On Saturday, May 19, 2018, Meghan Markle got out of a vintage car, walked up the steps of Windsor Castle and ruffled her dress — and the world gasped. Finally, after months of media speculation, we saw her wedding gown in all its glory: flowing veil, three-quarter ivory sleeves, boat-cut neckline. Markle and Prince Harry married in a small English town thousands of miles away, but we predict the royal wedding will influence many brides here in north Georgia over the next few years.
1. Expect More Minimalist Wedding Gown Styles
Markle has long been a fashion icon. From her appearances in the USA television series “Suits” to her work as a global ambassador for World Vision, her elegant, glamorous style has strengthened her reputation as a “best-dressed” celeb. Markle’s wardrobe is chic, classy and aspirational, and her ever-changing style has inspired fashionistas around the world. Some journalists have described this phenomenon as the “Meghan Effect.”
“As Markle increasingly steps out for public appearances, it is hard not to gawk at her wardrobe — which already looks like it’s undergone the royal treatment,” gushed London’s Independent.
However, it was Markle’s no-frills wedding dress, designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy, that got the world talking. Minimalist in style, with simple details, the gown featured a double-bonded silk cady design. In this case, less was certainly more.
“Modern three-quarter length sleeves offset the dress’s show-stopping train, which was emphasized by an underskirt made of triple silk organza,” says Elle magazine.
You might not have the budget of a princess, but expect more minimalist dresses to dominate north Georgia weddings in the future.
2. Expect More Casual Weddings
Markle and Prince Harry’s big day broke with royal tradition — it was a simpler, more relaxed affair compared to other recent royal nuptials like the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana in 1981 and the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011. A gospel choir entertained the crowd, while Prince Harry sported some facial stubble instead of the more formal clean-shaven look.
There was still plenty of pomp and ceremony, of course. Markle and Prince Harry traveled through Windsor, UK, in a horse-drawn carriage, and dozens of foot soldiers marched behind the newlyweds. However, TV spectators and the media will remember the relative simplicity of the couple’s ceremony. Will this relaxed style influence engaged couples around the world? Perhaps.
“Couples are now choosing a more laidback approach that’s elegant in essence but never stilted or overblown,” notes Amy Elliott, writing for The Knot. “It’s a beautiful breed of informality that allows for a carefree aesthetic, as well as expressions of personality, wit and style.”
3. Expect Fewer Fathers to Walk Their Daughters Down the Aisle
Markle’s father, Thomas, was unable to attend the royal wedding because of illness. As a result, the blushing bride walked down the aisle on her own (Prince Charles joined her halfway through). As times have changed, the centuries-old tradition of the father walking his daughter down the aisle has become less important. Here in Georgia, a bride might choose to walk with her mother, both of her parents, a close friend or a family member — or no one at all.
“[This] tradition has turned into one more representative of the significance of whoever is the special person walking the bride down the aisle,” says Weddings in Vieques. “As a result, it’s created a more personalized experience with a whole new meaning. It’s the bride’s choice.”
With a global television audience of more than 1.9 billion, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding is sure to influence brides around the world this year, including here in Georgia. We think minimalist gowns, relaxed ceremonies and modern aisle-walking etiquette will become the most talked-about wedding trends in the Peach State.