Bridal boutiques can recreate Meghan Markle's royal wedding look for their clients with these dresses which mirror Meghan's regal style
Image gallery
Image gallery
The Meghan Effect is sweeping the nation as brides strive to replicate the look that the Duchess of Sussex wore so beautifully on her big day.
Meghan opted for a day and evening look and although both dresses didn't come cheap - her Givenchy gown was reported to cost £200,000 and her Stella McCartney number, £80,000 - there are a multitude of more affordable designer dresses with which to mirror Meghan's look.
Here are just a selection of similar gowns available to stockists which will carry brides seeking the royal treatment through from day to night.
For the day
Meghan's ceremony dress, designed by Claire Waight Keller for Givenchy, was simplistically sensational featuring a bateau neckline, three-quarter sleeves and a timeless silhouette. Allowing Meghan's Queen Mary tiara and cathedral-length train to make the statements, the dress was one of understated elegance.
Givenchy released this statement: "The focus of the dress is the graphic open bateau neckline that gracefully frames the shoulders and emphasises the slender sculpted waist. The lines of the dress extend towards the back where the train flows in soft round folds cushioned by an underskirt in triple silk organza. The slim three quarter sleeves add a note of refined modernity."
Sam Walsh, owner of Hampshire bridal boutique Sass & Grace, says: “We did indeed notice that there was a lot of crepe and a plainer style of dress coming through at White Gallery this year, so I believe good designers are already onto this look. We would offer a simple a-line for those brides that are not happy to show off their hips and bum and a more tailored look for those brides that would like to cut a more striking silhouette. A long veil is a must.”
Rainbow Club Lunaria Lace Edge Train Veil, £175
Kate Nichols of The Frock Spot in Norwich, offers her expert advice: "Meghan's dress was made from a fabric called silk cady and this can be easily replicated with a dress in silk crepe. The two fabrics will be broadly similar in feel, weight and finish. We would recommend any bridal boutique to have a dress in silk crepe as an example so brides can feel the difference between man-made and silk."
"Bateau necklines and slinky skirts are achievable for any shape and size," continues Kate. "Boutiques, please don't be afraid to suggest a larger size that can be tailored on arrival. This will give a much sleeker silhouette than a dress that is too tight. We would always suggest a bride and a bridal boutique looks at Meghan's poise when she was seated in the wedding ceremony too. She achieved a stunning look because the dress executed clean simple lines, was well sized and well tailored."
Accessories should be understated, as Marian Couch, owner of Pirouette bridal boutique in Exeter, explains: "To achieve this look you must keep the accessories to a minimum - it's all about the silhouette of the gown. Even though her tiara was very ornate, the shape was gentle with her veil and she chose a subtle diamond bracelet and stud earrings. While her style and choice of gown was very now, Meghan refreshingly embraced the timeless classic look. At Pirouette, we've always stocked designer gowns which have that 'heirloom styling' and we absolutely loved her choice."
Justin Alexander Fall 2017 Collection
Arleigh by Sottero & Midgley
Madison by Alan Hannah
Esther by Anna Georgina
Duchess Wedding Dress by Morilee
Gigi by Louise Bentley
For the night
Meghan's evening dress for the reception at Frogmore House was designed by Stella McCartney and in contrast to her daywear, the evening ensemble encouraged her playful side to shine through. The halter-neck silk crepe design in lily white was a less traditional choice, thought to be more true to Meghan's signature style.
British bridal designer Caroline Castigliano, commented: “Stella MaCartney designed Megan’s evening gown - a simple crepe dress halter neck, backless – alluring and sensual. I predicted Stella would design a dress for the day and I got it right.
"I thought Stella was such a perfect fit for Meghan as Stella uses organic fabrics and her ethos is very much the same as Meghan. Meghan set the tone of her dress absolutely right again. She regularly wears a high neckline and it’s a style that really suits her.”
Melody by Caroline Castigliano
Lei by Jenny Packham
Drabier by Pronovias
Are you clients requesting the Meghan Markle look? We'd love to see pictures from their wedding day; email sarah.george@archant.co.uk.
