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Originally Added: May 23, 2011

The Princess Bride

Kate Middleton’s wedding day look has influenced American brides-to-be. (Courtesy Photo: Press Association/The British Monarchy)

Southampton - We all know that Kate Middleton is not a princess, per se, but she sure looked like a modern-day one at her wedding! And as industry pros have predicted, many aspects of her overall look are currently sought out by brides-to-be here in the U.S. Here's our rundown:

Fashion-forward brides are seeking jeweled statement pieces; tiaras, not so much. (Courtesy Photo: Boutique de Voile)

From The Top
Middleton got her "something borrowed" straight from the royal family - a Cartier platinum and diamond tiara forged in 1936. Local brides of course, can't count on family heirlooms anywhere close to this one, but no matter. According to the experts, while this is one fashion accessory that will always be requested by a certain kind of bride, tiaras are not as fashionable as they were decades ago. Yes, there's the occasional bride who wants a tiara topping her head. According to headpiece designer Robin Mayer, owner of Boutique de Voile, tiaras are for the typical "princess bride" - the girl who wants to wear a lush ball gown and a full, cathedral length veil with blusher. "There are brides who have had a clear vision all their life about how they wanted to present themselves to their 'prince,' and they are following through with their dream," she says.

More frequently now, however, instead of the tiara, fashion-forward brides "are making sure they have a 'statement' piece for their hair," Mayer explains. If you've seen photographs of Kate sporting feathery, whimsical fascinators, you know that she's influencing fearless contemporary brides who "are getting bolder and allowing more of an artistic influence to shine," with jeweled statement pieces, flowers or hatlets worn on the back or side of the head.

This fingertip, circular lace veil from Boutique de Voile suggests Kate Middleton's veil. (Courtesy Photo: Boutique de Voile)

Sheer Elegance
Speaking of the head, Kate's circular, cascade-cut mid-length veil was sheer and made of ivory silk tulle and trimmed with delicate, hand-sewn Chantilly lace detailing. Mayer says since the royal wedding she's been receiving many requests for this type of veil from brides all over the country. Kate's veil was designed by Alexander McQueen, but brides can order a similar design at Boutique de Voile, based in Westbury. "We are actually making a new veil sample with imported French Chantilly lace that is like Kate's, and it will cost brides around $895," Mayer says.

All That Glitters
Once Kate Middleton and Prince William announced their engagement last fall, American couples began clamoring for copies of the stunning oval blue sapphire ring which was surrounded by diamonds, and originally belonged to Princess Diana.

So naturally, brides would want to replicate Kate's "something new" - likely the set of Robinson Pelham earrings given to her as a gift by her parents on her wedding day. The platinum and pave diamond pear-shaped drop earrings were understated, yet a perfect adornment that complemented her face and her dress.

These vintage style diamond tear drop earrings cost a mere $695 at FortunoffJewelry.com. (Courtesy Photo: FortunoffJewlery.com)

Indeed, as soon as the vows were said, "we did immediately see a flurry of sales of diamond earrings somewhat similar to what was worn, although at much lower prices," says Esther Fortunoff, Exec VP of Fortunoff Fine Jewelry at FortunoffJewelry.com.

Dressing Up
And of course, there's the dress. Wedding gown designers are scrambling to duplicate the original design, created by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen. The look is in high demand says Cristina DeMarco of Bridal Reflections, which has two locations on Long Island and one in NYC. "Our number one request is for V-neck lace dresses. Kate has completely influenced brides in wearing a classic V-neck lace dress. It is the strongest influence from the royal wedding that we are seeing in our salons."

And here's a surprising addition - "Pippa's dress has dramatically influenced the destination bride in wearing very simple, clean fabric with no beading. And she has also influenced brides across the board wanting to add buttons over the zipper on almost every dress we are doing!"

Claudia Copquin is founder/editor of Long Island's only bridal blog, www.GettingMarriedonLongIsland.com. An award-winning journalist and author, Copquin is a well-known name on Long Island, having written for numerous publications, including The New York Times, Newsday, Distinction magazine, Long Island Parent, Crain's New York Business, the Los Angeles Times, and many others. A bridal expert, for ten years Copquin also served as editor of Newsday's Long Island Weddings.


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