Celebrity weddings captivate us with their opulence, and one of the key highlights is always the bridal gown. These dresses often carry price tags that can rival luxury vehicles or even homes. Here’s a look at some of the most extravagant celebrity wedding dresses that have graced the aisle, emphasizing just how central these gowns are to high-end fashion trends.
The Allure of Celebrity Weddings
We can't help it — we just love a celebrity wedding. Whether it's a famous movie star or a member of royalty tying the knot, we can't get enough of the juicy details. While the decor, venue, and rings hold interest, it’s the bridal gown that truly captures our attention. Celebrities often opt for elaborate princess gowns or sleek, figure-hugging dresses, showcasing their personal styles while simultaneously making strong statements about luxury.
More than just clothes, these gowns are symbols of status, and some are surprisingly more expensive than many homes in capital cities. Let's dive into some remarkable examples of celebrity wedding dresses that have set the standards sky-high.
1. Elizabeth Taylor: Timeless Elegance
Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor married Conrad Hilton Jr. at just 18 years old, wearing a satin gown designed by Helen Rose. This beautiful creation featured a tight bodice and A-line skirt embellished with pearls, costing about $1,500 at the time (equating to approximately $20,000 today). The gown later fetched around $188,000 at auction in 2013, showcasing its enduring value and iconic status.
2. Paris Hilton: High Price for High Fashion
Arguably one of the most talked-about weddings in recent history, Paris Hilton married Carter Reum in 2021, sporting a gorgeous Oscar de la Renta gown priced at $25,000. The high-neck design with semi-sheer long sleeves dazzled guests and paparazzi alike, but Hilton didn’t stop at one gown. She famously wore five more dresses through the celebrations, demonstrating her penchant for luxury.
3. Princess Eugenie: Royal Modernity
In a stunning royal wedding, Princess Eugenie married Jack Brooksbank in a gown designed by Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos, costing around $260,000. The off-the-shoulder dress was a departure from traditional royal styles, emphasizing the demand for unique and exclusive designs among modern brides.
4. Queen Elizabeth II: Rationing in Elegance
The dress Queen Elizabeth II wore to her wedding in 1947 carried a hefty price tag relative to the times — about $42,000. Crafted from ivory silk and adorned with over 200 pearls, its creation during post-war rationing was a testament to its importance. It underwent an elaborate construction process, requiring the effort of 350 women over seven weeks.
5. Grace Kelly: A Gown to Remember
Grace Kelly, who became a princess after marrying Prince Rainier of Monaco, stunned in a Helen Rose gown valued at approximately $65,000. Gifted by MGM, it featured luxurious silk taffeta and lace and has had a lasting influence on bridal fashion leading to imitations even among modern stars.
6. Nicky Hilton: Sisterly Style
The Hilton family has set a standard in wedding fashion too, with Nicky Hilton wearing a regal Valentino gown that cost $75,000. Elegant yet understated, her wedding dress echoed Catherine, Princess of Wales’ iconic style, showcasing the beauty of lace and classic designs.
7. Victoria Beckham: Champagne Dreams
When Victoria Beckham wed football star David Beckham in 1999, she chose a champagne corseted gown designed by Vera Wang that cost $100,000. This bold choice set her apart, illustrating how celebrity weddings can redefine traditional bridal aesthetics.
8. Princess Diana: The Iconic Gown
Princess Diana’s stunning wedding dress made headlines for its voluminous silhouette and dramatic train. Crafted by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, the gown cost approximately $114,800 (about $449,000 today), marking it as one of the most unforgettable bridal dresses in history due to its 80s flair.
9. Mariah Carey: An Unforgettable Gesture
In a dramatic twist, Mariah Carey made headlines when she burned a Valentino wedding dress worth $250,000 after her engagement to James Packer ended. The bold move was a symbolic statement about moving on, further emphasizing the emotional weight associated with these extravagant gowns.
10. Meghan Markle: Modern Royal Bride
The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, dazzled the world with a Givenchy gown designed by Clare Waight Keller that cost $250,000. The dress was characterized by its classic design and elegant simplicity, reflecting a shift in royal bridal fashion sensibilities.
11. Kate Middleton: A Royal Benchmark
At approximately $434,000, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge's wedding gown designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen was a vision of luxury and craftsmanship. Its exquisite lace detailing and rich heritage have made it an enduring reference for wedding attire.
12. Kim Kardashian: Bold and Extravagant
Kim Kardashian opted for a Givenchy gown valued at $500,000 when tying the knot with Kanye West. The dress was renowned for its luxurious detailing, showcasing the couple's glamorous lifestyle amid their high-profile marriage.
13. Salma Hayek: A Luxurious Choice
For her wedding to François-Henri Pinault, Salma Hayek chose a splendid gown by Balenciaga, which reportedly cost around $613,000. The exquisite design featured a beautifully embellished bodice, catching eyes at their romantic Venice ceremony.
14. Victoria Swarovski: Crystal Glamour
Finally, Victoria Swarovski set the bar for opulence at her wedding, where she wore a dress embellished with 500,000 crystals costing over $1 million. The sheer weight of the dress symbolizes the grandeur often associated with celebrity weddings.
These stunning examples of celebrity wedding dresses not only showcase exceptional design and craftsmanship but also reveal a wider cultural conversation about bridal fashion and luxury. They inspire many brides around the world to dream big when it comes to their own special day.