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Exciting as it may be, choosing a wedding dress is anything but easy. The sheer number of options is literally overwhelming, causing one to get lost in a sea of tulle, lace, and silhouettes, not knowing which path to choose. In their quest to find their dream wedding gown, brides-to-be look for inspiration in many different places, from Pinterest and Instagram to bridal magazines, designer runways, and celebrity styles.
If you’ve consulted all these sources and still haven’t found the one, it might be time to try a different approach and turn your attention to the movie scene. With so many stunning wedding dresses having graced the big and small screens over the years, Hollywood certainly provides enough material for inspiration to help even the most undecided brides make up their minds.
Some of these iconic gowns have remained etched in viewers’ hearts and memories, transcending the silver screen and becoming reference points in bridal fashion. One may not even remember the particular scene in the movie or the movie itself, and only recall the striking outfits worn by on-screen brides. So, let’s take a closer look at the most remarkable wedding outfits in movies and film that can inspire your bridal attire.
Elizabeth Taylor in Father of the Bride (1950)
Fans of classic movies will surely remember the original adaptation of Edward Streeter’s 1949 novel Father of the Bride, starring Spencer Tracy, Elizabeth Taylor, and Joan Bennett. But even those who don’t know the movie are probably familiar with the image of Taylor wearing a splendid creation made of white satin and intricate lace decorations, which, for many, embodies the very definition of a traditional wedding gown.
Although modest by today’s standards, the dress designed by MGM chief costume designer Helen Rose exudes elegance and timeless beauty, with its high neckline, full, A-line skirt, and delicate embellishments, turning into a highly coveted look that has inspired many brides throughout the years.
Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face (1957)
Audrey Hepburn is, without a doubt, one of the greatest fashion icons of all time, being praised for the elegant outfits she used to wear both on and off screen, so it comes as no surprise that one of her movie outfits has become such an enduring influence in bridal attire.
In the cult classic Funny Face, Audrey wears a splendid wedding dress designed by Hubert de Givenchy. The tea-length dress featuring a flattering fit-and-flare cut and high neckline embodies the essence of the 50s style, but with its clean lines and elegant details, this type of design could easily be worn in a modern setting.
Robin Wright in The Princess Bride (1987)
If you want to feel like a princess on your big day, it makes sense to look at what princesses wear, even if the princesses in question are just characters from a movie. Case in point: the medieval-style gown donned by Robin Wright as Buttercup in The Princess Bride.
Lavishly decorated with beads and embroidery and featuring wide, flowy sleeves, the dress radiates otherworldly charm. This is an aesthetic that you might want to study more closely if you’re dreaming of a fairytale-like wedding.
Anne Hathaway in The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)
Sticking with the royal theme, let’s look back at another unforgettable number, this time served by Anne Hathaway in the final scenes of The Princess Diaries sequel. Anne, or better said, Amelia Mignonette Thermopolis Renaldi’s breathtaking wedding dress was definitely fit for a queen, being a nod to the classic gowns that real-life royal brides typically wear on their big day.
The dress was praised for its simple yet sophisticated design, which includes an A-line skirt, a long-sleeved lace overlay, and a distinctive long train, elements reminiscent of the wedding dresses worn by Grace Kelly and Princess Diana.
Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City (2008)
The Sex and the City series is credited with reigniting public interest in fashion in the 2000s by showcasing a diverse collection of striking ensembles and stylish pieces from different designer brands.
Women from all across the world dreamt about Sarah Jessica Parker’s enviable wardrobe, so for the modern bride, Carrie Bradshaw’s trendy frock is the best example of fashion-forward bridal style. One should take notes not just because Carrie was a style icon in her own right, but also because the dream gown was created by none other than Vivienne Westwood. The lavish strapless dress comprised an angular corset made of ivory silk satin duchess and a voluminous skirt made of ivory silk Radzimir taffeta – a feast for the eyes and a true inspiration for brides seeking a modern twist.
Kate Hudson in Bride Wars (2009)
Few movie wedding dresses are as famous as Kate Hudson’s gown in Bride Wars. After much drama, Liv, the character Kate portrays, finally gets to walk down the aisle, at The Plaza, of all places, in a Vera Wang creation.
With a fitted, strapless lace bodice and drop-waist ball-gown tulle skirt, the design is a true stunner. The lavender-colored satin sash makes for an interesting detail, adding a refined, modern touch to this otherwise classic look.
Kristen Stewart in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 (2011)
In between vampires’ and werewolves’ feuds, the Twilight Saga has also provided viewers with some interesting fashion moments, and the most notable has to be the wedding dress that Kristen Stewart wore as Bella. The subtle elegance of the long-sleeved, satin and Chantilly lace gown shows how refined details, well-chosen fabrics, and creative cuts can elevate even the simplest of designs.
Popular cinematic portrayals of brides continue to influence and shape people’s perceptions and expectations of what a bride should look like on her big day, making them dream with their eyes wide open. So, when in search for bridal inspiration, make sure to give these movies a rewatch.