Kate's Wedding Dress

It’s official, the dress designer is Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen and the cost, $50,000 dollars.

Catherine wanted a dress that combined tradition and the modern characteristics of Alexander McQueen’s work.

Catherine worked closely with Sarah Burton in formulating the design for her wedding dress. She paid homage to her heritage with distinctive embellishments yet still had modern lines and contemporary style.

The dress was created by Sarah Burton, creative director of Alexander McQueen, and her team of 60 employees. All the material was sourced by local British companies. The lace ball gown, in ivory satin gazar was the base for the gown and hand-cut English and French Chantilly lace covered the fitted bodice and illusion neckline. The skirt imitates a flower opening with arches and pleats at the back and side of the waistline. The lace on the bride's skirt appliques features a rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock. All the details were hand-made by the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court Palace. The cathedral train was nine feet long.

The hallmark of Alexander McQueen designs pays homage to the Victorian tradition of corsetry; evident in Kate’s dress that has padding on the hips. The finishing touch on the back of the dress was 58 gazar and organza covered buttons fastened by Rouleau loops.

The wedding shoes were hand-made by the team at Alexander McQueen and are ivory duchess satin with lace hand-embroidered details by the Royal School of Needlework.