If you were like most of us, you definitely tuned in to watch the Royal Wedding between Prince Charles and Kate Middleton.  Some of us, myself included, got up at 2AM to insure that we would not miss anything.  There have been many comments on Kate’s choice of dress- ranging the gamut from too conservative to too vintage.  So I am here to give you my opinion on it as well!

First, let’s all admit that she is a gorgeous woman and very few things would look bad on her.  She looked fantastic (maybe a little heavy on the eyebrows but that’s another story)!!

I have to say up front that I think Kate chose extremely wisely.  As a commoner marrying into royalty, it was extremely important for her to not make a mistake, which obviously ruled out anything too “trendy or fashion-forward”.  She chose a beautiful lace bodice and as we all know, she could not have a revealing bodice and had to have her arms covered in the cathedral.  I think Kate definitely looked like the elegant queen that she will become.  She did go forward with a modest v neck gown which showed her hollow at the neck beautifully.  Kate did add a softened box pleat to the skirt at the waist and then followed through with all the lace appliqués to tie in the bodice to the skirt.  The gown moved gracefully down the aisle and though it did not have the enormous and record-breaking long train of Princess Diana, it was long enough to be held brilliantly by the gorgeous Pippa.  Lesson- sister or not, don’t let a bridesmaid upstage you!  Pippa looked way too gorgeous in her body skimming bridesmaid dress that featured the cowl neckline and with the TV cameras watching her every time she had to bend over, her simple yet elegant bridesmaid dress stole the show.

The mother of the bride looked elegant as well and tried not to upstage Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, or the Queen herself.  I think Kate’s mother chose an age appropriate dress in a gorgeous blue and the longer jacket helped to look fashionable, yet not step on anyone’s toes.  And let’s face it; this is the one time when the Mother of the Bride does not get to run the show.  The Queen has to look great for her countrymen, and that she did!  Though her clothing always follows a similar pattern, I have to admit that I was surprised that she chose a bright yellow!  Poor Camilla’s outfit on the other hand could perhaps use a rethink.  I really don’t think it’s a good idea to put roses on a middle-aged woman’s derriere (regardless of its size)!!

Of course, every designer will have their “inspired version”, (i.e. copy) of the dress and we will have them in Bridal Elegance as well.  All of the dresses- Kate’s, Pippa’s and their Mother’s dress will all be arriving in the next few weeks.

The main thing I thought as I looked at this beautiful wedding was how proud Diana would be of her son.  Through all the travails, he seems to truly love his exquisitely-beautiful wife, and though her dress did remind me of Grace Kelly’s dress (which we also have) when she gave up Hollywood to marry Prince Rainier in Monaco, I still loved the wedding and wish this royal couple much happiness!!