I am one of the middle-of-the-road people with CP Mary. I have always thought she was stylish and very well put together, but other than that never understood why such overwhelming coverage of her in the media. She is not unattractive but certainly not the prettiest of the princesses. She is sometimes too aware of the camera and can sometimes seem to forget that she was not born a princess. Overall I still have the same impression, but during the dinner, her very animated conversation and seeing her expressions and talkative exchange were refreshing. Nice change from the Posh Spice posed usual presentation.
As far as her appearance at the wedding, I like the overall idea of the gown, but the jade green part of the bodice appeared to be placed assymetrically, which made it look funny. In addition, pale skin like Mary's can be washed-out with lighter colors.
I agree with speculations on why Mary chose this tiara to wear to the wedding. It didn't work as well with this gown, but I think it could have she had made a bolder choice in handbag and shoes to match the pinkish color of the rubies in the tiara. It would have brought the entire outfit together better.
The night before at the concert...I loved everything about her presentation. The gown, the hair, all of it. Really nice. And I actually don't think the white gown, even in another color, would have been the right choice for the wedding. It doesn't seem like it would go well with the tiara.