These Are the Six Most Expensive Royal Wedding Dresses
No. 1 is probably not what you're expecting...


Royal weddings (opens in new tab) are never not elaborate—and expensive—affairs. And that usually goes double for the gowns that royal brides wear down the aisle on their big days. Royal wedding dresses (opens in new tab) are the subject of intense speculation leading up to their reveals and then equally intense scrutiny once they make their public debuts. They inspire imitations and outright knockoffs and the decisions royal brides make influence wedding fashion for the normal, commoner brides that follow them. Often, these gowns are elaborate, with subtle and sometimes full hidden details special to the bride and groom and, usually, they're designed by prominent figures in the fashion industry, who understandably clamor at the chance to design a real-life princess ballgown.
But just how much do these fashion masterpieces actually cost? Well, the dedicated people at UK paper The Sun (opens in new tab) crunched the numbers and came up with the six most expensive royal wedding gowns in modern history. And yes, of course the list includes some of the people you expect it to—like Princess Diana, Kate Middleton, and Meghan Markle—but it also includes a gown or two that might surprise you or have flown under your royal wedding radar. Scroll down to count down to the most expensive modern royal wedding dress of them all.
6. Sarah Ferguson
When: July 23, 1986
Where: Westminster Abbey in London
Cost: £35,000
Designer: Lindka Cierach
Most royal detail: The massive 17-foot train was embroidered with the initials A and S (for Andrew and Sarah, obviously) in silver beads.
5. Meghan Markle
When: May 19, 2018
Where: St. George's Chapel in Windsor
Cost: £110,000
Designer: Givenchy, created by British designer Clare Waight Keller
Most royal detail: The 16-foot train and veil, which was adorned with the flowers of the 53 commonwealth countries.
4. Princess Diana
When: July 29, 2981
Where: St Paul’s Cathedral in London
Cost: £151,000
Designer: David Emanuel
Most royal detail: The 25-foot train, which was the longest in royal history.
3. Princess Eugenie
When: October 12, 2018
Where: St George's Chapel in Windsor
Cost: £200,000
Designer: Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vo
Most royal detail: The fabric included several meaningful symbols, including a Thistle for Scotland, a Shamrock for Ireland, the York Rose and ivy.
2. Kate Middleton
When: April 29, 2011
Where: Westminster Abbey in London
Cost: £250,000
Designer: British designer Sarah Burton from Alexander McQueen
Most royal detail: The long-sleeved, ivory satin bodice with floral-patterned, lace appliqué.
1. Queen Letizia of Spain
When: May 22, 2004
Where: The Cathedral Santa María la Real de la Almudena in Madrid
Cost: £6 million
Designer: Royal couturier Manuel Pertegaz
Most royal detail: The real gold thread embroidery woven into the silk.
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Lawmakers, Activists, and Allies Are Reacting With Fury to 'Roe' Being Overturned
Thousands are taking to Twitter to express their grief and anger.
By Tanya Benedicto Klich
-
These Linen Suits Are Summer Staples
Sophisticated but not stuffy.
By Sara Holzman
-
The Best Skincare Routine for Acne, According to Dermatologists
Every product to include in your morning and nighttime regimen.
By Samantha Holender
-
How Princess Diana and Duchess Camilla's Birth Charts Predicted Compatibility With Prince Charles: Astrologer
Diana and Camilla share the same sun sign.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Kate Middleton Is "Frantically" Trying to Repair Princes William and Harry's Bond, Reportedly
Good for her!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Can't Recognize Prince Harry, As Relationship Reportedly Suffers Irreparable "Damage"
This is so so sad.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William Drank Beer and Played Soccer After a Kind of Uncomfortable Portrait Unveiling
They looked uncharacteristically nervous.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The Cambridges Shine in Cambridge on Official Visit to Their Dukedom
A new portrait of the couple is being unveiled.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Why Kate Middleton Wore White to Mark Windrush Day: Body Language Expert
It shows discretion and humility.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William and Kate Middleton Know When to Show PDA—And When to Hold Back: Body Language Expert
It depends what the engagement consists of.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Acknowledged the Great Contributions of Caribbean People Who Came to the U.K. in Windrush Day Speech
He also denounced the still prevalent problem of racism in the U.K. today.
By Iris Goldsztajn