Vintage wedding inspiration - the best wedding dresses of all time
Looking for some vintage wedding dress inspiration? Look no further, we've compiled our pick of the most iconic vintage and celebrity wedding dresses of all time.
From the simple to the outrageously uncomfortable, feast your eyes on this collection of vintage bridal treats.
Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII - 1937
Wallis Simpson married Edward VIII in 1937, in one of the most controversial royal weddings in history. Simpson was a twice-divorced American and Prince Edward famously abdicated his throne to marry her.
Some consider Wallace Simpson's dress to be one of the most stylish wedding dresses of all time. According to a piece in the telegraph, the silk crepe dress was designed by Mainbocher. The dress was dyed 'Wallis blue' which was reportedly chosen to match Wallis' eyes.
Elizabeth Taylor and Conrad Hilton - 1950
Famous for her many weddings and many gowns, this is one of our favourite Elizabeth Taylor moments. No matter that the marriage only lasted until the following January, this satin gown will be in our hearts forever.
Just look at the neckline, waist and sleeves... enough said.
Jacquelin Bouvier and John F. Kennedy - 1953
Commissioned by her mother, Jackie's gown was designed by Ann Lowe. The ivory dress was silk taffeta with a round skirt with interwoven tucking bands and tiny wax flowers.
Ann Lowe didn't receive any credit for her creation at the time. When was asked who made her gown Jacquelin replied' a coloured woman'
According to Wikipedia Jacquelin later admitted to friends she didn't like the dress' neckline because, she felt, it emphasized her small bust. She also said in her opinion, the skirt looked "like a lampshade".
Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer - 1954
Audrey's first marriage was a stylish one. The dress was designed by Pierre Balmain. The flared tea dress style was waisted with a satin sash. The high neck line and ballgown sleeves were teamed with peter pan collar which framed Audrey's face
Audrey carried a clutch, preferring to keep the flowers on her head.
Grace kelly and Prince Rainer of Monaco - 1956
Grace Kelly married her prince in one of the most iconic royal bridal gowns of all time. The dress was a gift to Grace from MGM Studio - designed by Helen Rose, a costume designer at the studio.
The dress was a complicated affair with bodice layer, underbodice, ruffled skirt support, slip and skirt with three petticoats as well as a lace train. Phew!
Grace broke with royal tradition by not wearing a tiara. Instead she wore a veil attached to a beaded cap.
Brigitte Bardot and Jacques Charrier - 1959
Brigitte's dress for her wedding to Jacques Charrier was simple and sweet. A classic style of the 50s and early 60s, the dress had a cinched waist, cropped sleeves, round neck and checkquered pattern. Not your typical wedding dress but a stylish look none the less. Well, when you look like that, everythings going to look good.
Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton - 1964
Another well-deserved Elizabeth Taylor entry. Elizabeth married Richard Burton for the first time (yes, she married him a second in 1975) in a sunflower yellow silk and chiffon dress with floral headdress.
The dress was designed by Irene Sharaff and has all the classic ingredients of a great 60s dress; Round neck, billowing sleeves, empire line with bow detail and it sits at the pefect length just above the knee. This might just be the happiest dress ever designed.
Jane Fonda and Roger Vadim - 1965
This Jane Fonda wedding dress doesn't get as much love as the more formal gown she wore to marry Ted Turner but we think it's a cracker.
Simple, stylish and with just a touch of detailing, we have to give this classic 60s number a 10 out of 10. Short length with high neckline...tick, waist detail...tick, perfect 60s shape... tick. This dress just oozes chicness and fun... tick, tick, tick!
Mia Farrow and Frank Sinatra - 1966
The age difference was a tad controversial (he was 50, she was 21) but Mia's wedding dress was a definate hit.
The simple skirt suit was brave for the time but the minimalism and neat tailoring means that this outfit has really lasted the test of time. The dress had bow detailing at the waist and was coupled with a neat, box jacket with cropped sleeves.
Bianca and Mick Jagger - 1971
Bianca wore a white YSL Le Smoking jacket. for her St. Tropez nuptuals to Mick. Rumour has it that her shirt wouldn't fit (she was pregnant at the time) so she simply opted to go without. The result was one stylish outfit and one very rock n roll wedding.
Brigitte Nielsen and Sylvester Stallone - 1985
In the 80s more was more, and Brigitte went for more. More shoulders, more lace, more headpiece.
Just about everything is going on with this dress and that's just the way we like it. Brigitte designed the dress herself and it's become an iconic piece of bridal dress history.
Diana Spencer and Prince Charles - 1981
We can't mention 80s wedding dresses without giving a nod to Diana, Princess of Wales. Her dress was designed by David Emanuel. The design of the dress was kept so top-secret that a backup dress was created incase the first was leaked before the big day. Another big 80s affair, the dress boasted puffed sleeves, a frilled neclkine and long veil.
Posh Spice and David Beckham - 1999
How could we forget the biggest event of the 90s? Posh married Becks in 1999 in a strapless Vera Wang gown. The choice of wealthy 90s girls the world over. Oh - and she wore a mini crown, standard.
Kate Moss and Jamie Hince
We can always trust Kate to keep it cool. Her John Galliano gown was inspired by the jazz age and Zelda Fitzgerald, wife of Great Gatsby author, F. Scott. Fitzgerald. Bias-cut and dripping with beads, this is a vintage-inspired example to follow.
Kate Middleton and Prince William - 2011
Kate's Alexander McQueen dress has inspired a thousand copies. Made with Sarah Burton at the helm, the dress was the work of many. The lace and veil came from the Royal School of Needlework and the Cartier tiara was a loan Queen Elizabeth - not a bad 'something borrowed'. My mum doesn't have any tiaras even half as nice...