Meghan Markle’s Wedding Dress Took 3,900 Hours to Make

When Meghan Markle married Prince Harry on May 19, 2018, at Windsor Castle, millions of people around the world tuned in to watch the duo exchange their vows. However, in addition to witnessing the former actress and the royal make their promises to each other, eager onlookers also caught sight of another key moment: the bride debuting her off-the-shoulder gown. The dress, which was created by Givenchy’s Clare Waight Keller, took 3,900 hours and 50 people to make, according to the BBC.

The piece featured a bateau neckline, a sculpted waist, and three-quarter sleeves. Earning praise for its expert craftsmanship, the designer and her team used just six meticulously placed seams to achieve the clean and crisp look. “The lines of the dress extend towards the back where the train flows in soft round folds cushioned by an underskirt in triple silk organza,” read a statement released by Buckingham Palace. The piece, which reportedly cost $265,000, was paid for by Meghan herself. The bride also donned a number of traditional accessories for the big day, including the Queen Mary Diamond Bandeau Tiara, lent to her by Queen Elizabeth for the occasion, a Cartier bracelet, and a pair of stud earrings.

“I had a very clear vision of what I wanted for the day, and what I wanted the dress to look like,” Meghan said, according to the BBC. “So what was amazing in working with Clare is that sometimes you’ll find designers try to push you in a different direction. But she just completely respected what I wanted to see for the day, and she wanted to bring that to life for me.” However, in addition to being beautiful, her ensemble also included a number of sentimental touches. Her veil, a 16-foot-long piece, featured 53 flowers to represent each of the nations of the Commonwealth. Additionally, in a nod to her love story with Harry, she stitched a piece of the dress she wore on their first date to the inside of her wedding-day ensemble as her “something blue.”

However, the Givenchy gown wasn’t the only dress Meghan wore for her royal nuptials. After her ceremony, the bride changed into a halter-style gown designed by Stella McCartney for the evening reception at Frogmore House. “I am so proud and honored to have been chosen by the Duchess of Sussex to make her evening gown and represent British design,” McCartney told WWD. “It has truly been one of the most humbling moments of my career and I am so proud of all the team on this stunning sunny royal day.”