Melbourne brides say yes to royal dress
HERE’S how you can copy Meghan Markle’s classic bridal look in Melbourne, from the dress to the shoes, for just a fraction of the royal price tag.
Entertainment
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MELBOURNE brides-to-be are already taking inspiration from Prince Harry and Meghan’s fairytale wedding.
From Sunday, a version of one of the most talked-about wedding dresses of the century will be available in Melbourne.
Celebrity bridal designer, Aldo Terlato, admits he has put a few signature touches on his interpretation of the gown, but says his replica still captures the heart of Meghan’s classic look.
AUSSIE DESIGNER’S SIMILAR DRESS TO MEGHAN MARKLE’S EVENING GOWN
“I’ve used a heavy silk twill and have added some extra embellishment to the sides, but this gown is really about the structure of the dress, and the way it falls to highlight craftsmanship,” he says.
While Meghan’s gown has been estimated to cost up to $180,000, Terlato’s gown will sell for just a slice of that price, at $7500.
Terlato — who has already received calls from potential clients asking if he has similar designs to the dress worn by the new Duchess of Sussex — says the gown took him more than 40 hours to recreate.
MEGHAN MARKLE’S WEDDING DRESS FROM ALL ANGLES
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He predicts it will set off a new trend in bridal wear, and may topple lace gowns off their favoured mantle.
“Brides will still be able to incorporate lace with a detailed veil, but this is all about effortless elegance, and the “portrait neckline”, which I predict will be very popular as it is so universally flattering, showcasing a woman’s décolletage,” he said.
Natasha Failla, 28, from Glenroy, has already decided to wear Terlato’s design for her wedding in February 2019.
“I knew I wanted two dresses for my wedding, and the evening dress is quite detailed so I wanted something simpler for the daytime ceremony at Werribee Mansion,” she said. “After seeing Meghan at the royal wedding, I knew it would work perfectly in the setting and for the dramatic change into the night-time dress,” she said.
“Obviously I want to put my own touch on it, but I feel like a princess in it.”
Stephanie Scott from One Day Bridal, said one of their clients had changed her gown design since seeing the royal wedding. “One of our brides had already made her decision, however she has now decided to go with the alternative, which was a simpler style,” she said.
But Scott predicts Meghan’s reception dress, a halter-neck design by Stella McCartney, will particularly resonate with local brides. “It’s a look that has been around for a little while, we already have similar silhouettes in our collection, however this wedding will give it an extra push,” she said.
“It’s a look that definitely lends itself to Australian customers, given our climate and our more relaxed wedding ideals,” she said.
Rebecca Hardwick from Mariana Hardwick says brides-to-be are also responding to their classic silhouettes.
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NATURAL MAKEUP
Makeup artist Kerrie Stanley says when it comes to wearing minimal makeup on your wedding day, skin preparation is key.
“It doesn’t matter if you wear a little, or a lot of makeup, if you want a radiant complexion like Meghan’s, you have to look after your skin first,” she says.
Stanley suggests detoxifying masks a couple of months before the wedding and keeping up hydration with serums and hydrating sheet masks.
PERSONALISED COCKTAILS
According to reports, the happy couple served signature cocktails at their reception including, ‘When Harry Met Meghan’ which consisted of rum and ginger ale- a nod to Harry’s red hair. Pitzy Folk, founder of CAPI says simple drinks, done well, are “a great way to offer wedding guests something special, with minimal fuss.”
Folk suggests a simple ‘Blightly Bubbles’, consisting of ice, 120ml CAPI dry ginger ale, 30ml Pimms and raspberries to garnish.
VINTAGE CARS
Con Servinis from J.C. Jags in Melbourne, who specialise in Jaguar wedding car hire, says they have received an increase calls this week, but predicts the trend will take off more during wedding season.
“Couples tend to worry about the dress, venue and photographer before they get to the car hire, so I dare say we will see a lot more requests as we approach spring,” he said. Prices for their most popular wedding car, a 1950 MK-5, start at $445.
BLUE SHOES
Brides wanting to put their best foot forward on their wedding day could make like Meghan, who wore Aquazzura pumps with a blue sole for her “something blue”. For a more statement-making shoe, banish the traditional ivory satin shoes altogether for bright blue styles that can be worn again. Skin Footwear heels $199.95, skin-footwear.com
COMFY FOOTWEAR AS A BONBONNIERE
Meghan and Harry ensured their A-list guests’ could dance the night away by gifting them each a pair of slippers. Troian Bellisario, who is married to Patrick J Adams who plays Markle’s husband in the hit television show Suits shared a few posts of the bride’s former co-stars in their plush slippers on Instagram. And while slippers are cosy, surely the Aussie equivalent would be a pair of thongs.
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