Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s May wedding was a big influence on the latest issue of Delaware/Main Line Bride.

By Danielle Bouchat-Friedman

Raise your hand if you set your alarm for 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 19, to watch Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding. (I did!) I don’t know what I enjoyed more—seeing the slew of celebrity guests entering St. George’s Chapel (like Oprah, and Victoria and David Beckham) or the look on Prince Harry’s face when he finally looked his beautiful bride in the eyes and said, “You look amazing.”

What was it about the royal wedding that had me and 29 million other people glued to our seats watching through all hours of the day and night? Was it the glorious fashion? (Markle wore TWO gowns, a boatneck haute couture gown by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy for her ceremony, and a silk crepe gown with a high-neck collar by Stella McCartney for the private reception.) Was it for the fairytale that so many young women have of one day growing up, marrying a handsome prince and living in a castle? Or was it because of Meghan Markle herself? The 36-year-old American, bi-racial, divorced actress who—from all reports and accounts—seems to have been welcomed by the royal family with open arms.

Whatever the reason, we here at Delaware/Main Line Bride were inspired by the royals, and they definitely guided us as we planned our Gown and Real Weddings features. Many soon-to-be brides are hoping to find a dress (or dresses) similar to what the Duchess of Sussex wore, but don’t forget about other royals, including Diana, Princess of Wales, and Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco. I don’t want to give it all away, but we’ve got styles that are strikingly similar to the ones worn by six of history’s most fashionable noble women on their wedding day. Get the look you’ve always dreamed of with these royally-inspired wedding gowns. 

And, as many of you may already know, my fiancé FINALLY popped the question after almost five years together! People keep saying that planning a wedding will be easy for me (being the editor of a bridal publication and all), but trust me, I am as stressed out as the rest of you! I would love for you to share some of the dos and don’ts as well as your highs and lows—perhaps your thoughts will be printed in a future issue. Send your advice via email to dfriedman@delawaretoday.com.