On April 18, 1956, Grace Kelly’s wedding to Prince Rainier of Monaco set the standard for bridal elegance, with her gown becoming one of the most iconic in history. Designed by Helen Rose, the dress featured a high-neck bodice crafted from antique Brussels lace, adorned with hand-sewn pearls, and a dramatic nine-foot silk taffeta train. The veil, detailed with a pair of lovebirds in the lace trim, wove romance into the very fabric of the gown, symbolizing Kelly’s fairy tale love story.
Nearly 70 years later, Grace Kelly’s wedding dress continues to influence the bridal world, inspiring the designs of both royals and celebrities. From the lace detailing to the ethereal silhouettes, the spirit of Grace’s gown lives on in the dresses worn by some of the most fashionable women in high society. Here are a few notable brides whose gowns bear the unmistakable influence of the Princess of Monaco.
Lily Collins (2021)
Actress Lily Collins drew inspiration from Grace Kelly’s wedding dress for her own bridal look, opting for a backless Ralph Lauren gown for her wedding to filmmaker Charlie McDowell. While Collins’ dress featured a more whimsical approach with a French Calais-Caudry lace hood and Swarovski beading, the high-neck design and intricate lacework were reminiscent of Kelly’s bridal elegance. The ethereal, woodland setting of her ceremony matched the gown’s dramatic yet romantic allure, echoing the timeless glamour of Kelly’s royal wedding.
Paris Hilton (2021)
Paris Hilton, another high-society bride, took inspiration from both her sister and Grace Kelly when designing her wedding dress for her nuptials to entrepreneur Carter Reum. Designed by Oscar de la Renta, Hilton’s dress featured a modern twist on Kelly’s classic gown, with laser-cut flower petals replacing lace. However, the dress retained a touch of old Hollywood, with its full ballgown skirt and a cathedral-length veil, evoking the grandeur and elegance of Kelly’s celebrated bridal ensemble.
Princess Iman of Jordan (2023)
In 2023, Princess Iman of Jordan wore a delicate, floral-embroidered gown by Dior’s Maria Grazia Chiuri for her wedding. The dress, while simpler in design, honored Grace Kelly’s classic silhouette with its elegant lace appliqué veil and understated lace detailing. The floral motifs on the gown added a modern touch, yet the overall look was a beautiful nod to the timeless charm of Kelly’s wedding style, blending tradition with contemporary flair.
Savannah Murphy (2024)
Model Savannah Murphy’s bridal gown, worn for her wedding to mining heir Nicolas ‘Nico’ Hochschild in Mayfair, offered a stunning tribute to Grace Kelly’s enduring legacy. Murphy’s backless lace gown, paired with a mantilla lace veil that ran the length of the aisle, evoked the same sense of timeless elegance that defined Kelly’s wedding look. The sequin and lace details in Murphy’s gown echoed the luxurious fabric and refined design of Kelly’s original dress, cementing it as a staple for future generations of brides.
Legacy of Grace Kelly’s Bridal Elegance
From royal weddings to celebrity nuptials, Grace Kelly’s wedding dress continues to influence high society brides. Her timeless style and sophisticated choice of fabric—especially the intricate lace and elegant silhouette—have ensured that her gown remains a symbol of classic bridal glamour. Nearly seven decades later, the influence of the Princess of Monaco’s iconic dress is still felt across bridal fashion, solidifying her status as the ultimate style icon for brides everywhere.
