Wedding dresses fit for a queen

On Friday 29 April, 2011 brides-to-be across the country will be glued to the TV waiting to see what kind of bride Kate Middleton has chosen to be.

Perhaps she’ll be ‘traditional bride’, drawing inspiration from Princess Diana, with a dress that looks like it’s eaten all the other dresses. After all, there does appear to be a theme with Royal wedding dresses where less is never more. Just look through the years of frills, trains, patterns and lace numbers. Could Kate change the Royal way and go for the ‘understated bride’ look with a classy creation such as that of her blue engagement dress?

Whatever she goes for, it will no doubt become the most copied bridal look of the year if the engagement dress hysteria was anything to go by. The sapphire blue dress, by Issa London (£395) sold out instantly after the press photo call. QVC also said sales of its £34 epiphany platinum clad ‘diamonique’ ring soared by 800 per cent after Miss Middleton showed off her £300,000 pound sapphire and diamond ring.

Confidential spoke to local bridal wear boutiques Cheshire Bridal Wear in Altrincham and Emma Hartley Bridal in Colne to give us a heads up of the upcoming and best bridal wear looks...

A look back at the royal wedding dresses of yesteryear

QVC is 800% happy about the Royal wedding

The real engagement ring

Cheshire Bridal Wear

One shoulder: Sardinia by British designer Nicola-Anne is a stunning Vintage inspired gown in beautiful lace and dupion silk (£1250). Next season's key trend is the one shoulder.

One shoulder - Sardinia - £1250

Off the shoulder: Helensa is a 50s inspired gown by Nicola- Anne who produces all her gowns in the UK. In luxurious silk supreme, this off the shoulder gown is understated but very elegant and regal (£1495).

Off the shoulder Helensa - £1495

www.cheshirebridalwear.co.uk

Emma Hartley Bridal

Romantic: For the bride looking for a romantic gown with a full skirt the Fawn by Enzoani (£1650) is absolutely stunning with soft tulle and flowers, perfect for the girl wanting a fairy tale wedding.

Romantic: Fawn £1650

Glamourous: For the bride looking for a glamourous gown, we recommend 2211 by Benjamin Roberts (£825). This gown has crystal detail at the bodice and comes in a luxurious satin fabric.

Glamourous: Benjamin Roberts - £825

Elegant: For the bride looking for sophistication and elegance we would suggest Ali by Augusta Jones (£1520). This gown has a lace covered neckline perfect for the girl who doesn't want strapless. The dress is made from vintage inspired lace and is very fashionable.

Elegant: Augusta Jones - £1520

Kate Middleton? Now for Kate Middleton the dress we would predict is Forever from the new Suzanne Neville 2011 collection (£2405). This dress is slim and sophisticated like Kate and is made in a lovely silk crepe fabric. Fit for a queen.

Kate Middleton prediction - Forever - £2405

www.emmahartley.co.uk