A reader writes...

Dear Miss Bea~

I've been waiting to read your comments on Kate Middleton's wedding gown. Would you be so inclined to share?

~Curious from across the pond

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Dear Curious~

Your wish...my command.

First of all, let me just say that I thought the bride was exquisite. She exuded confidence, radiated joy...she was captivating and in every sense of the word a royal princess. I couldn't take my eyes off of her.

I am by no means an expert on palace protocol or dress codes within Westminster. But I had to think that behind Kate's dress was a laundry list of do's and don'ts...most likely imposed by both the palace and the Anglican church. That being said, when Princess Diana's wedding gown designers were interviewed, they commented that they received no dress code edics from the palace. I'm not so sure I believe that, especially when I read about the lacework alone for Kate's dress. It clearly made an impression with me that she and designer, Sarah Burton, had an overwhelming amount of things to consider besides just color and style...far beyond what I think they would have thought of unless prompted by an outside influence...aka HRM-QE2...such a cheeky monkey that one.

"The lace applique, which featured the four floral emblems of the UK – rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock – was made using the Carrickmacross lace-making technique, which originated in Ireland in the 1820s. Part-time needle-workers, aged 19 to 70, laboured tirelessly to complete the order. The process is so time-consuming that it takes even experienced stitchers about an hour to sew an inch. The dedicated embroiderers washed their hands every 30 minutes while making the lace to ensure it was pristine and replaced their needles every three hours to keep them sharp and clean."  ~The Daily Reporter UK

Photo credit: Mark Large

In regards to the dress code at Westminster, I found the following pretty interesting:

"It seems that the tradition of hats dates back to the time when the Anglican Church required ladies to keep their heads covered in Church, much like other religions still do to today...Interestingly, there are a few other dress code rules that the Anglican Church no longer insists upon, but since Westminster Abbey (where Will & Catherine exchanged their vows) is like the Father of all Anglican Churches, these rules were adhered to. Sleeves are mandatory – no shoulders or too much chest and arm." 

All of that would have made total sense in regards to Kate's dress...but then there's Pippa, her sister...who apparently didn't get the memo.

Photo credit: Reuters

So, back to the original question...Kate's dress was beautiful...totally keeping with her fashion aesthetic of classic simplicity. But honestly, I was a little disappointed. I thought it was middle of the road...which in retrospect, was probably the smartest and safest thing for her to do, but I was hoping for something that really took my breath away and pretty much all it took was a sigh.

I really REALLY love the bridal gown label, Rosa Clara. When I look at their creations, I feel the familiarity of the past with the modernity of today. Exquisite. I would have loved for Kate to have gone more in this direction...had it met all of the (unbeknownst to us), "requirements".

Blessings on Prince William and his lovely bride. They look like they're really in love, and I wish them all the best!  Miss Bea