While everyone’s busy pinning satin slip dresses and tulle veils, we’re still thinking about the celeb wedding gowns that actually mattered. These are the dresses that had the world zooming in, freaking out, and taking notes.
1. Grace Kelly (1956) – Helen Rose
Embed from Getty ImagesThe ultimate royal bride blueprint. Her gown was a high-neck, long-sleeved lace masterpiece made of silk taffeta and antique Brussels lace. Designed by MGM costume designer Helen Rose, this dress defined elegance for decades.
2. Priscilla Presley (1967) – Custom-Made by Herself
Embed from Getty ImagesPriscilla designed her own silk chiffon gown, complete with sheer sleeves, beaded cuffs, and a high neckline that screamed ‘60s soft glam. The star? A voluminous veil topped with a rhinestone tiara and the most iconic beehive in bridal history.
3. Princess Diana (1981) – David and Elizabeth Emanuel
Embed from Getty Images25-foot train, sky-high sleeves, and 10,000 pearls – Diana’s dress was pure royal drama with a side of ‘80s flair. It gave Bridgerton before Bridgerton, and with 750 million people watching, she wore it like the true queen she was.
4. Mariah Carey (1993) – Vera Wang
Embed from Getty ImagesA literal Cinderella gown. Inspired by Princess Diana, the satin ballgown featured a 27-foot train and a big tulle veil. It was the dress Mariah wore for her wedding to Tommy Mottola – and it was iconic enough to land in pop culture history.
5. Celine Dion (1994) – Mirella & Steve Gentile
Embed from Getty ImagesA classic ivory ball gown with a sweetheart neckline, long sleeves, and a 20-foot cathedral train. The look included delicate appliqués, a fitted waist, and dramatic draping that felt both timeless and bold for the era.
6. Gwen Stefani (2002) – John Galliano for Dior
Embed from Getty ImagesA white-to-hot-pink dip-dyed gown that broke every rule. It was punk-princess perfection, and decades later, it’s still referenced as one of the most original bridal looks ever. The pink tulle was ahead of its time.
7. Portia de Rossi (2008) – Zac Posen
Embed from Getty ImagesThis dress deserved way more hype. Portia rocked a ballerina-style halter bodice, a dramatic open back, and a blush tulle skirt that gave soft glam with a twist. Elegant, unexpected, and low-key iconic.
8. Kate Moss (2011) – John Galliano
Embed from Getty ImagesMoss brought 1930s glamour to the Cotswolds in a sheer, bias-cut slip gown hand-embroidered with gold sequins and pearls. It screamed vintage, boho, and haute couture all at once.
9. Kate Middleton (2011) – Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen
Embed from Getty ImagesPrincess Kate’s gown was pure bridal perfection – long lace sleeves, a deep V neckline, and a 9-foot train that made royal history look good. The lace took months to craft, and honestly, it was so worth it. No surprise she’s a fashion icon now.
10. Meghan Markle (2018) – Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy
Embed from Getty ImagesMeghan Markle went full minimalist queen – boat neckline, three-quarter sleeves, and a sculpted silhouette that said quiet luxury before it trended. The 16-foot veil? Hand-embroidered with all the Commonwealth flowers. Stunning.
And that’s on bridal looks we’ll never forget. From royal glam to fashion-girl drama, these dresses did what they had to do. Got a fave? Tag us when you post your dream gown – we’re always here for a good wedding throwback. 💍
