Wedding Dress Etiquette
With the Royal Wedding just days away, excitement is mounting as we all look forward to seeing the Royal couple and in particular Meghan Markle in her wedding dress. It is widely expected that the gown will have a six-figure price tag and be every bit befitting of a future princess. Whilst most wedding budgets won’t stretch that far, there’s no reason why you can’t bring a sense of decorum to your own nuptials by following traditional wedding dress etiquette.
Who pays for the dress?
It is reported that the Royal Family may be covering the cost of the wedding, and for this to include the bride’s dress, however it is entirely feasible that Meghan Markle may contribute to this herself, in keeping with more modern practice. Whilst traditionally, it is the bride’s family who pay for her wedding dress, nowadays it is completely normal for costs to be split between families or for different family members to pay for different items, because at the end of the day, once the vows have been made, they will all become one family anyway!
Who can see the dress before the wedding?
Whilst it is said to be bad luck to let the groom see the bride in her dress prior to the wedding, it is probably true that most brides would prefer to keep their dress a secret from the majority of family and friends, to make it even more exciting on the big day when they reveal all. Who you choose to go wedding dress shopping with depends ultimately on whose opinions you value the highest, but you might also want to get the approval of your mum or future mother in law.
Of course, Meghan Markle’s dress will have been approved by the Queen but it is understandable that the Royal Family would need to have input on such an important element of the wedding to ensure that it is appropriate for the occasion. Certainly, it will also have the wow factor you would expect from one of the most viewed wedding dresses of all time, and with the input of someone with such a keen sense of fashion as Meghan Markle, we know we won’t be disappointed!
What colour should the wedding dress be?
Whilst white is said to be the colour of perfection and purity, very few wedding gowns are actually pure white nowadays, simple because it can look very stark against the natural tones of skin. Most brides opt instead for ivory and shades of white through to cream and pale gold for a more flattering look.
Where should the dress be kept?
Whilst the gown for any royal occasion will naturally be shrouded in secrecy, to protect any leakage of information, most brides will be content just knowing that their dress is being kept safe. Once you have had your final fitting you will be able to take your dress home to store it ready for the big day, so here are a few tips to help keep it in perfect condition:
- When you collect your dress hang it off a high hook to avoid creasing the train but, if the train is too long, support it from underneath with a round backed chair.
- Store your dress in a room that isn’t too hot or cold and avoid storing in direct sunlight.
How can we help?
Whether you are getting married this year, next year or are just looking forward to reliving your own special memories when watching the Royal Wedding this weekend, enjoy! If you or anyone you know needs help choosing the perfect wedding dress, please get in touch with the team at Georgina Scott Bridal and we’ll be happy to talk you through our options from traditional dresses to modern gowns and everything in between. Call us on 01384 893656 to book an appointment, call in to our Stourbridge store or click here to see pictures of our gorgeous brides.
