From Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn to Elizabeth Taylor, we have been blessed with beauty and fashion icons who have endured over the ages, cementing themselves in the cultural landscape. Beyond their incredible talent and poise, they have created eternal trends when they walked down the aisle.
We often turn to celebrities for inspiration in life, whether it be in your career, fashion, or just general advice. Take inspiration from these iconic brides who revolutionised the wedding dress.
Lace like Grace Kelly
Grace Kelly’s Victorian-inspired gown was made of 125-year-old Brussels lace, taffeta, and thousands of hand-sewn pearls. The skirt was made of ivory faille and featured three petticoats: a smoothing petticoat, a ruffled petticoat and a foundation petticoat. Underneath the dress was the skirt support, the under bodice and the lace bodice with a slip. The gown itself was made of 100 yards (91 metres) of silk net, and the veil was 90 yards (82 metres). To keep the veil in place, Kelly opted for a Juliet cap decorated with lace, orange blossoms and seed pearls instead of a tiara. 30 seamstresses worked for 6 weeks to complete the look.
Classic and feminine, lace is a pretty versatile option – choose a finer lace with a high neckline for a Victorian feel, or go bold and boho with exaggerated patterns and a plunging neckline. Paired with a sleeved style, it is current and flattering to most figures. The pattern or texture of your veil doesn’t have to match your dress – so dare to be different!
Short like Audrey Hepburn
For her first marriage to actor, stage and film director Mel Ferrer, Hepburn stunned in a Balmain-designed tea-length flared dress with a satin sash, a high neckline and balloon sleeves that she accessorised with elbow-length gloves. The pair married in Burgenstock, Switzerland in an intimate ceremony on September 25, 1954.
Short dresses have become an increasingly popular trend, especially now that minimonies are the in-thing amid the pandemic. From mod minis to whimsical lace, it’s time to flaunt your legs. What’s more, this style is the perfect way to show off those heels! A below-the-knee dress is perfect for a summer or spring wedding.
Off-the-shoulder like Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
For her big day, the future First Lady was a vision in a buffant ivory silk-taffeta off-the-shoulder gown, which has gone down in history as one of the most iconic wedding dresses.
Off-the-shoulder is the perfect balance between sexy and sophisticated. For the modern bride, a boat neck will add a graphic element, while soft or sheer fabric draping down your arms will create a fanciful look for a more romantic feel. For brides with wider hips, a cinched waist and scooped neckline will balance out your hips and accentuate your waist. More gamine brides should opt for boat-neck styles in soft, delicate fabrics, as this will lend a feminine touch to your naturally athletic body.
Colour like Elizabeth Taylor
Always the bride, it seems film star Elizabeth Taylor grew tired of wearing white on her big day. For her fourth wedding, this time to actor Eddie Fischer, she stunned in a green silk dress with a hood and long sleeves. For her fifth walk down the aisle, Taylor wore a canary-yellow chiffon gown and stunning floral headdress to marry Richard Burton. She embraced the 70s aesthetic in a unique tie-dye dress when she said I Do to Burton once again after the pair divorced in 1974.
For those who want something a little different, your moment has arrived: from a smattering of bright flowers or a lace overlay, all the way to a coloured gown. Subtle shades or blush, nudes and silvers are perfect for those looking for just a touch of colour, while the daring can go for solid brights or ombré in darker tones. For a hint of colour, a subtle ombré skirt in nude is your answer.
Picture: Pinterest
