Best Royal Wedding Dresses

6 Unforgettable Royal Wedding Gowns That May Hint at What Meghan Markle Will Wear

May 15 2018 by Anni Irish

Millions around the world are waiting with bated breath to see what dress Meghan Markle will wear for her big day. Sources close to Markle told Vanity Fair earlier last month that the royal-to-be will actually have two dresses, but we won't get a peek until the big day. No official details regarding the royal wedding dress have been released, which only leads us to speculate more. Will she employ a British designer? Will she go simple, like Princess Margaret, or elaborate, like the Queen herself? With the Duchess of Cambridge's stunning Alexander McQueen dress from 2011 still on our minds — H&M recently released a version for less than $300! — the bar has been set high.

Here's a look back at some of the most unforgettable royal wedding gowns . . . and how Meghan may draw inspiration from them.

Image Source: Getty

1. Queen Elizabeth in Couturier Norman Hartnell, 1947

Queen Elizabeth's dress is classically beautiful — and it has a cool story. She and Prince Philip were married in 1947, just two years after World War II ended. She was given 200 extra ration coupons, but royal admirers didn't think that would be enough, so they sent the queen their own personal coupons. The dress was made with ivory silk from China, had a 15-foot train, and included 10,000 pearls that were incorporated into floral designs throughout the dress.

Meghan's dress could feature some similar bling, or perhaps a flowing train.

Image Source: Getty / Bettmann

2. Princess Margaret in Norman Hartnell, 1960

Princess Margaret's larger-than-life dress used over 30 meters of silk organza in the skirt alone. Due to the princess's small frame, the larger embellishments for the dress were kept to a minimum. It's stunningly simple and beautiful, made special by Margaret herself.

If Meghan were to go simple and minimal like Margaret, we're sure she'd pull it off.

Image Source: Getty / AFP

3. Diana Spencer in David and Elizabeth Emanuel, 1981

Diana's 1981 gown is big, beautiful, and very much of the era. The ivory dress incorporated 10,000 pearls and a 25-foot train! It was made out of silk taffeta and, judging by the sleeves and materials, was probably heavy to wear. The fabric was even made at a British silk farm, and the lace used for it traced back to Queen Mary.

Meghan probably won't opt for gigantic sleeves, but we could see her incorporating something old into her look, as Diana did.

Image Source: Getty / David Levenson

4. Princess Victoria of Sweden in Pär Engsheden, 2010

Jumping ahead a few decades, Princess Victoria went down the aisle in a custom-made wedding dress from Swedish designer Pär Engsheden in 2010. The modern gown had a bold neckline (for a royal, anyway) and — gasp! — short sleeves. We love that this royal showed a little skin.

It's understated yet captures your attention at the same time, and we'd love to see Meghan in something that shows off her collarbone.

Image Source: Getty / Pascal Le Segretain

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5. The Duchess of Cambridge in Alexander McQueen, 2011

Alexander McQueen designer Sarah Burton brought together just enough modern accents with a whimsical nod to the past for the Duchess's dress. Inspired by Victorian fashion, which is a trademark of McQueen's work, the gown had a sophisticated elegance. The overall shape of the dress, use of lace, and other details made it demure and classic and very in line with what you'd expect in a royal wedding.

Similar lace patterns, sleeves, or gloves could be a possible way for Meghan to pay homage to Kate's look.

Image Source: Getty / Mark Makela

6. Princess Sofia of Sweden in Ida Sjöstedt, 2015

This happy couple wed in 2015, and we are still gushing over Sofia's dress, which was custom-made by Swedish designer Ida Sjöstedt. The sleeves are reminiscent of Kate's dress, but the lower neckline and fuller skirt are definitely not. Meanwhile, the scalloped edging is subtle but memorable.

Details like that make a dress unique, and we hope to see some personality like that shine through in Meghan's choice!

Image Source: Getty / Luca Teuchmann