The understated simplicity of the dress, the tiara and the bouquet are all in keeping with the young couple's values. They do not want elaborate, elevated, over-the-top, haute couture, which obviously some onlookers did fantasize about and did want.
It was said that Catherine was very aware of the economic times, and how it would look if she went for some sort of world record bouquet or even a huge bouquet. How odd it would have looked had she worn something avant-garde after years of wearing her own simple, tailored style. She was in keeping with what her family wore, she was herself. Bringing her own true self to the altar to marry was the most important thing she could have done on this day.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but it's good to think beyond the surface of the clothes into what is actually going on, worldwide and in England, and in that Abbey. The service was dignified, somewhat austere - and the living trees instead of cut flowers signal a change in the way even Royals are looking at resources.
Every single person there could be critiqued on some aspect of what they wore (Prince William could have worn a different uniform and the Queen didn't have to wear primrose, etc., etc.) but the overall effect was of a unified and modest Royal Family, rather than a bunch of nouveau riche millionaires throwing their money at the world. The service itself was lovely, the reading was well-chosen, the music was wondrous, and the young couple took it all very seriously.
England should be proud of its young Royals, and particularly of the new Duchess of Cambridge, whose intelligence, discernment, inner confidence and regal bearing won the day. That's what it was about, for me, the total effect. Of course, I was in favor of that dress style (couldn't have hoped for more in the detailing of the back of the dress, it was perfectly proportionate to the Abbey, especially when she was kneeling) and the fact that some people think it looked like it could have been in a "country church" is exactly what Kate was going for - hence the trees.
She wanted a wedding that suited her. I am so proud of her for choosing the right white, the delicate but not overwrought lace, the simple sleeves, the neckline that suits her best, the veil that did not overwhelm. She looked so much more beautiful than anyone else there (including Pippa, who was darling).
And lastly, I was so glad there were no blue bridesmaid's dresses, and that she had the simple cream and white theme (with those little page's uniforms echoing those of the Prince of C and the Prince of E).
Bravo, Kate - your dress is anything but forgettable, and you will look back on this day with pride throughout your life, as your look was timeless, elegant and regal, just as it was supposed to be.