Though the typical American opposes the idea of a monarchy, countless women are in love with the fairytale idea of marrying a prince and looking like a princess on their wedding day. Getting married in a perfect gown and in a perfect setting is the closest most of us will get to having royal experience.
Since pop culture is already inundated with princess references, everything from Disney licensed princess wedding dresses to license plate frames declaring “yield to the princess”, wanting to look like a princess may seem a tad overdone or generic. Or a princess style wedding may seem too youthful or childlike. Or even worse, a big frilly ballgown may make you feel like a Victorian lampshade or a cupcake dripping with icing. How does one accomplish the princess look and maintain elegance?
There are a few inspirations you can look to.
· Grace Kelly- I think most girls can relate just a little Princess Grace. An American by birth who later married the Prince of Monaco, her dress exemplifies class, she exudes grace and she looks like nobility. When you look at her on her wedding day, what you first notice how lovely she is, and then your notice her exquisite dress. A proper princess dress is worn, it doesn’t wear you.
· Kate Middleton- for the last 6 months, the female population of the world has been placing bets and waiting with baited breath to see what she would choose. Many immediately compared her gown to Princess Grace, but I think Princess Catherine chose a very modern version of a classic. Her delicate petal-shaped skirt was very fresh while the long English lace sleeves were a chic nod to her heritage. Another thing to be learned from this princess bride is that rules can be broken. The maid of honor, Pippa Middleton, wore a more simple version of the bride’s dress in the same striking white. Many would say it was bad luck or disrespectful to the bride to also wear white, but I think Kate Middleton did future bridesmaids everywhere a favor by proving that the bridesmaids can be lovely and not take away from the bride on her big day.
· Audrey Hepburn- While Audrey Heburn was not an official princess, she did play a flower girl impersonating royalty in My Fair Lady. If she can fake royalty, so can you. The embassy ball gown she wore in My Fair was not specifically a wedding dress, but because of it’s color and cut, it could easily be worn for nuptials. This dress is atypical from what most perceive as a princess gown, but some princesses don’t want a poufy,full ballgown. The A-line dress and the lace cap sleeves are just as regal looking as anything more traditionally styled.
When you are looking for your princess wedding gown, trends should be kept at a minimum and details and embellishments should emphasize your natural beauty.
Even if you aren’t the princess type, once you try on the right gown you should feel like you are majestic.
