Bridal Fashion

predictions for a princess: what will meghan markle wear?

Julia Smith

Lempika - Suzanne Neville

Prepare to hoist up the Union Jack, gather round the TV and don your finest hat, for the royal wedding is upon us and anticipation for what’s to come is at fever pitch!

Since Harry and Meghan’s engagement was announced back in November, details of their big day have gradually been revealed or leaked to the press, but one element that has remained a closely guarded secret is what Ms Markle’s dress will look like.

Speculation of the designer has been rife, with bets placed on the likes of Alexander McQueen, Stewart Parvin, Erdem and Victoria Beckham, plus favourite, Ralph & Russo, with the Daily Mail reporting that the London-based couture house have crafted a £100,000 gown for the bride-to-be.

It’s also been said that Meghan will follow in future sister-in-law Kate’s footsteps by having two dresses; one for the ceremony at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, and a second to change into for the evening reception at Frogmore House so that she can party the night away without sartorial restrictions.

But still we don’t know what style that main significant dress will be – the shape, fabric, detailing, length of the train etc – until the proceedings are broadcast to billions of viewers around the world this Saturday. What we do know, however, is that Meghan’s choice of dress will have a big impact on shaping future bridal trends, just as Kate Middleton’s iconic long-sleeve lace gown did back in April 2011.

So, sharing in the excitement and spirit of the Harry and Meghan’s impending nuptials, we’re giving our thoughts on what the LA-born actress will wear for her biggest moment in the spotlight to date!

Main images: Suzanne Neville

rachel says

Cavetto - Suzanne Neville

While there’s a lot of talk about Meghan being the one to break the royal mould and put her own style in-line with tradition when it comes to design preferences, I believe such a high-profile wedding still calls for a classic gown. I’m therefore gravitating towards a safe A-line creation that cinches in at the waist, though I don’t see it being as large, ‘princess-ey’ or fussy as Kate’s.

Another impacting factor has to be the venue, while Meghan has said her personal style is “very pared down and relaxed”, the gown will need to hold its own against the grand setting of St George’s and also be a suitable and respectful choice for such a building. Furthermore, it’s reported that the Queen must approve Meghan’s gown, and so surely we can safely rule out any plunging necklines, thigh-high leg splits or Berta-style transparent panels. We can only imagine Prince Philip’s face!

So, I’m thinking clean cut and classic, yes, in rich luxurious, possibly silk fabric but with a level of detailing in jewels/beading – this is a royal wedding after all!

Sleeve and neckline-wise I think a thicker strap or off-shoulder design, with a gracious rather than deep-cut v. Or perhaps even a high-collared racer-neck design that would tick both elegant and contemporary boxes.

I’m expecting beautiful corsetry in the top half to accentuate Markle’s stunning figure and then flaring out and over the hips and legs to the floor for a hint of a fairy tale skirt.

The detailing I doubt would be blingy, so I’m drawn to more muted colour embellishment that will blend with the dress for just the right amount of sparkle and regality.

All in all as a bride-to-be soon to embark on the dress hunt myself, I can’t imagine the pressure on Meghan and those around her to create the perfect dress for such a stately occasion but I’m hoping Ms Markle brings some of that Hollywood sparkle and sass to Saturday’s proceedings.

julia says

Geddess - Suzanne Neville

The big day is nearly upon us, and there’s only one thing this bridal editor is bothered about… I’m not bothered who will walk Meghan down the aisle, couldn’t give a hoot what her (horrible) sister said next and I’m not even tallying up the bridesmaid and pageboy count. I want to see the dress. I want wow, I want romance and, most of all please Ms Markle, I want FASHION.

There’s a big difference between this dress and Kate’s – and that’s that whilst I was expecting K Middy to play it classic and classy, with Meghan, I’m looking for more fashionable form, and a nod to her Hollywood heritage. She’s also done it once before, in a simple chiffon sheath with a beautiful bejewelled waistline. I actually loved her first, beachy wedding dress, but the pomp and ceremony of Windsor calls for something a bit more structured, a bit more statement.

The bridal fashion part of my job – the styling for UNVEILED Magazine creative shoots, viewing of new collections and trend predicting – is without question, my very favourite part of my job here at Brides Up North, and as such, I’ve had some time and quite a lot of inclination to ponder what our future Duchess should choose.

Yeah, I know the odds are on a classic cut and heavy beading, probably lashings of lace and tulle… but my prediction (or wish list!) is a little more specific. if I were Meghan, I’d go for a simple yet sexy silhouette. I think she’d look sensational in something super slinky. Maybe an off the shoulder silk number, with long sleeves and a soft figure hugging bodice, tapering down to either a bit of a fishtail or a super long, soft, silky train. Clean lines, drama in the structure. A thoroughly modern, sexy princess. No A-lines please!

So pass the flags, I’m ready for Meghan’s moment. Just don’t let me down Ms Markle.

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