The Kate Middleton wedding effect

Brides are seeking Kate Middleton's wedding dress and other details for their own nuptials. Photo courtesy of Brides.
Brides are seeking Kate Middleton's wedding dress and other details for their own nuptials. Photo courtesy of Brides.

When Kate Middleton walked down the aisle in her lace-sleeved Alexander McQueen gown she made her mark on the bridal industry in more ways than you'd imagine. Brides-to-be dreaming of their own fairy tale-esque happily ever after have been flocking to stores for lookalike wedding gowns. Many are asking their stylists imitate her makeup and hairstyle for their big day, some even seeking out the exact shade of nailpolish Middleton wore. But it doesn't end there.

According to a survey in the upcoming August issue of Brides magazine, the new Duchess of Cambridge has inspired an upswing in many bridal trends. 52% of brides thank Middleton for their new desire to wear a veil. An increasing number of ladies are seeking white dresses for their maids of honor (a British tradition exemplified by Kate's sister Pippa), jeweled tiaras, lily of the valley bouquets, and even trees to line their aisles. One store said they're selling 25% more red aisle runners like the one Middleton and Prince William walked down in Westminster Abbey.

Another crazy fact: one company in California has had a 200% increase in wedding-related horse and carriage rentals since the Royal Wedding. Middleton didn't even arrive in a horse-drawn carriage-she opted to take Queen Elizabeth's Rolls Royce Phantom with her father-but clearly ladies are hoping to create their own fairy tale weddings. For more info, check out the upcoming issue of Brides.

So while women may not be able to get their own custom Alexander McQueen wedding gown, clearly many of them want every detail as close to Middleton's wedding as possible. Would you?

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