Hey, it’s top five time! In no particular order, here are your choices for the five best wedding looks from the neck up.
Charlene Wittstock
Not surprisingly, HSH Princess Charlene – then Charlene Wittstock – made this list. This look has always been a favorite of royal watchers despite – or maybe because of – the lack of tiara. Instead, Charlene wore a diamond hair ornament woven into her low updo. It is a 19th-century family piece, loaned to her from Princess Caroline, who inherited it from her grandmother Princess Charlotte. Charlene’s veil contained light embroidery on 20 meters of off-white silk tulle. The lighter veil framed her face just beautifully.
Maxima Zorreguieta
This was a classic look with a spark of the Maxima spirit sprinkled throughout. The silk veil was designed by Valentino and liberally covered in floral hand embroidery. The tiara was “new”, created by the Dutch court jeweler from the Pearl Button tiara. The buttons were removed and Queen Emma’s diamond stars were added. The entire effect was that of sparkling effervescence, which is very Maxima.
Crown Princess Victoria
Everything about this look announces “Crown Princess”. Victoria wore the Bernadotte family heirloom lace veil, which originated with Queen Sofia and was worn by Victoria’s grandmother, mother, and three of her aunts (Désirée, Margaretha, and Christina). The Cameo tiara, bracelet, and earrings date back to Empress Joséphine and are also part of the family wedding tradition. The tiara was worn by Queen Silvia and two of the Haga princesses on their wedding days. The major factor that often puts Victoria over the edge in these polls is not only of the above historical heft, but her radiant, obvious happiness.
Princess Madeleine
The Princess integrated something old and something new very cleverly. The veil was new: fashioned from silk organza, and edged with tulle scatted with point d’esprit dots and small Chantilly lace orange blossom. The base of the Modern Fringe Tiara was laced with sprigs of orange blossom. Madeleine added the large Vasa diamond drop earrings from the Bernadotte collection and a diamond bracelet. Despite all the historical jewels, the entire effect was surprisingly light, fresh, and springlike.
Princess Märtha Louise
Well, look who popped up in this poll! The Princess of Norway isn’t often featured here, but her lovely wedding day look is a fine place to start. She wore a silk chiffon veil in the same cut as the train of her dress, anchored by Queen Maud’s Pearl and Diamond Tiara. She chose the smaller version of the tiara, which is fashioned by removing the front center section and repositioning the three top pearls. The whole thing is beautifully framed by her stand-up collar.
Please vote for your two (2) favorites! We’re giving you one chance to take the poll this time around, so make it count. Next week will be the run-off between the top two.
Remember: Pick two choices. Take the poll once! It will be open until next Wednesday at noon.