WEDDING DUPES: A GUIDE TO THE TOP 5 COPYCAT WEDDING TRENDS

There’s no doubt that Meghan Markle has had considerable influence over the wedding retail market since her wedding to Prince Harry. According to reports, Google searches for ‘bateau neckline dresses’ shot up in the months after the ceremony and high street replicas of both of her stunning gowns are now available at a fraction of the original price. If you have your eye on a certain celebrity wedding item, you’re in luck – here are five of the very best:

1. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry

Starting off with the most requested item on our list, Meghan Markles second wedding dress was so spectacular that some have argued it outshone her original gown. Meghan changed in to an uber chic halter neck dress designed by Stella McCartney, a fitted floor length piece fit for the radiant princess. Shortly afterwards, the ecommerce fashion retailer ASOS unveiled a dress which captures the same understated elegance, with a more payday friendly price tag of £120. Surprisingly, the actual dress is available to buy online, a rarity when it comes to garments designed for an event with the gravity of a royal wedding; but if the £3,500 checkout total is over budget, then rest assured that you’ll find some dupes which are outstandingly close to the real deal.

2. Beyonce Knowles and Shawn Carter (Jay-Z)

Choosing a ring for your partner can be a stressful process – unless you’re Jay-Z! Before proposing to Beyoncé Knowles, he picked a stunning Lorraine Schwartz 18 carat platinum ring with a price tag of $5 million. If you’re looking to convey the same luxury look for a split shank band, and in terms of style emerald cut, or marquise diamond rings are the best bet.

3. Kim Kardashian-West and Kanye West

If Instagram-worthy weddings are your thing, look no further than the wedding of Kim Kardashian-West. A statement backdrop could be the way to go, taking some inspiration from the music mogul Kanye West and businesswoman Kim Kardashian West. The couple marked their first moments of married life by posing in front of a decadent wall of flowers, and the delicate toned blooms added to the ethereal ambience of their special day. While not all of us can stretch our budgets enough to accommodate such aggrandized features, there’s a few alternative ways to recreate this, and it will look just as gorgeous in your pictures. Consider adding some flower lined arches or look at lining the walls of your venue with some paper flower creations, for a quirkier, less pricy option. Many wedding venues in Cumbria and the Lake District come with a spectacular natural back-drop already, so you could consider holding your wedding in an area of natural beauty to produce similar effects.

4. Kaley Cuoco and Ryan Sweeting

“Big Bang Theory” star Kaley Cuoco had one of the craziest wedding cakes we’ve ever seen. The tiers were assembled upside down, finished with an extravagant chandelier suspended on top. While most bakers might not want to brave such a daring design, The Butter End Cakery took Kayley’s cake dreams and made them into a reality. Want to give your own wedding cake an a-list makeover? Ask your baker to let their creativity run wild with suspended tiers which can wrap around your wedding cake, adding a unique touch.

5. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry

When the royal couple tied the knot back in 2018, The Duchess of Sussex wore the stunning yet simplistic Cartier 18 karat white gold and diamond galanterie stud earrings, and they complemented the timeless elegance of her fitted gown. The earrings were a perfect statement in line with her overall wedding day look, understated and simply ethereal. If you’re still in awe of these beauties, then head to the online retailer Etsy where you’ll find an extraordinarily similar pair for around £17 — a notable saving when compared to the Cartier price tag of $16,500 (£13,500).