1. Kate (or shall we call her "Catherine" now?) Middleton was flawless on her big day, like we all expected. The brunette beauty shocked viewers with her grace and taste. She looked like a movie star, comparable to Grace Kelly (in my opinion), while changing the minds of anyone who thought she didn’t belong in the royal family just because she wasn’t born into it. Kate did her own make up (get her beauty secrets!) and James Pryce crated a demi-chignon, a half-up half-down up do that complimented her tiara.

    Kate Middleton Wedding DressThe Gown

    The Duchess of Cambridge (her new formal title) looked beautiful in a modern yet traditional Alexander McQueen gown designed by Sarah Burton. Although we all expected Kate to not wear a lace dress (because it tends to age people – something the Duchess specifically wanted to avoid), her sheer lace sleeves over a fitted bodice added a formal, and elegant feel to the bride’s trendy style.

    Her train was not nearly as long as Princess Diana’s 25 foot train. For some reason everyone was looking for her to top that! Sticking to character, Kate Middleton wore a very understated 8 foot train carried by her beautiful sister, lady in waiting Pippa. The train was made of hand-cut English lace and French Chantilly lace. It flowed gracefully from her fitted corset and padded hips. 58 covered buttons fastened the gown in the back with just a little bit of blue ribbon.

    Kate Middleton Jewelry TiaraThe Tiara, the Veil, and the Bling

    Kate borrowed Queen Elizabeth II’s Cartier ‘halo’ tiara. It was a gift from King George VI on the Queen’s 18th birthday. Her veil flowed simply over the tiara with embroidered trim. It looked stunning because you could still see Duchess Catherine’s beautiful smile, but still flowed together seemlessly with the gown itself. It was made of ivory silk tuille.

    Catherine’s ring was estimated to be worth over $400,000 (a modest ring for a royal affair compared to the American celebrities buying multi-million dollar rings for their spouses). It mixes the traditions of England with Kate’s modern flair and of course has Welsh gold in it given to William by the Queen. Kate’s earrings were diamond chandelier earrings designed for her by Robinsom Pelham. It resembles Kate’s tiara and her coat of arms with an oak leaf by the stud, and a diamond acorn dangle.

    Kate Middleton BridesmaidsThe Bridesmaids

    Duchess Catherine’s lady in waiting, Pippa, wore a beautiful Alexander McQueen ivory gown which had a similar form fitting bodice to Kate, but with a ivory satin crepe gown. The cowl neck complimented Pippa’s figure well, and she also had 58 covered buttons like Kate’s dress.

    The younger bridesmaids wore dresses by Nicki Macfarlane. They were short sleved white ballerina dresses with large pale gold bows. It all looked beautiful with the greenery that decorated Westminster Abbey.



    Duchess Catherine knew exactly what she wanted for her big day. She wanted to maintain classic bridesmaids designs, but to also mix in her modern flair. The bridal party could not have looked more perfect to complement the perfect royal bride.

    Congratulations to the Duke and Dutchess of Cambridge!

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