Weddings Royale
Have you already rustled up your Grandma's crumpet recipe for the royal nuptials of the decade? Planning to toast Prince William and Kate Middleton with geniune British PG Tips tea, wearing a knock-off Phillip Treacy hat?
If you answered "yes" to either question, you're as hopelessly dorky as we are — and we adore you for it.
And while the jury's still out on what Kate will be wearing (we're going with McQueen, but could be schooled by Bruce Oldfield) this Friday, we corraled a few notable bridal looks from royal weddings past.
Princess Sayako of Japan & Yoshiki Kuroda, 2005
This uber-Minimalist gown is so serenely beautiful in its simple, shell-like silhouette, it borders on the ethereal. Even more amazing is that the princess ditched her membership in the Japanese Imperial Family to marry her lovey-dovey.
Rania of Jordan & Prince Abdullah of Jordan, 1993
Queen Rania is known for her fabulous style, but her poufy gold-trimmed wedding gown (with matching poufy veil and hair) doesn't exactly hold up, style-wise. But few things do from the early Nineties.
Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, 1981
In 1981, merengue-like bridal dresses were the thing — along with big, bold bows. Which made Diana's room-sized gown the epitome of chic. As fashions slimmed down, she became one of the most stylish royals in history.
Prince Andrew & Sarah Ferguson, 1986
The marriage didn't last, but the O.G. Fergie looks sweet and unassuming in this Eighties-style gown, featuring "Dynasty"-style shoulder pads and very pretty beadwork.
Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece & Marie-Chantal Miller, 1995
Marie-Chantal Miller nailed understated, timeless glamour at her Nineties nuptials to cutie-pie Prince Pavlos. The lace overlay recalls 1950s cocktail dresses.
Prince Rainier of Monaco & Grace Kelly, 1956
Okay, this is an oldie, but Grace Kelly set the bar for nuptial style at her 1956 wedding to Prince Ranier. Has there ever been a more radiant, picturesque bride? Or woman, for that matter?