Historic Royal Bridesmaid Dresses That Turned Heads and Set Trends by Graveyard Shift

# Historic Royal Bridesmaid Dresses That Turned Heads and Set Trends Royal weddings have always been a treasure trove of fashion inspiration. While the spotlight often shines on the bride, it's impossible to ignore the stunning bridesmaid dresses that accompany her down the aisle. These dresses not only complement the grandeur of the occasion but sometimes set fashion trends that resonate for decades. Let's delve into the history and significance of some of the most iconic royal bridesmaid dresses. ## The Evolution of Royal Bridesmaid Dresses ### Victorian Elegance: Princess Victoria's Wedding, 1858 When Princess Victoria, the eldest daughter of Queen Victoria, married in 1858, the bridesmaids’ attire embodied the epitome of Victorian splendor. * Silhouette: The dresses featured voluminous skirts supported by crinolines, giving them an ethereal, cloud-like appearance. * Fabric: Luxurious silks and satins were predominant, often adorned with delicate lace trims. * Accessories: Bouquets of fresh flowers and dainty headpieces completed the look, in line with the elaborate Victorian dress code. ### Twentieth Century Innovation: Queen Elizabeth II's Wedding, 1947 Queen Elizabeth II's wedding to Prince Philip was a monumental event that came on the heels of World War II. The bridesmaid dresses designed by Norman Hartnell were nothing short of revolutionary for that time. * Design: The gowns were crafted from ivory silk with fitted bodices and full skirts. * Detailing: Embellished with appliqués of lilac and white organza flowers, they symbolized hope and new beginnings. * Influence: These dresses heralded a post-war return to opulence and set the stage for bridal fashion in the following decades. ### Modern Marvel: Diana, Princess of Wales' Wedding, 1981 The wedding of Lady Diana Spencer to Prince Charles is still considered one of the most iconic royal weddings of the 20th century. The bridesmaid dresses were the perfect accompaniment to Diana's legendary gown. * Designer: The dresses were designed by David Emanuel, the same genius behind Diana’s wedding dress. * Fabric: Made from a lavish taffeta fabric, the dresses featured romantic puffed sleeves and full skirts. * Color Palette: Pale yellow hues were chosen to complement the bride, a departure from traditional white or pastel colors often seen in royal weddings. ### Twenty-First Century Chic: Kate Middleton's Wedding, 2011 Kate Middleton's wedding to Prince William was a modern fairytale, and the bridesmaid dresses were nothing short of breathtaking. * Designer: The now-iconic Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. * Style: The dresses were classic yet modern, with fitted bodices and full skirts crafted from layers of fine chiffon. * Color Scheme: It was the delicate hue of ivory that graced the bridesmaids, echoing the timeless elegance of Kate’s own gown. ### Contemporary Simplicity: Meghan Markle's Wedding, 2018 When Meghan Markle married Prince Harry, her bridesmaid dresses stood as a testament to modern simplicity and elegance. * Designer: French couturier Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy designed the bridesmaids’ dresses. * Material: White silk radzimir, a departure from the more commonly used chiffons and taffetas. * Design Aesthetic: Clean lines and minimal embellishments characterized the dresses, emphasizing understated sophistication. ## The Lasting Influence of Royal Bridesmaid Dresses ### Setting Fashion Trends Royal bridesmaid dresses often set the stage for future fashion trends. Whether it was the introduction of voluminous skirts in the Victorian era or the return to opulence after World War II, these outfits have had a lasting impact on bridal and formal wear. ### Modern-Day Replicas The influence of these dresses extends beyond the realms of royalty, often being replicated for ordinary weddings. Inspired by royal weddings, designers have created affordable versions of these iconic gowns, allowing bridesmaids worldwide to partake in a bit of royal glamour. ### Symbolism and Sentiment More than just fabric and thread, these dresses often carry symbolic meanings—be it the post-war hope signified in Queen Elizabeth II's bridesmaids' dresses or Meghan Markle's nod to modern simplicity. ### Breaking Tradition: Acceptance of Individuality Recent royal weddings have shown a move towards embracing unique individual style within the framework of tradition. For example, Meghan Markle's bridesmaid dresses were not only elegant but also removed from the conventional frills and lace, indicating a shift towards more personalized choices. ## The Role of Designers in Royal Weddings ### Norman Hartnell: A Royal Staple Norman Hartnell's designs for Queen Elizabeth II have stood the test of time, remaining a hallmark of royal fashion. ### David Emanuel: The Man Behind Diana’s Dress David Emanuel's collaboration with Diana, Princess of Wales, brought about one of the most unforgettable bridal parties, instigating a generation of puff-sleeve enthusiasts. ### Alexander McQueen: Pioneers of Modern Royal Couture Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen brought a contemporary twist to traditional royal weddings with her timeless designs for Kate Middleton. ### Clare Waight Keller: Minimalist Maestro Clare Waight Keller’s designs for Meghan Markle marked a departure from intricate detailing, focusing instead on minimalistic elegance. ## Conclusion Royal bridesmaid dresses are more than just complementary garments to the bridal gown—they are a fusion of tradition, innovation, and fashion-forward thinking. From the extravagance of the Victorian era to modern-day simplicity, these dresses have captivated audiences and set trends. Whether you're walking down the aisle yourself or simply admiring from afar, it’s hard to resist the allure of these iconic ensembles that continue to inspire and influence the world of fashion.