The Most Unforgettable Wedding Dresses Of All Time
The allure of a stunning wedding dress transcends time and trends, captivating the world with its timeless beauty. From the fairytale romance of princesses to the glamour of A-list celebrities, iconic brides have made their mark on history with unforgettable gowns. With each era bringing new styles and inspiration, these remarkable dresses serve as a testament to the evolution of bridal fashion.
Let us take a stroll down memory lane and revisit some of the most memorable wedding dresses that left an indelible mark on our collective imagination.
Princess Diana
Princess Diana’s iconic wedding gown was a symphony of elegance and extravagance, mesmerizing the world with its sheer grandeur. Conjured by the creative genius of David and Elizabeth Emanuel, this ivory silk taffeta masterpiece unfolded like a canvas of intricate lace, sparkling sequins, and delicate hand embroidery, punctuated by a dazzling array of 10,000 shimmering pearls.
Valued at $151,000, this regal extravaganza was the epitome of royal excess, with its majestic 25-foot train – the longest in royal wedding history – serving as the crowning glory that forever etched the dress’s place in the annals of fashion history.
Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth’s wedding gown was a masterclass in resourcefulness and determination. Despite the post-war British shortage of resources, Her Majesty saved her ration cards to amass the materials needed to bring her dream dress to life. The stunning gown was crafted from luxurious ivory duchess satin, adorned with 10,000 imported white pearls, silver thread, and delicate tulle embroidery.
Completing the bridal ensemble were a majestic 15-foot full court train, attached at the shoulders and patterned to perfection, as well as a breathtaking silk tulle veil secured by the Queen Mary’s Fringe Tiara, graciously lent to the princess by her mother.
Yoko Ono
Yoko Ono’s 1969 wedding dress with John Lennon remains an iconic and forward-thinking choice that challenged traditional notions of bridal fashion. The simple yet chic white tiered minidress paired with a sun hat, oversized sunglasses, knee-high socks, and sneakers created a timeless ensemble that exudes comfort, ease, and individuality. This unconventional approach to wedding attire was a breath of fresh air, reflecting the couple’s commitment to living life on their own terms.
The style and elegance of this look have stood the test of time, making it an enduring symbol of the couple’s love for each other.
Bianca Jagger
Bianca Jagger’s wedding attire defied conventionality in every way. Instead of a traditional white gown, she opted for a striking Yves Saint Laurent ensemble that celebrated her four-month baby bump. A bias-cut ivory column skirt served as the foundation, paired with the designer’s iconic Le Smoking Jacket worn sans shirt. This unorthodox choice allowed Bianca to showcase her growing belly while still exuding style and sophistication.
Her overall look was completed by a wide-brimmed veiled sun hat and block-heeled peep-toe heels, imbuing her bridal aesthetic with the effortless glamour of the French Riviera. The combination of these fashion choices perfectly encapsulates the whirlwind romance between Bianca and Mick Jagger, while also highlighting her individual flair and signature sense of style.
Grace Kelly
Princess Grace’s wedding dress was a testament to Hollywood’s flair for drama and the allure of royalty. This masterpiece of design was crafted by Helen Rose, a renowned MGM costume designer who brought together the finest materials to create an unforgettable bridal look. The gown itself was a symphony of silk taffeta and antique Brussels lace, featuring 25 yards of richly textured silk taffeta, 100 yards of delicate silk net, and hundreds of luminous seed pearls.
What’s more impressive is that it took a team of over three dozen seamstresses six weeks to complete this iconic creation, which has inspired countless brides with its timeless elegance over the years.
Kate Middleton
Kate Middleton’s wedding gown is often remembered as the gold standard for brides-to-be. Designed by Sarah Burton, creative director at Alexander McQueen, this masterpiece was a perfect blend of classic elegance and modern sophistication. The ivory satin bodice featured intricate lace appliqué, long sleeves that added to her ethereal beauty, a daring plunging neckline, and a full skirt that created a breathtaking visual effect amidst the historic grandeur of Westminster Abbey.
Meghan Markle
Meghan Markle’s royal wedding attire was truly fit for a queen, thanks to a remarkable collaboration with Clare Waight Keller of Givenchy. For her special day, she chose a breathtaking silk-cady gown featuring a bold graphic bateau neckline, which was expertly paired with a show-stopping 16ft veil adorned with delicate hand-embroidered flowers representing each country in the Commonwealth.
To add an extra touch of regality to her look, Markle wore Queen Mary’s diamond bandeau tiara, perfectly completing the stunning ensemble.
Priyanka Chopra
Priyanka Chopra’s Christian wedding ceremony in Jodhpur, India was a sight to behold. The actress stunned in a custom gown by Ralph Lauren, which was a true masterpiece. What made this gown truly exceptional was the 1,826 hours of meticulous hand-beading, pearls, crystal embellishments, and Swarovski crystals that went into its creation.
To complete her look, Chopra added an equally impressive tulle veil that extended an astonishing 75 feet, making it a statement of luxury and opulence that left onlookers in awe.
Gwen Stefani
Gwen Stefani’s wedding attire made headlines on her big day, as she chose an exquisite ivory and magenta ombré gown designed by John Galliano for Christian Dior. What made this dress truly remarkable was that it was hand-painted specifically for the occasion, making it a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. So impressive was the design that Stefani decided to give the dress away as a gift to the Victoria & Albert Museum in London after the wedding.
The museum showcased the stunning dip-dyed dress in their 2014 exhibition on wedding dresses, solidifying its status as a true work of art.
Hailey Bieber
Hailey Bieber’s wedding dress choice made a lasting impression when she exchanged vows with Justin Bieber. The model opted for a show-stopping lace gown with long sleeves designed by Virgil Abloh of Off-White, a perfect blend of elegance and sophistication. The pièce de résistance was the dramatic veil, featuring an embroidered message at its edge that read ‘Till Death Do Us Part’, adding a touch of whimsy to her overall look.
