On April 18, 1956, Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier III of Monaco at Saint Nicholas Cathedral, in what has since become the ultimate princess bride moment.
Her gown, designed by American costume designer Helen Rose, epitomised timeless romance and sophistication.
The high-neck, long-sleeved bodice was crafted from antique Brussels lace, adorned with hand-sewn pearls, and flowed into a nine-foot silk taffeta train.
Her ethereal veil, made from 90 yards of tulle, was carefully designed so her face remained visible to cameras, edged with lace appliqué that included a pair of lovebirds – a subtle symbol of devotion.
Completing the ensemble, her Juliet cap and shoes were embellished with pearls to echo the gown’s exquisite detailing.
The creation of this masterpiece required 36 seamstresses working tirelessly for three weeks.
More than six decades later, the look remains iconic, setting a benchmark for bridal elegance and inspiring generations of royal brides to come.
On April 18, 1956, Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier III of Monaco at Saint Nicholas Cathedral, in what has since become the definitive princess bride moment
The Princess of Wales – 2011
When Kate Middleton married Prince William at Westminster Abbey in 2011, many noted how her bridal look seemed to channel the elegance of Monaco’s Princess Grace.
Her gown has since become one of the most celebrated wedding dresses in the world.
Designed by Sarah Burton, then creative director of Alexander McQueen, the dress was created to embody Kate’s wish to blend ‘tradition’ with ‘modernity.’
The ivory and white satin gazar gown featured a lace-appliqué bodice with long sleeves and a V-neckline – a contemporary echo of Grace Kelly’s high-necked design.
The silhouette, with its nipped-in waist and padded hips, drew further parallels to Grace’s iconic look, while the full skirt opened like a flower, cascading into a nine-foot train.
At the back, 58 gazar and organza-covered buttons added a touch of precision craftsmanship.
Intricate lacework incorporated floral emblems representing the four nations of the United Kingdom, while a discreet blue ribbon was stitched inside as Kate’s ‘something blue.’
She topped her look with the diamond Cartier Halo Tiara, borrowed from Queen Elizabeth II.
When Kate Middleton married Prince William at Westminster Abbey in 2011, many noted how her bridal look seemed to channel the elegance of Monaco’s Princess Grace
Princess Sofia, Duchess of Värmland – 2015
Sofia Hellqvist wed Prince Carl Philip of Sweden in 2015 at the Royal Chapel of Stockholm Palace, choosing a long-sleeved lace gown that offered a nod to Grace Kelly’s bridal look.
Designed by Swedish couturier Ida Sjöstedt, the gown was crafted from silk crepe in three shades of white, with a hand-applied lace bodice that mirrored Grace’s design.
The V-neckline and A-line silhouette, however, gave Sofia’s look a more modern and relaxed aesthetic.
The intricate lace was created by José María Ruiz, while the substantial train was entirely hand-stitched in Sjöstedt’s Stockholm studio.
A hand-embroidered tulle veil and the striking emerald and diamond tiara – a gift from King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia – completed her regal bridal ensemble.
Sofia Hellqvist wed Prince Carl Philip of Sweden in 2015 at the Royal Chapel of Stockholm Palace, choosing a long-sleeved lace gown that offered a nod to Grace Kelly’s bridal look
Pippa Matthews – 2017
Pippa Middleton captivated guests when she tied the knot with financier James Matthews at St Mark’s Church in Englefield, Berkshire, wearing an exquisite ivory lace gown by British couturier Giles Deacon.
The bespoke creation featured a high neckline, a corseted lace bodice with delicate pearl embroidery, and elegant cap sleeves that lent a contemporary edge.
At the back, a romantic heart-shaped keyhole detail offered a distinctive touch, while the A-line skirt flowed gracefully over a light tulle underskirt.
Deacon explained in a statement: ‘The bespoke silk cotton lace was hand appliquéd to create an illusion of the dress having ‘no seams’.
‘The lace bodice is embroidered with pearl detailing over an organza and tulle underskirt, which has layer upon layer to enable a floor-sweeping movement.’
Her bridal look was completed with a Robinson Pelham tiara, a tiered veil by milliner Stephen Jones and classic Manolo Blahnik court shoes.
The timeless lace and structured silhouette were widely compared to Grace Kelly’s bridal gown, reinforcing her influence on modern wedding style.
Pippa Middleton captivated guests when she tied the knot with financier James Matthews at St Mark’s Church in Englefield, Berkshire, wearing an exquisite ivory lace gown by British couturier Giles Deacon
Princess Alessandra of Hanover – 2018
Alessandra de Osma stunned in a lace gown for her 2018 wedding to Prince Christian of Hanover in Lima, Peru.
Echoing the elegance of Grace Kelly, her high-neck design was crafted from silk-embroidered Chantilly lace and reportedly took nearly 600 hours to complete.
Created by Spanish designer Jorge Vázquez, the romantic gown featured a fitted bodice, long sleeves, a voluminous skirt and an elegant, sweeping train.
Alessandra’s choice of lace embroidery highlighted her love of classic design while also paying tribute to timeless bridal style.
She completed her bridal look with a graceful updo, a flowing veil and the dazzling Hanover Floral Tiara – a treasured heirloom from the House of Hanover.
Alessandra de Osma stunned in a lace gown for her 2018 wedding to Prince Christian of Hanover in Lima, Peru
Princess Iman of Jordan – 2023
Princess Iman of Jordan married Jameel Alexander Thermiotis in 2023 at Beit Al Urdun in Amman, Jordan.
For the wedding ceremony, Iman wore a custom Dior gown designed by creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri.
The dress featured a high illusion neckline and long sleeves, offering a sense of modesty and sophistication.
Delicate floral motifs adorned the collar and cuffs, paying subtle homage to the House’s traditions, while the impeccable tailoring created a refined silhouette reminiscent of Grace Kelly’s elegant lines.
A matching lace appliqué veil completed the ensemble, and the Princess accessorised with a sparkling diamond tiara, enhancing the gown’s understated regality.
With its hand-finished details and classic Dior codes, the look was a masterful blend of tradition and modern refinement, perfectly suited for a contemporary royal bride.
Princess Iman of Jordan married Jameel Alexander Thermiotis in 2023 at Beit Al Urdun in Amman, Jordan
Lady Kitty Spencer – 2021
Lady Kitty Spencer married South African-British financier Michael Lewis at a stunning 17th-century villa overlooking the city of Rome.
For her nuptials, Princess Diana’s niece wore five haute couture gowns, all designed by Dolce & Gabbana.
At the time, Domenico Dolce said: ‘She told us she had thought of us immediately, and we were very happy with that!’
The Italian fashion house’s Alta Moda division – its answer to haute couture – crafted each piece with meticulous attention, involving seamstresses, painters and artisans over six months.
Kitty’s ceremony gown was a show-stopping floral lace creation, featuring a high neck, long sleeves and puffed shoulders that offered a dramatic silhouette.
Remarkably, she perfected the design with just four fittings, highlighting the artistry and precision behind the gown.
Lady Kitty Spencer married South African-British financier Michael Lewis at a stunning 17th-century villa overlooking the city of Rome
Princess Dr Vesna of Serbia – 2025
Prince Alexander of Serbia married dentist Dr Vesna Jelić in an intimate church ceremony in Villamanrique de la Condesa, near Seville, in September.
For the occasion, the bride wore a long white embroidered gown by Spanish brand Navascués, featuring a high collar, cap sleeves and a full A-line skirt.
The design drew clear inspiration from Grace Kelly’s bridal style while also recalling elements of Pippa Middleton’s wedding dress. The silhouette struck a perfect balance between classic refinement and modern romance.
Vesna completed her ensemble with a cathedral-length tulle veil that trailed gracefully behind her and a traditional crown, worn during the Orthodox ceremony.
In keeping with tradition, the bishop crowned the couple as a symbol of their union and shared faith.
Prince Alexander of Serbia married dentist Dr Vesna Jelić in an intimate church ceremony in Villamanrique de la Condesa, near Seville, in September
