If you’re getting married in the near future, you’ve probably already had a look at wedding photos in magazines or online – you might have even made your own inspirational photo album. Whilst celebrity weddings are usually visually stunning, they don’t match everyone’s budget – but not to worry! Whether you’re after an over-the-top glam affair like Kim and Kanye or a ceremony fit for royalty like Harry and Meghan, your dreams can still become a reality.
Wedding retailers have witnessed a surge in requests for wedding ‘dupes’ over the past few years and have worked to recreate some of the most memorable pieces at more affordable price points. Here, bespoke jewelry experts, Angelic Diamonds are taking a look at five of the best wedding dupes that will give you a star-studded wedding experience.
1. Chandelier tiers – Kaley Cuoco and Ryan Sweeting
Despite having the potential to become a serious hazard — especially if you’ve invited children to your ceremony, there’s no denying that Kayley Cuoco’s wedding cake was a spectacular creation. 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 that can wrap around your wedding cake, adding a unique touch.
2. Evening dress – Meghan Markle and Prince Harry
We’re a nation swept away by royal wedding euphoria, so once again we are looking back to what Meghan wore on her big day — this time, it’s all about her second gown. Meghan changed into an uber-chic halter neck dress designed by Stella McCartney, a fitted floor-length piece fit for the radiant princess. Shortly afterward, the eCommerce fashion retailer ASOS unveiled a dress that 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.
3. Cartier earrings – 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).
4. Engagement ring – Beyonce Knowles and Jay-Z
Shawn Carter, known in the music industry as Jay-Z, took heed from his partner Beyoncé Knowles hit ‘Single Ladies’ in 2007 when he finally ‘put a ring on it’ — and he certainly chose well! Not every man would feel comfortable heading into the jewelers and finding the perfect engagement ring for their partner, but Jay-Z 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, diamond engagement rings are the best bet.
5. Flower wall – Kim Kardashian-West and Kanye West
Looking to get your photographs exactly right? 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 ambiance of their special day. While not all of us can stretch our budgets enough to accommodate such aggrandized features, there are 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.
If you’ve got your eyes on something that you’ve spotted in a glossy magazine or on your favorite celebrities’ Instagram feed, then it’s worthwhile shopping around because more often than not, you’ll find a brilliant wedding dupes!
