The Top Trends from the Royal Nuptials

By Jen Smith
April 29, 2011

Catherine Middleton, Prince William and Prince Harry wave to the crowds before walking in to the Abbey. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images, Paul Rogers - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Catherine Middleton arrives in a car with her father Michael Middleton.
Photo Credit: Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II greets The Right Reverend Dr John Hall, Dean of Westminster as she arrives at the wedding.
Photo Credit: Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
Groomsman Tom Pettifer smiles as he arrives with fellow groomsman Master William Lowther-Pinkerton and bridesmaids Lady Louise Windsor and Margarita Armstrong-Jones.
Photo Credit: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
Revelers wait for the royal couple along The Mall.
Photo Credit: Photo by Chris Radburn - WPA Pool/Getty IMages
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge smile following their marriage.
Photo Credit: Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Their Royal Highnesses Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge prepare to begin their journey by carriage procession to Buckingham Palace following their marriage at Westminster Abbey.
Photo Credit: Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Helen of Troy may have been the face that launched a thousand ships, but the newly crowned Duchess of Cambridge is sure to be the bride that launched a thousand fashion trends. With the entire world watching, Prince William married longtime love Kate Middleton in what was surely the grandest royal affair since Prince Charles and Princess Diana's Royal Wedding 30 years ago.

Hours before that long-anticipated Buckingham Palace kiss, the fashion and media worlds were already buzzing over the Royal Wedding details—from that Grace Kelly wedding dress (designed Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen after all!) to the Queen of England's buttery yellow headpiece. Fashion designers, jewelers, florists, wedding planners and brides-to-be are doubtless emerging this morning with fresh new wedding ideas to infuse their own affairs with a bit of royal majesty.

Here, the 14 biggest fashion trends we predict will emerge from a wedding watched by two billion.

Grace Kelly-Inspired Bridal Gown

One year ago today, there was exactly one listing for "Kate Middleton"-related items on eBay online auctions. Today, there are over 1,400, and sure to be many more. The word to describe Kate Middleton in her wedding attire is stunning—not to mention classic, elegant and regal. Since everyone will be knocking off this Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen dress—one reminiscent of the wedding dress Grace Kelly wore in 1955 when she married Prince Rainier—you might as well do it, too. To find a similar wedding dress style today, search "Grace Kelly wedding dress" on eBay online auctions. By tomorrow, you can likely search "Kate Middleton wedding dress" and get an even closer match.

(search on eBay: Grace Kelly bridal gown)

Men’s Military Dress

(buy it now price, $54.92)

Be on the lookout for red military jackets for ringbearers and more dress military attire for men.

(search on eBay: men's military dress)

White Flower Girl Dress

(buy it now price, $19.99)

The bridal party, including Pippa Middleton, the maid of honor, wore white. The four pint-size bridesmaids, the children of relatives and friends, wore dresses with oversize cream bows by British designer Nicki Macfarlane, who, along with her daughter, handmade them at their homes in England. We predict more neutrals, from cream to white to beige, for bridal parties.

(search on eBay: white flower girl dress)

Welsh Gold Wedding Ring

(buy it now price, $3,204.55)

Middleton's wedding ring was made from a nugget of Welsh gold given to Prince William by his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II.

(search on eBay: Welsh gold wedding band)

Diamond Tiara

(buy it now price, $89)

The newly ennobled Duchess of Cambridge topped her curls off with a 1936 Cartier halo tiara lent to her by Queen Elizabeth. The tiara, which was purchased by King George VI for the Queen Mother, was presented to the Queen on her 18th birthday.

(search on eBay: diamond tiara)

Rolls-Royce Phantom

(buy it now price, $389,995)

Of course it is expected that one must travel in style. No one does it better than the British Royals. Middleton opted for a "low key" trip to Buckingham Palace in a black and burgudy Rolls-Royce Phantom VI. She left with her prince in a horse-drawn carriage.

(search on eBay: Rolls-Royce Phantom)

Union Jack Bunting Flags

(buy it now price, $19.96)

Raise a glass of champs to the newlyweds and toast the modern monarchy. Flags like these have been hung all over London for weeks, and were carried by revelers in the streets all day.

(search on eBay: Union Jack bunting)

Lemon Scented Myrtle Seed

(buy it now price, $3.28)

Kate carried on a royal tradition of including a sprig of myrtle (the “herb of love”) begun by Queen Victoria at her own wedding in 1840. The sprig comes from a tree that still grows today in Victoria's personal garden at her palace by the sea, Osborne House at Isle of Wight. Wildflowers are likely to replace fancy blooms, even at the most elegant affairs.

(search on eBay: myrtle)

Lily of the Valley Wreath

(buy it now price, $49.50)

In a nod to the wreath Kate's mother wore at her own wedding, the flower girls wore sweet garlands round their heads made from Lily of the Valley. It was thought that Kate might do the same, but she went with the tiara instead.

(search on eBay: Lily of the Valley wreath)

Yellow Ascot Hat

(buy it now price, $119.97)

Always a trendsetter, the Queen revived this lovely vintage shade of yellow.

(search on eBay: yellow hat)

Blusher Veil

(buy it now price, $20)

Kate chose a very traditional dropped down veil, perfect for revealing the elegant lines of her wedding dress.

(search on eBay: blusher veil)

Diamond & Sapphire Tear Drop Earrings

(buy it now price, $2,300)

The bride wore tear drop earrings with an acorn motif inspired by the new Middleton family crest. They were a gift from her parents. Though hers were all diamonds, these offer a nod to her famous engagement ring.

(search on eBay: diamond drop earrings)

Hair Fascinator

(buy it now price, $59.99)

Every female wedding guest wore either a hat or a fascinator. The fascinator, a headpiece made modern by Kate and her set, will be continue to be a strong trend at fancy events.

(search on eBay: hair fascinator)

White Draped Jersey Gown

(buy it now price, $141)

Pippa, Kate’s sister, looked breathtaking in a fishtail bottom, cowl-neck dress, also by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. White looks so fresh after years of black bridesmaids dresses.