The 10 Most Iconic Wedding Dresses in Modern History

We’ve rounded up a few of the wedding dresses that have made an impact on fashion over the years.

By: Brittany Loggins

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Wedding Dresses that Sparked Headlines

Ahead of TLC's special presentation, "JFK Jr. and Carolyn's Wedding: The Lost Tapes," we’ve rounded up some of the most iconic wedding dresses worn by celebrities and politicians throughout the years. Whether they were memorable because they were so fashion-forward or because they were so gorgeous, these dresses made quite the splash.

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex

Meghan Markle wore an elevated, modern version of the traditional royal wedding gown designed by British designer Clare Waight Keller. While she still had long sleeves and a long train, the dress was a crisp white and made of sleek satin. She also opted to change into a more modern dress for the reception.

Kim Kardashian West

Kim Kardashian West shared lots of wedding photos to commemorate her five-year wedding anniversary to Kanye West. Kardashian West wore a stunning, fitted gown with a high neckline, side cutouts and an open back. It was entirely lace and featured a fluted bottom that cascaded into a beautiful train. She also wore a long, flowing veil.

Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge

The world waited in full-on anticipation to see what Kate Middleton would wear down the aisle, and she did not disappoint. She donned an A-line gown with a long, stunning train designed by Sarah Burton. The gown also featured long sleeves—keeping with royal tradition—that were lace and sheer to show off the sweetheart neckline. It’s worth noting that her sister, Pippa Middleton, also debuted a stunning fluted gown that turned heads.

Portia de Rossi

Portia de Rossi wore a unique gown with an ivory tuxedo bodice and a blush pink tulle skirt at her wedding to Ellen DeGeneres in 2008. The open back featured intricate button-up detailing. It was an iconic look that immediately had brides everywhere considering blush pink wedding gowns.

Lady Diana

Prince Charles and Lady Diana were married in a ceremony watched around the world on July 29, 1981 at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. While Princess Diana’s dress was definitely a relic of the ‘80s, it was still stunning. It featured a huge train, long taffeta sleeves, a long veil and a tiara. She also carried a waterfall bouquet that perfectly complemented the gown.

Grace Kelly

Grace Kelly married Prince Ranier III of Monaco on April 19, 1956. Her gown is remembered as one of the most stunning, elegant wedding dresses of all time. It flared into a full skirt that was embroidered throughout its length. She had long lace sleeves and a mock neckline. The look was topped off with a stunning headpiece and long veil.

Audrey Hepburn

At her wedding to actor Mel Ferrer in 1929, Audrey Hepburn wore a tea-length wedding gown designed by Balmain, complete with long sleeves, white gloves and a collar. It had a full skirt that almost gave her the illusion of floating. Hepburn wore a gorgeous flower crown in lieu of a veil.

Jacqueline Bouvier

During her wedding to John F. Kennedy, Jacqueline Bouvier wore a stunning, traditional gown featuring an off-the-shoulder neckline, a long train and intricate taffeta detailing. It also had a full skirt that was absolutely stunning and made her look like true American royalty.

Ava Gardner

Frank Sinatra married Ava Gardner on Nov. 7, 1951 in Philadelphia. Gardner’s dress featured a halter top with a textured neckline, as well as a high-waisted skirt. It was so iconic that the style still holds up today.

Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor’s first husband was Conrad Hilton, who she married on May 6, 1950. She wore a stunning, off-the-shoulder dress that is still on-trend today. The gown also featured a sheer neck with crystals, an A-line skirt and a long veil.

The 10 Most Iconic Wedding Dresses in Modern History

Related To:

Shop This Look

Wedding Dresses that Sparked Headlines

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex

Kim Kardashian West

Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge

Portia de Rossi

Lady Diana

Grace Kelly

Audrey Hepburn

Jacqueline Bouvier

Ava Gardner

Elizabeth Taylor

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