Meghan Markle’s gorgeous wedding gown was everything royal fans had hoped for — and more — as she walked down the aisle to Prince Harry.
The Duchess of Sussex moved her groom to tears in the classic silk dress in pure white, with a 15-foot veil embroidered with Commonwealth flowers.
Designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy, the dress was minimalist yet classic, with the main focus being the open boat neckline that gracefully framed the shoulders and shaped Meghan’s waist.
However, that day would soon see another wedding dress – five years ago today. And this one amazed the crowd in a completely different way.
For the wedding ceremony at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, on May 19, 2018, Meghan wore a pure white silk gown by Givenchy
Designer Clare Waight Keller’s elegant dress had a simple boat neckline and a long train
As with other royal brides, Meghan donned a second dress for the evening, this time opting for a bespoke Stella McCartney design
The ceremony took place at St George’s, Windsor, on May 19, 2018 in front of 600 guests.
Afterwards, however, 200 of the bride and groom’s closest friends and family went to Frogmore House on the Windsor estate for an evening reception hosted by Prince Charles.
As with other royal brides, Meghan donned a second dress for the intimate gathering, this time opting for a bespoke Stella McCartney design.
While the first dress was expected to be a “traditional and elegant” wedding dress, the second was a modest but more glamorous number.
The tight evening dress was made of silk crepe and the halter dress was pure white, just like Meghan’s £200,000 Givenchy number for the ceremony.
The backless number allowed the Duchess of Sussex to show off her toned shoulders and back and the figure-hugging dress featured a dramatic flared skirt.
Meghan paired the evening dress with Aquazurra heels made of silky satin with nude mesh and soles painted in baby blue.
Meghan wore an aquamarine ring from the late Lady Diana Spencer, believed to be a sentimental gift from Prince Harry to involve his mother on the big day.
The halter neck evening dress was made of silk crepe and the halter neck dress was pure white. Meghan and Harry are pictured here leaving Windsor Castle after their wedding to attend an evening reception at Frogmore House
The happy newlyweds danced the night away after an outfit change
The low-cut design of the evening dress showed off Meghan’s back and shoulders
Meghan shows off an aquamarine ring that once belonged to her mother-in-law Diana
Prince Harry also had an outfit changed to a sleek black tie dinner suit as he and Meghan headed to the reception in an ice blue vintage Jaguar.
British designer Stella McCartney shared a sketch of the design Meghan wore to the evening reception in 2018:
“I am so proud and honored to have been chosen by the Duchess of Sussex to create her evening gown and represent British design.
“It really has been one of the most humbling moments of my career and I am so proud of the whole team on this beautiful sunny royal day,” she told the fashion magazine Women’s clothing everyday.
Many had suspected that Meghan would choose McCartney, given the designer’s stance against the use of furs and leathers, as well as her use of organic fabrics – a vision that fits Meghan and Harry’s eco-friendly principles.
Stella McCartney spoke about her pride as she shared a sketch of the halter neck evening dress
Unlike the dress worn at the ceremony, the evening dress had a smaller train and the slinky fabric allowed Meghan and Harry to dance the night away.
Her hair – styled by George Northwood – was in a tight bun with layers that framed the face, which perfectly matched the dress and the less formal evening occasion.
Celebrity stylist Lucas Armitage revealed to Femail that the dress would likely have cost around £80,000 for fabric, design and fittings.
Kate, the Princess of Wales, also wore two wedding dresses on her big day in 2011, both of which were designed by Alexander McQueen’s Sarah Burton.