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The royal family

Royals' Wedding Dresses

188 replies

tarheelbaby · 06/06/2026 21:50

Royal Wedding Dresses
By popular demand: post your thoughts on royal brides' wedding dresses here.
Most flattering
Most appropriate
Best tiara
Most unflattering
Most inappropriate
Worst tiara

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36
Marmaladeaddict · 10/06/2026 15:39

HelenaWilson · 10/06/2026 12:03

The Queen's was OK. Pretty. Nothing to write home about.

For its time, the late Queen's dress was really quite lavish - long full skirt, satin, embroidery, seed pearls - given that clothes rationing was in force. The govt. apparently allowed her 200 extra clothing coupons. An ordinary day dress, stockings and shoes was 18 coupons.

What do you think she should have worn?

(Meghan's dresses often seem to fit poorly around the waist and hips. I remember a turquoise Victoria Beckham which suited her very well but was spoiled by poor fit.)

Meghan never wears a properly fitting bra either. You can clearly see the outline under her clothes and they are always strapless . It makes her clothes look badly fitting along with the fact that she doesn’t dress for her figure

MrsLeonFarrell · 10/06/2026 20:07

I'd forgotten how amazing Anne's dress was. Such a beautiful fit.

I did like Catherine's dress but felt it was scaled up for the occasion and venue and wonder what she would have chosen without those factors. Those long trains/veils must be a pain.

Meghan's and Diana's both fit poorly and neither flattered the wearer.

Camilla looked amazing at her wedding to Charles.

I'm probably the only person who doesn't like Princess Grace's dress. I always feel the satin comes up too high in the bodice.

NameChangeMay2026 · 10/06/2026 20:37

HelenaWilson · 10/06/2026 12:03

The Queen's was OK. Pretty. Nothing to write home about.

For its time, the late Queen's dress was really quite lavish - long full skirt, satin, embroidery, seed pearls - given that clothes rationing was in force. The govt. apparently allowed her 200 extra clothing coupons. An ordinary day dress, stockings and shoes was 18 coupons.

What do you think she should have worn?

(Meghan's dresses often seem to fit poorly around the waist and hips. I remember a turquoise Victoria Beckham which suited her very well but was spoiled by poor fit.)

Yes, very true. I'm judging it with modern eyes.

I remember that kingfisher-blue VB dress spoiled by a bad fit on Meghan. Such a pity because she really wowed in that colour. It was too tight on the hips and had ridden up creating a seam around her waist, as it was too tight to skim her body. You can often tell that her pencil skirts are too tight thanks to the horizontal pulls. And yet she has the best help. I think she mustn't listen to them and just prefers the tightness, not realising it doesn't look good.

Pippa's bridesmaid dress fitted her like a dream, and it wasn't actually TIGHT. It skimmed her figure, like it was meant to. It showed off her shape but wasn't tight enough for the material to catch on her body.

Meghan's wedding dress had the same fit issues as that blue VB dress. That fit makes her look apple-shaped.

NameChangeMay2026 · 10/06/2026 20:52

Marmaladeaddict · 10/06/2026 15:39

Meghan never wears a properly fitting bra either. You can clearly see the outline under her clothes and they are always strapless . It makes her clothes look badly fitting along with the fact that she doesn’t dress for her figure

No, Meghan doesn't dress for her figure. She's short-waisted but loves a belt. Many of her outfits seem to emphasise the short waist. And she doesn't seem to take advice from tailors and dressmakers, considering the bad fits we've seen. Also has a habit of drowning herself in way too much fabric, when she has small, delicate features and is very slim.

I think the reason Kate always looks SO polished is because she takes advice. Her tailoring is absolutely perfect, a good example being the top of the outfit she just wore for Harriet and Peter's wedding. It's not so tight that it catches on her body, meaning that there is no wrinkling. It looks a perfect fit despite not actually being tight.

Meghan's are often too tight on her hips, which is when you get those horizontal lines across the widest part of her hips as the skirts are too tight to skim. And bunching of fabric at the waist because the dress can't slide.

This is a good example. Gorgeous dress on her - she should wear colours more - but bad fit.

Royals' Wedding Dresses
Chimneyissues · 10/06/2026 21:34

I’ve been looking through some photos and I think Eugenies is the most flattering for her, the neckline really suited her.

Meghan had the chance to do something really grown up with some Hollywood glamour. Instead it’s dull and badly fitted.

HelenaWilson · 10/06/2026 21:38

This is a good example. Gorgeous dress on her - she should wear colours more - but bad fit.

Yes, that's the dress I meant. Style and colour really suit her, but the overall look spoiled by the bad fit.

She wasn't buying off the peg back then, was she? You'd think the designers would see she was properly fitted when supplying the item. But if Givenchy couldn't manage it.....

I think the reason Kate always looks SO polished is because she takes advice. Her tailoring is absolutely perfect, a good example being the top of the outfit she just wore for Harriet and Peter's wedding. It's not so tight that it catches on her body, meaning that there is no wrinkling. It looks a perfect fit despite not actually being tight.

And she knows the skirt will fall as it should when she gets out of the car, so she doesn't have to worry about it.

I remember a black dress Liz Truss wore after the Queen died. She had to tug it down when she got out of a car somewhere. Not a good look when the world's tv cameras are on you.

NameChangeMay2026 · 11/06/2026 05:43

HelenaWilson · 10/06/2026 21:38

This is a good example. Gorgeous dress on her - she should wear colours more - but bad fit.

Yes, that's the dress I meant. Style and colour really suit her, but the overall look spoiled by the bad fit.

She wasn't buying off the peg back then, was she? You'd think the designers would see she was properly fitted when supplying the item. But if Givenchy couldn't manage it.....

I think the reason Kate always looks SO polished is because she takes advice. Her tailoring is absolutely perfect, a good example being the top of the outfit she just wore for Harriet and Peter's wedding. It's not so tight that it catches on her body, meaning that there is no wrinkling. It looks a perfect fit despite not actually being tight.

And she knows the skirt will fall as it should when she gets out of the car, so she doesn't have to worry about it.

I remember a black dress Liz Truss wore after the Queen died. She had to tug it down when she got out of a car somewhere. Not a good look when the world's tv cameras are on you.

Oh, the clothes-tug! Never a sign of a well-fitted garment. 🙈

Even if Meghan was buying off the peg, she could have got a tailor to alter it - or, I'm sure that VB's people would have done it. Considering that Meghan's wedding dress had that similar bad fit, I think it's Meghan insisting on that tightness over the hip. She must think it looks best that way. It probably does look good when she stands perfectly still with her feet together, but the moment she moves, it rides up and gets stuck. Then she has extra material in the torso (like in her wedding photos) because the dress has rucked up as it's too tight to slide over her hips.

When I saw a photo of her wedding dress on display, I was surprised how beautifully shaped it was. It didn't look like that on her at all. I think it must have been that tightness over the hips that she favours which ruined the line.

The VB dress photos are also a good illustration of why you should wear a slip. I know they're old-fashioned now, but they make clothes look better. My late mother was really good with these details. A slip lets the material skim, (assuming the dress or skirt isn't too tight), makes the fabric drape better without catching on your legs, stops static cling, and smooths out any panty lines. Not that Meghan had panty lines in that blue-dress pic, but a slip might have helped the fabric look better. It's clinging, which makes it look a bit thin.

Royals' Wedding Dresses
NameChangeMay2026 · 11/06/2026 05:50

Chimneyissues · 10/06/2026 21:34

I’ve been looking through some photos and I think Eugenies is the most flattering for her, the neckline really suited her.

Meghan had the chance to do something really grown up with some Hollywood glamour. Instead it’s dull and badly fitted.

Yes, Eugenie's was really nice.

It's a pity that Beatrice didn't get a wedding similar size, with a similarly gorgeous dress. (It was because of Covid.) I feel cheated of a royal wedding dress! 🤣

Never mind, Lady Marina Windsor is getting married June 20. (The young woman in the teal dress on this thread.) I Googled photos of her, not having really known who she was before, and I love all the clothes I saw her in. Which is unusual for me as I don't love most clothes. So I can't wait to see what her dress will be like!

NameChangeMay2026 · 11/06/2026 06:03

Sorry, the teal dress I mentioned above is on my thread about...the teal dress. (Thought I was on that thread.)

Here's a good pic of the bad fit of Meghan's wedding dress. I think what's happened is that due to the tightness across the hips, it's rucked up by an inch or so as she moved, and it couldn't slide back down, resulting in that extra fabric under her bust and the horizontal pull lines across her hips. Also clearly not wearing an underskirt so the fabric is clinging to her legs. Probably no room with it being too tight.

Royals' Wedding Dresses
Lampzade · 11/06/2026 06:25

NameChangeMay2026 · 11/06/2026 06:03

Sorry, the teal dress I mentioned above is on my thread about...the teal dress. (Thought I was on that thread.)

Here's a good pic of the bad fit of Meghan's wedding dress. I think what's happened is that due to the tightness across the hips, it's rucked up by an inch or so as she moved, and it couldn't slide back down, resulting in that extra fabric under her bust and the horizontal pull lines across her hips. Also clearly not wearing an underskirt so the fabric is clinging to her legs. Probably no room with it being too tight.

Wasn’t fond of Meghan’s hair either tbh . It looked a bit undone
However, I think that along with Princess Margaret , Meghan was the most beautiful Royal bride of all even with the ill fitting dress .

MrsLeonFarrell · 11/06/2026 06:41

NameChangeMay2026 · 11/06/2026 05:43

Oh, the clothes-tug! Never a sign of a well-fitted garment. 🙈

Even if Meghan was buying off the peg, she could have got a tailor to alter it - or, I'm sure that VB's people would have done it. Considering that Meghan's wedding dress had that similar bad fit, I think it's Meghan insisting on that tightness over the hip. She must think it looks best that way. It probably does look good when she stands perfectly still with her feet together, but the moment she moves, it rides up and gets stuck. Then she has extra material in the torso (like in her wedding photos) because the dress has rucked up as it's too tight to slide over her hips.

When I saw a photo of her wedding dress on display, I was surprised how beautifully shaped it was. It didn't look like that on her at all. I think it must have been that tightness over the hips that she favours which ruined the line.

The VB dress photos are also a good illustration of why you should wear a slip. I know they're old-fashioned now, but they make clothes look better. My late mother was really good with these details. A slip lets the material skim, (assuming the dress or skirt isn't too tight), makes the fabric drape better without catching on your legs, stops static cling, and smooths out any panty lines. Not that Meghan had panty lines in that blue-dress pic, but a slip might have helped the fabric look better. It's clinging, which makes it look a bit thin.

I've never seen the dress without Meghan in it before. It does look a lovely shape there and I think people are right about the fit across the hips being the issue. Why didn't someone point this out to Meghan? Maybe they did and she didn't listen?

The veil was too long as well but maybe it had to be to scale up for the venue.

MrsLeonFarrell · 11/06/2026 06:44

Lampzade · 11/06/2026 06:25

Wasn’t fond of Meghan’s hair either tbh . It looked a bit undone
However, I think that along with Princess Margaret , Meghan was the most beautiful Royal bride of all even with the ill fitting dress .

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder whereas clothes fit is not.

I thought the late Queen looked pretty on her wedding day and Princess Anne and Catherine, actually pretty much every royal bride, including Meghan.

I felt Meghan looked pretty but also on edge, but who can blame her I would die of nerves in the car.

NameChangeMay2026 · 11/06/2026 06:54

Lampzade · 11/06/2026 06:25

Wasn’t fond of Meghan’s hair either tbh . It looked a bit undone
However, I think that along with Princess Margaret , Meghan was the most beautiful Royal bride of all even with the ill fitting dress .

Meghan is a really pretty woman, imo.

midwalker · 11/06/2026 07:47

itsanamething · 07/06/2026 06:54

Lady Sarah Chatto (Princess Margaret's daughter) had the most stylish wedding dress. It's over 30 years ago but could be worn by a bride today. Loved her bridesmaids' dresses too.

I was a teenager and was absolutely obsessed with the photos of Sarah and her bridesmaids outside the church that featured in Hello. It was such a beautiful, ethereal, romantic look. I still have the issue!

This is my guilty pleasure European royal dress (Princess Mabel). I love that she wore something so fun and different and the shape is beautiful.

I also liked Crown Princess Rajwa of Jordan’s dress from a few years ago. The draped neckline and sheath style were unexpected.

Royals' Wedding Dresses
30dayss · 11/06/2026 08:02

I dont really remember Eugenie's dress. I just remember how happy and excited she seemed in all the photos. She was beaming.

PinkMagpie · 11/06/2026 08:39

Very interesting to see Meghan’s dress on the mannequin as it has a completely different shape!

I saw some old publicity photos of Meghan from her Suits days and the clothes are TIGHT! Wardrobe on that show put her in skintight outfits. Obviously because it is a sexy look. But maybe that influenced her thinking on what a good fit is?

Agree that she has an absolutely beautiful face

Royals' Wedding Dresses
Royals' Wedding Dresses
FragrantPalms · 11/06/2026 09:13

Ohpleeeease · 10/06/2026 08:45

I will say that in general royal bosoms are not well presented. I always felt the Queen’s could have been shifted up a notch or two.

That’s my only issue with Sarah Chatto’s dress — maybe she’s just a very small-breasted woman, but the sort of stiffened stomacher panel on the front of the bodice flattened the bridesmaids’ breasts so they’re completely flat. It looks much odder in the smooth bridesmaid fabric, like they’re wearing historical costumes.

And Kate’s weird pointy bionic tits thing was dreadful, plus all that scratchy-looking lace. I’m with those who think Pippa’s bridesmaid dress far outshone it.

I actually quite liked Meghan’s. I liked Eugenie’s lack of veil.

Royals' Wedding Dresses
Cheesecakeismeesecake · 11/06/2026 09:48

midwalker · 11/06/2026 07:47

I was a teenager and was absolutely obsessed with the photos of Sarah and her bridesmaids outside the church that featured in Hello. It was such a beautiful, ethereal, romantic look. I still have the issue!

This is my guilty pleasure European royal dress (Princess Mabel). I love that she wore something so fun and different and the shape is beautiful.

I also liked Crown Princess Rajwa of Jordan’s dress from a few years ago. The draped neckline and sheath style were unexpected.

The pic of this dress I just do not love at all, it looks like something I'd have designed myself aged seven for my first holy communion

The fit is amazing but the veil imho is too short and the pattern on the dress has a chesterfield sofa vibe

Re: Meghan in Suits, I don't know when that series was made but the late 00- 2010s were a very body-con-pencil-skirt sort of era. Maybe she kind of got stuck there sartorially?

Cheesecakeismeesecake · 11/06/2026 10:00

Ohpleeeease · 10/06/2026 08:45

I will say that in general royal bosoms are not well presented. I always felt the Queen’s could have been shifted up a notch or two.

Maybe the monarchal* mammaries must be modestly waist-level 🙃 agree a hoik up wouldn't have gone a miss but bespoke Rigby and Peller must know better than my ancient M+S off the shelf surely

*yes I have just made that word up, but I'm sticking by it

PinkMagpie · 11/06/2026 12:29

Cheesecakeismeesecake · 11/06/2026 09:48

The pic of this dress I just do not love at all, it looks like something I'd have designed myself aged seven for my first holy communion

The fit is amazing but the veil imho is too short and the pattern on the dress has a chesterfield sofa vibe

Re: Meghan in Suits, I don't know when that series was made but the late 00- 2010s were a very body-con-pencil-skirt sort of era. Maybe she kind of got stuck there sartorially?

Yes I think Meghan is very much a 2010s girl. I’m a similar age to her and I have a tendency to lean towards those styles too

iniati · 11/06/2026 12:37

I would agree that Kate always gets it right on tailoring. I think the dress she wore to Peter Philips wedding is a case in point - it is a deeply dull dress, beige midi length. But her overall look is still good because it fits her so well. She never wears anything that looks creased either

FragrantPalms · 11/06/2026 12:44

midwalker · 11/06/2026 07:47

I was a teenager and was absolutely obsessed with the photos of Sarah and her bridesmaids outside the church that featured in Hello. It was such a beautiful, ethereal, romantic look. I still have the issue!

This is my guilty pleasure European royal dress (Princess Mabel). I love that she wore something so fun and different and the shape is beautiful.

I also liked Crown Princess Rajwa of Jordan’s dress from a few years ago. The draped neckline and sheath style were unexpected.

Those bows are -- mesmerising! It gives off 'fancy First Communion socks and knickers' trimming vibes to me.

PinkMagpie · 11/06/2026 12:45

FragrantPalms · 11/06/2026 09:13

That’s my only issue with Sarah Chatto’s dress — maybe she’s just a very small-breasted woman, but the sort of stiffened stomacher panel on the front of the bodice flattened the bridesmaids’ breasts so they’re completely flat. It looks much odder in the smooth bridesmaid fabric, like they’re wearing historical costumes.

And Kate’s weird pointy bionic tits thing was dreadful, plus all that scratchy-looking lace. I’m with those who think Pippa’s bridesmaid dress far outshone it.

I actually quite liked Meghan’s. I liked Eugenie’s lack of veil.

I struggle with the bridesmaids having the same dress as the bride. She doesn’t stand out at all

FragrantPalms · 11/06/2026 12:46

PinkMagpie · 11/06/2026 12:45

I struggle with the bridesmaids having the same dress as the bride. She doesn’t stand out at all

I think the idea of the bride needing to 'stand out' is a pretty non-U thing.

PinkMagpie · 11/06/2026 12:51

FragrantPalms · 11/06/2026 12:46

I think the idea of the bride needing to 'stand out' is a pretty non-U thing.

Ha, probably!