown in the back – and a bit of blue ribbon constituted the bride's "something blue." Since Kate is a simple but elegant girl, her train was a modest length of eight feet, pretty short compared to other royal gowns.
For the headpiece, again Kate stuck with something simple. The veil was made of ivory silk tulle and had embroidered trim also done by the Royal School of Needlework. As far as the tiara goes, this was Catherine's "something borrowed" was a Cartier 'halo' tiara loaned to her by Queen Elizabeth II. It was originally a gift from the Queen's father, King George VI, to the Queen Mother, and it was given to the Queen on her 18th birthday.
For her "something new," Catherine wore a pair of diamond earrings created for her by jeweler Robinson Pelham. Designed to complement the tiara, as well as to reference the Middleton family's new coat of arms, the earrings were comprised of an oak leaf stud and diamond drops, which encompassed a tiny diamond acorn.
As far as the hair and make-up goes, I am really glad that she chose the half-updo. I think if she wore it all up, it would have looked to stuffy. Also, I was really surprised to hear that she did her own make-up! Brave Girl!!!
The only thing, Lori and I thought needed a little help was her bouquet. It was a little small and did not compliment the dress at all. However, I really did like the symbolic meaning behind it. The bouquet was designed by Shane Connolly. In addition to the flower sweet William, the bouquet included lily-of-the-valley (for return of happiness), hyacinth (constancy of love) and ivy (for fidelity, marriage and affection). Also key to the arrangement were stems from plants grown from sprigs of the bridal bouquets of Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.
In all, it was really great to watch this event and bring out the princess in us!
Photos: www.people.com
