Re-reading the title of the thread I guess I need to re-evaluate the best Royal Bride and her Wedding Dress. So that means tiaras, veils, etc. don't count and I examine each bride and her gown which has to stand on it's own merit.
Elizabeth's gown was fabulous with it's embroidery, but the basic style of the gown seemed very much her style at that time, so yes great gown but not a personal favourite.
Margrethe, Silvia and Maxima all wore severely simple gowns and I am not sure when Margrethe's flair and artistry manifested but am betting it was before she married, so nice . . . but apart from her daisy brooch where was she?
Silvia went simple I think to carry the historic Cameo tiara and heritage veil, so okay . . . but definitely not her personal style of gown, which was illustrated pretty well within the first months of her marriage.
Maxima also played down her amazing flare and pizzaz and I am guessing the dress was the canvas upon which her veil was displayed, so great . . . but where was our wonderful, colourful, flamboyant Maxima.
Mary? I couldn't figure what was what there, but the gown was very plain in and of itself and hinted at her personal style to come, so okay.
Letizia, oh dear, what happened? A week before the marriage we saw the future 'Princess Letizia' stride out with confidence in a flaming red gown with jewelled clips and we all went Wow! From head to toe, Wow! The following week a little head peeked out of an oversized nuns habit. So, big, huge failure of style to person. Whoever that gown was designed for had nothing in common with Letizia! The only thing that matched her stlye was the groom!
Mette-Marit's was a problem for me because while I liked the gown, I didn't think it suited Mette-Marit's style. But then I realised that it was her style now not them. So, big, huge rewind and re-examine a gown that was a masterpeice, restrained but pure magic in it's movement. Pure romance too so utterly perfect for her style at that time. Therefore my runner up.
Victoria, like others went restrained and when you know you are going to be wearing the Cameo tiara and heritage veil there is no room for frills. But then again that is Victoria. Plain clean lines, no nonsense and practical. But nobody said she had to be boring! The slightly off shoulder turnover neckline was gorgeous, it's tiny sleeves and the deep V at the back with all those little covered buttons was pure Victoria. The wide waisteband showcased her regal carriage, emphasised her waist while giving a balanced look to a gown that flared out while providing an anchor for her train which was also a canvas for her veil. So for me the gown was Victoria, plain and simple. But also stunningly beautiful in it's simplicity. As such it is my favourite royal bride in a wedding dress. Just add the Cameo and veil and we saw a future Queen.