October 19, 2022 – 14:00 BST
Georgia Brown
Zara Tindall was bridesmaid for her brother Peter Phillips and Autumn Kelly in 2008, but her striking pistachio green bridesmaid dress designed by Vera Wang was a first for royal wedding fashion.
Traditionally, royal bridesmaids throughout history have worn white when serving as part of the bridal party for a royal bride. Zara Tindall, however, turned a blind eye to this unofficial rule in 2008, when she wore a pistachio green bridal dress to the wedding of Peter Phillips and Autumn Kelly.
READ: Why do royal bridesmaids wear white?
Peter became the first of Queen Elizabeth II‘s grandchildren to wed when he married Canadian management consultant Autumn at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. Zara was one of three bridesmaids, along with Autumn’s close friends Jacqueline Aubie and Susannah Toynbee. Peter’s half-sister Stephanie and Autumn’s half sister Jessica were flower girls.
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Looking stunning in a sage-hued gown, Zara looked radiant in the strapless number designed by American fashion designer Vera Wang.
Complete with elegant bow detailing and a ruched bodice, the statement green number was a trailblazing change for royal bridesmaids.
MORE: 11 rarely-seen royal wedding photos: From Princess Eugenie’s first dance to Sarah Ferguson’s honeymoon
Zara’s pastel bridesmaid dress was designed by Vera Wang
Though not an official royal rule, it’s believed that royal bridesmaids are dressed in white due to a historical belief that white deterred evil spirits.
A bride would dress her bridesmaids wearing white in order to confuse any such spirits, safely disguising the bride among the bridal party.
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SEE: Zara Tindall’s stunning wedding had heartfelt nods to grandmother the Queen – best photos
Throughout history, royal bridesmaids have always been dressed in white. From Princess Diana’s bridesmaids to Princess Kate’s sister Pippa Middleton, a colourful bridal party is an extremely rare occurrence.
In keeping with tradition, Autumn’s crisp white wedding dress, consisting of a fitted bodice made of hand-beaded lace, a silk duchesse skirt and beaded French lace shrug, was created by British designer Sassi Holford.
Zara was one of three bridesmaids at her brother’s wedding in 2008
“Doing such a gown does kind of encompass all the emotions the bride feels on her day – I was excited, then terribly nervous, then full of joy,” the designer told HELLO!.
The groom’s sister Zara also told HELLO!: “Obviously I wouldn’t have missed this for the world,” reflecting on her brother’s special day.
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