Many women dream about the luxurious gown they’ll wear on their wedding day from the time they are little girls. Whether they imagine Cinderella-inspired ballgowns or bohemian lace creations, often their biggest inspirations come straight from the glossy editorial-worthy wedding photographs of the world’s most elite celebrities. For all your bridal inspiration, follow along for 19 of the most iconic wedding dresses of all time:
19. Nicole Kidman — 2006
Austrailian beauty Nicole Kidman married Keith Urban in June 2006 wearing a completely romantic bridal gown. The one-shouldered gown featured an empire waist which gave it a combination of vintage detailing on a contemporary cut. The gown was designed by Nicolas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga and featured a dramatic and voluminous tulle veil.
Source: JustJared18. Angelina Jolie — 2014
No one could possibly forget Angelina and Brad’s 2014 wedding where Mr. and Mrs. Smith became Mr. and Mrs. Pitt! The duo wanted to involve their children in the ceremony so Angelina decided to wear a dress and veil combo that was covered in a variety of doodles designed by her children. The unique gown was crafted by Atelier Versace’s head tailor Luigi Massi, who was a long-time friend of Jolie. The world had never seen anything like Jolie’s unique gown, which definitely made this look one of the most iconic wedding dresses of all time.
Source: LuxuryBride.com17. Keira Knightley — 2013
Keira Knightley’s wedding look was definitely not the enchanting, floor-sweeping gown we often imagine for a celebrity wedding, but that’s exactly why it’s iconic! Instead, Knightley opted for a tulle, knee-length Chanel gown that she’s actually recycled and wore on the red carpet on various occasions. Apparently, Knightley later shared that she wasn’t as frugal as she appeared and admitted she had a second Valentino custom-made bridal gown for a secret ceremony.
www.topwedding.com16. Katie Holmes — 2006
Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise’s 2006 wedding was one of the most notable Hollywood A-list events of all time. The duo wed in an Italian castle in the most luxurious way possible, and of course, Holmes had the Princess gown to match. The dress she donned during the ceremony was designed by wedding attendee Georgio Armani which featured an off-the-shoulder silk and lace design and was embellished with Swarovski crystals. According to People, the crystals alone took 350 hours to perfectly place.
Photo By Rex Features15. Victoria Beckham – 1999
The world had high expectations for fashionista Victoria Beckham’s wedding gown, and luckily, she did not disappoint. Beckham wore a satin Vera Wang gown that was quite timeless in terms of cut but featured a dramatic and fashion-forward strapless neckline. To add a touch of glamour and class, Beckham topped her look with a miniature crown as an accessory.
Source: Instagram14. Priscilla Presley — 1967
No one could possibly forget the white wedding ensemble that Priscilla Presley wore to wed Elvis in 1967! The dress was actually created and designed by Priscilla herself, which made the dress even more iconic. The floor-length wedding gown consisted of white silk chiffon, beaded yoke and a trim of seed pearls. She topped the self-made creation with a three-foot tulle veil which she secured with a rhinestone crown.
Source: https://www.hitched.co.uk13. Princess Margaret — 1960
Princess Margaret’s wedding gown remains one of the most memorable because her 1960 nuptials marked the first ever royal wedding to be televised. Her dress was designed by Norman Hartnell, who was a favorite couturier among the royals. He designed the dreamy dress from silk organza and used minimal embellishment and beading to avoid overwhelming Margaret’s petite frame.
Mirrorpix/Courtesy Everett Collection12. Jackie Kennedy — 1953
Jackie Kennedy married John F. Kennedy in September 1953 and the elite event would go down as one of the best weddings of all time! The dress was designed by Anne Lowe, but it actually had quite the tumultuous story behind it because the dress was destroyed by a flood in Lowe’s studio just ten days before the event. Lowe luckily was able to pull together a new gown just in time. The bouffant skirt and portrait neckline was beloved by viewers and definitely worth the last minute hustle.
Toni Frissell, photographer11. Kim Kardashian — 2014
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s 2014 wedding will forever go down as one of the most opulent and luxurious celebrity ceremonies of all time. Kim took all the stops when it came to her gown and the Givenchy number featured long lace sleeves, a mermaid silhouette, and cutouts along the waist. She didn’t skimp on the drama and wore a cathedral-length veil which trailed gracefully behind her.
Source: E! Online10. Pippa Middleton
Pippa Middleton wowed crowds when she stepped out to carry her sister Kate’s wedding dress in a sleek, form-fitting satin number back in 2011. Her impeccable fashion taste was made quickly apparent and fans had high expectations for Pippa’s own wedding dress for 2017. Fortunately, she lived up to their standards and stepped out in a dreamy lace number with cap sleeves, sheer detailing along the neckline and a heart-shaped cutout along the back.
Press Association9. Olivia Palermo — 2014
Olivia Palermo is one of New York’s most fashionable socialites, so there were no doubts that she would break boundaries and wear something eccentric and stylish for her wedding. Rather than the typical Princess or mermaid cut, Palermo opted for something completely different which made her wedding look one of the most iconic of all time. Her Carolina Herrera look consisted of a full, tulle skirt which she paired with a minimal cashmere sweater.
Source: Olivia Palermo Blog / by Johannes Huebl8. Queen Elizabeth — 1947
Queen Elizabeth’s regal wedding gown for her 1947 nuptials to Prince Philip was one of the most detailed and intricate bridal looks ever. The Norman Hartnell design was covered with seed pearls and floral embroidery which was inspired by Botticelli’s painting of Primavera. The rich gown was definitely one of the most detailed looks to ever go down the aisle and started a fashion revolution of bridal gowns that followed suit with heavy embroidery and intricate beading.
7. Elizabeth Taylor — 1950
Elizabeth Taylor is no newbie to a strong wedding dress, especially after walking down the aisle on eight separate occasions throughout her life! Her first dress, however, was definitely one of her most memorable. At the age of 18, she walked down the aisle for her first wedding to Conrad “Nicky” Hilton where she chose a sleek satin gown. The dress was designed by Helen Rose and later sold at a London auction for a hefty $187,931 in 2013.
Source: Everett Collection6. Gwen Stefani — 2002
Gwen Stefani sent shockwaves through Hollywood when the edgy pop star stepped out to marry Gavin Rossdale in a nontraditional ombre-colored bridal gown. Stefani was rarely one to take the traditional route, so the John Galliano dress definitely suited her personality. The look featured tulle off-the-shoulder sleeves and a magenta pink fade along the skirt which many brides, including Jessica Biel, were inspired to re-create with their own wedding looks in the years to come.
Photo by Zandarin and Allen / Rex Features5. Audrey Hepburn — 1954
Audrey Hepburn’s wedding look to marry Mel Ferrer inspired generations of brides to break tradition and opt for something tea-length and vintage. Audrey looked as ethereal and elegant as ever in the high-neck, satin sash gown which she paired with elbow length gloves. The classy actress was classic with the shape and cut of her gown, yet she added a trendy floral crown to freshen up the look.
Source: Instyle.com4. Meghan Markle — 2018
Meghan Markle’s wedding gown was one of the most anticipated of 2018 – and it did not disappoint! Clare Waight Keller, Artistic Director at Givenchy, designed the dress that Meghan wore down the aisle and, although the dress was simple, it was still stunning with its three quarter length sleeves, bateau neckline and drop waist. But the real show-stopper was the veil. More than 16-feet-long, it was made of silk tulle and featured elaborate embroidery on her headpiece that represented all 53 commonwealth countries.
Press Association3. Princess Diana — 1980
Princess Diana was always one to opt for extravagance when it came to her style, and her wedding look was no different! The dress was comprised of oversized balloon sleeves, a 25-foot train, and a sparkling diamond tiara to complete the ensemble. The dress was designed by David and Elizabeth Emmanuel and their unique vision spawned a generation of brides aspiring for the opulent wedding dress look, which defined the era of bridal attire.
Photo by Mike Hollist / Daily Mail / Rex Features2. Kate Middleton — 2011
Kate Middleton’s delicate lace gown made a huge statement when she gracefully walked down the aisle to marry Prince William back in 2011. The stunning Duchess-to-be partnered up with Sarah Burton from Alexander McQueen to design the gown and asked for a Grace Kelly-inspired lace look complete with long sleeves and a full skirt. The lace gown was both timeless yet contemporary and is undeniably one of the most unforgettable royal wedding gowns ever.
Photo by Tim Rooke / Rex Features1. Grace Kelly
Grace Kelly’s regal lace gown is undeniably the most iconic of all time because it was the source of inspiration behind dozens of royal brides to follow. The satin and lace gown was made by the MGM costume department and was ultra elegant with its rose point lace detailing, pearl accents and long-sleeved lace bodice. Grace Kelly isn’t the only celebrity to have a royal transformation and we’re quite excited to see what Meghan Markle will choose to wear to her upcoming wedding to Prince Harry!
THE WEDDING IN MONACO, Grace Kelly, 1956
