The First Wedding Dress

The best kept secret has been revealed!

On Friday, April 29th, 2011 Kate stepped out in a timeless, lace floral dress, designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen. Kate worked closely with Sarah Burton to design the dress. Her main goal was to combine tradition and modernity.

No detail was overlooked.

The hand-made lace appliqué for the bodice and skirt was done by the Royal School of Needlework. During the process they washed their hands every 30 minutes to keep it clean and the needles were changed every three hours to keep them sharp.

A technique called Carrickmacross was utilized to create each and every flower. This originated in Ireland in the 1820s. Four types of flowers were appliquéd on to the ivory silk tulle. The rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock were all incorporated.

Hand-cut English lace and French Chantilly lace has been used throughout the bodice and skirt, as well as the underskirt trim. The whole process was carefully overseen by Sarah Burton.

The long lace sleeves, sweetheart neckline and cinched in waist were reminiscent of Grace Kelly's 1956 wedding dress for her marriage to Prince Rainier III.

The dress is made with ivory and white satin gazar. From the beautiful, full skirt to the ivory satin bodice, it is meticulously constructed. The back is finished with 58 gazar and organza covered buttons and fastened by Rouleau loops.

The train measures almost nine feet long.