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 some of the most iconic wedding dresses of all time:
10. 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.
Everett Collection9. 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 Collection8. 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.
Everett Collection/Toni Frissell7. 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.
Press Association6. 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.
Everett Collection5. 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.
Everett Collection4. 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.
Press Association2. 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.
AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth1. Grace Kelly – 1956
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.
Everett Collection
