Before we start to share with you inspiration for the wedding of Prince William and Kate, we are beginning our Royal Wedding Week with an homage to the most recent royal wedding of our time: Charles and Diana. Over the past few days I’ve been immersed in the details of their 1981 wedding, which defined a generation and changed the wedding industry indefinitely. I am certain we are on the cusp of the same level of greatness, so what better way to celebrate than to look at how it all began?

The one detail that permeates through the ages is the opulence and magnitude of Diana’s gown. Designed by two virtually unknown designers David and Elizabeth Emmanuel, her gown was something princesses are made of with layers of ivory silk, delicate lace detailing on the bodice and large ruffled sleeves, and a 25-foot-train. She wore the Spencer Family gold tiara, which is formed into tulip and star shaped flowers with diamonds. She carried a massive cascading bouquet with white flowers and lush greenery. Her maids were dressed in sleeved gowns inspired by her own, with pretty hand tied bouquets and floral wreaths for their hair.

When looking at all the images from the Royal Wedding of 1981 everything looks like a fairytale. Much of the fashion and details feels quite dated next to the current, more modern weddings of our time. Pay close attention– because A LOT of what you see is going to come back into Vogue– and rather soon. Well, that is, everything except for the cascading bouquet!

Since every bride’s wedding starts off with a source of inspiration– her gown– tomorrow we’ll talk about our ideas for what Kate Middleton might wear to the formal ceremony and her evening reception!

Cheerio!
Xxoo!