When it comes to royal weddings, there are many traditions that cannot be overlooked. One such tradition is the choice of wedding gown. While modern royal brides have been known to add their own personal touches to their wedding dresses, there is one aspect that has remained consistent throughout the years – the long sleeves. But why do royal brides wear long sleeves? In this blog post, we’ll explore the origins of this tradition and why it has stood the test of time.
History of Royal Wedding Dresses
When looking at the history of royal wedding dresses, it’s important to note that there have been many different styles and trends over the years. However, there are certain aspects that have remained consistent. One of those aspects is the conservative nature of the dresses.
Prior to the 1800s, white was not a popular color choice for wedding dresses. In fact, it wasn’t until Queen Victoria wore a white dress for her wedding in 1840 that the trend really took off. However, even then, it was common for royal brides to wear dresses that covered a majority of their skin.
Fast forward to the modern era, and we see the continuation of this trend. Princess Diana’s wedding dress featured voluminous sleeves that were very much of the time, but still maintained a level of modesty. Kate Middleton’s wedding dress also featured long sleeves, a nod to tradition and modesty.
Religious and Cultural Significance
Many royal families have ties to religion and culture, both of which can play a role in the choice of wedding dress. For example, in the United Kingdom, the Church of England is the established church, with the monarch as its head. As such, it makes sense that a royal wedding would have ties to the church and its traditions.
Similarly, some cultures place a strong emphasis on modesty when it comes to wedding dresses. This can be seen in the traditional wedding dresses of countries such as India and China. While not all royal weddings have cultural ties, it’s important to keep in mind that the decision to wear long sleeves may reflect such ties.
Media and Public Perception
As much as we might like to think that the choice of wedding dress is solely up to the bride, there is no denying that there is a lot of pressure placed on royal brides when it comes to their choice of attire. The media and public scrutiny that surrounds a royal wedding can be overwhelming, and many brides choose to err on the side of caution when it comes to their dress.
Because of this scrutiny, it’s possible that the choice of long sleeves is simply a way to avoid controversy and criticism. By wearing a dress that adheres to tradition and maintains a level of modesty, a royal bride can avoid being seen as too flashy or attention-seeking.
Conclusion
The decision to wear long sleeves on a wedding dress is one that is steeped in tradition and history. From the conservative nature of royal weddings to ties to religion and culture, there are many reasons why royal brides choose to wear dresses that cover a majority of their skin. While there have been exceptions to this trend, it’s likely that we’ll continue to see long-sleeved wedding dresses at royal weddings for years to come.
FAQ
Why was Meghan’s dress so ill fitting?
The royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was a highly anticipated event, and one of the biggest points of discussion was, of course, Meghan’s wedding dress. Despite the fact that it was designed by the acclaimed British designer Clare Waight Keller, creative director of the French fashion house Givenchy, there were some who criticized the fit of the dress, calling it ill-fitting.
However, there’s a good reason why Meghan’s dress was loose. Harper’s Bazaar writer Mahalia Chang recently wrote that the fabric chosen by Meghan and Claire was “extremely thick” and that the cut was to “let the bride move and breathe in the dress more comfortably.” This is an important consideration for any bride – after all, the last thing you want on your wedding day is to feel trapped and uncomfortable in your wedding dress.
Moreover, it’s worth noting that the style of Meghan’s dress was largely influenced by her own personal style. As a former actress and fashion icon, Meghan has always been drawn to minimalist, unfussy designs that prioritize comfort and simplicity. For her wedding dress, she sought a look that was elegant and timeless, but also in keeping with her own aesthetic preferences.
While some may describe Meghan’s dress as ill-fitting, the reality is that it was designed to meet her own specific needs and preferences. The dress was loose, yes, but for good reason, and ultimately, it was a reflection of Meghan’s personal style and her desire to feel comfortable and confident on her big day.
What are the rules of a royal wedding dress?
When it comes to a royal wedding, the bride’s dress is an integral part of the ceremony. But, as with everything royal-related, there are certain rules that must be respected when it comes to wedding dress styles. Whether you’re marrying into the royal family or simply attending a royal wedding, these protocols are considered musts.
One of the primary factors to consider when designing a royal wedding dress is modesty. The dress must not be too revealing or form-fitting. This means that low-cut necklines, short hemlines, and bare shoulders are out of the question. Additionally, the dress should not be too tight, as it should be comfortable and non-restrictive for the bride.
Another important aspect of a royal wedding dress is the fabric used. It should be of the highest quality, with a focus on luxury and elegance. Lightweight fabrics such as silk and lace are often preferred, as they enhance the bride’s natural beauty and give the dress a feeling of flow and movement.
In addition to these dress rules, the bride’s hair and makeup must also be carefully considered. Hair should be styled in a classic, elegant manner, with soft waves or an updo being the most popular styles. As for makeup, the general rule is to keep it minimal and natural-looking.
A royal wedding dress should project elegance, class, and regal sophistication. Whether it follows the latest fashion trends or is a timeless classic, a royal wedding dress must be designed with tradition and protocol in mind.
Why didn’t Meghan’s bridesmaid dresses fit?
During Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in 2018, there was some confusion as to why the bridesmaid dresses didn’t seem to fit the young girls properly. Harper’s Bazaar writer Mahalia Chang explained that the issue was likely due to the fabric used in Meghan’s wedding dress. She stated that “as well as the triple silk organza used to make the underskirt, is extremely thick, stiff and does not allow for much stretch”. This stiffness and lack of stretch in the fabric made it difficult to create dresses that could comfortably fit the young bridesmaids, who were constantly on the move during the ceremony. Furthermore, it is worth noting that creating dresses for such an important and public event may put extra pressure on designers, and there may have been added stress to ensure that everything fit properly. Despite the minor fitting issue, the bridesmaids performed their duties without any major issues, and the event was widely considered a success. it seems that the use of a thicker fabric in Meghan’s dress was likely the main culprit behind the bridesmaid dress fitting issue, and this is something that would have been difficult to predict or avoid during the design process.
Why did Queen Victoria wear white to her wedding?
Queen Victoria is known for making white wedding dresses popular. She chose to wear white to her own wedding in 1840, and it became a tradition that is still followed today. But why did she choose white?
According to Julia Baird’s book Victoria The Queen: An Intimate Biography of the Woman Who Ruled an Empire, Victoria chose to wear white mostly because it was the perfect color to highlight the delicate lace. White was also seen as a symbol of purity, innocence, and youth, and it was often associated with the Virgin Mary.
Traditionally, brides would wear their best dress on their wedding day, which meant that they would wear a dress that they could wear again. But Victoria’s dress was unique and specifically made for her wedding day. Her dress had a high, lace-trimmed neckline, long sleeves, and a full skirt. The skirt was made of white silk satin and the bodice was made of white silk. The dress was also trimmed with orange blossoms.
Victoria’s choice to wear white sparked a trend that many brides still follow today. However, it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that white wedding dresses became common. Before that, brides wore dresses in different colors, but white was always a symbol of wealth and status.
Queen Victoria’s decision to wear white to her wedding in 1840 was mainly for aesthetic reasons as it was the perfect color to highlight the delicate lace. But white also symbolized purity, innocence, and youth, which made it an appropriate choice for a bride. Her wedding dress started a trend that continues to this day and has become a symbol of love and life-long commitment.
Why was Princess Diana’s wedding dress so big?
Princess Diana’s wedding dress is considered one of the most iconic bridal gowns in history, and it was famously large and elaborate in design. The gown was created by the British designers David and Elizabeth Emanuel, who worked closely with the Princess to achieve her vision for her wedding day.
Diana’s dress was so big partly due to the fashion of the time – the 1980s was a decade when bigger was seen as better, and a grand bridal gown was the ultimate fashion statement. The dress was made from silk taffeta and antique lace, and featured puffed sleeves, a 25-foot train, and a 153-yard tulle veil, all of which added to its size and grandeur.
However, it’s also true that Diana was very petite and slender at the time of her wedding, and she reportedly lost a significant amount of weight before the big day. According to Elizabeth Emanuel, Diana lost so much weight in the lead-up to her wedding that five different bodices had to be made for her gown. “Most brides do lose weight,” Elizabeth told PEOPLE. “So we weren’t that worried when she did. She ended up with a 23-inch waist from a 26- to 27- inch.”
Despite the challenges of creating such a large and complex gown, the Emanuels succeeded in making Diana’s dream a reality. The dress was celebrated worldwide for its unique and beautiful design, and it became a symbol of the Princess’s elegance and grace. Over 30 years later, it remains an enduring style icon and a testament to the artistry of its makers.
What happened at Princess Charlotte’s bridesmaid dress fitting?
Four days before Prince Harry’s wedding to Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, sent a message to Meghan stating that her daughter Princess Charlotte was upset with the fitting of her bridesmaid dress. In the message, Kate revealed that Charlotte’s dress was too big, too long, and too baggy, causing her to cry when she tried it on at home.
Although the details around the dress fitting are not fully disclosed, it is common for bridesmaid dresses to require alterations to fit the specific body type of the wearer. However, in Charlotte’s case, it seems that the dress was substantially larger than her actual size. This could have been an oversight during the initial fitting or could have been caused by a mistake made while sewing the dress.
Princess Charlotte acted as a bridesmaid for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s wedding on May 19, 2018. The then-three-year-old Princess joined her older brother, Prince George, and other young relatives and friends of the couple in the bridal party. Despite the fitting mishap, Charlotte looked adorable in her white bridesmaid dress, topped off with a floral headband and holding a bouquet of flowers in her hand.
The story of Princess Charlotte’s bridesmaid dress fitting provides a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes preparations that go into even the most high-profile wedding ceremonies. It also highlights the challenges of finding the perfect fit for young bridesmaids who are still growing and developing their bodies.
Why does Meghan wear shoes that are too big for her?
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is renowned for her impeccable fashion sense and stylish attire. However, there is one fashion trend that she embraces which has puzzled many fans- wearing shoes that seem to be too large for her feet. While some may think that wearing oversized shoes is a fashion statement, there is a practical reason why she does it.
The Duchess is known for her love of high heels and wearing them for extended periods, which can lead to foot swelling and blisters. Wearing shoes that are a size bigger can be a helpful way to reduce the risk of these foot-related problems. The extra room for the feet can help to prevent any friction or irritation caused by the shoes. This is particularly important for public figures like Meghan who are always on their feet, as foot problems can be painful and affect their overall health and well-being.
Furthermore, wearing larger-sized shoes also allows for additional support and cushioning, which can enhance the overall comfort of the shoe. It is also easier to add inserts or orthotics into larger shoes, which can provide additional comfort and support.
The trend of wearing oversized shoes is not exclusive to Meghan Markle as many other celebrities have also been spotted wearing them on the red carpet. Some stars like Victoria Beckham have previously confessed to wearing shoes that are a size bigger to ensure they can stay on their feet for long periods while wearing high heels.
Meghan Markle wears shoes that are larger than her size because it not only prevents foot problems caused by wearing high heels for an extended period but also provides extra comfort and support. This practical decision has become a fashion trend for many celebrities, and it is a great tip for anyone faced with the challenge of standing on their feet for long periods without compromising on style and comfort.
