Jackie Kennedy
Jacqueline Bouvier married then-Senator John F. Kennedy on September 12, 1953. They were married at St. Mary’s Church in Newport, Rhode Island. The ceremony had over 700 guests and the reception after had over 1,000. Jackie’s wedding dress was designed by Ann Lowe and made from 15 meters of ivory silk taffeta, with a portrait style neckline and bouffant skirt. Her lace veil was worn by her grandmother at her own wedding, and for this reason it was tied into her hair by a lace tiara decorated with orange blossoms.
Grace Kelly
Grace Kelly and Prince Rainer III were married in Monaco, at St. Nicholas Cathedral, on April 19, 1956. As a result of her royal affiliations, her dress was designed by Helen Rose, and had two petticoats, a bodice with an attached under-bodice, and skirt support. It also included a veil and headdress, matching shoes, and prayer book that was encrusted with pearl and lace which she carried with her down the aisle. The dress was a gift to her by the MGM studio.
Audrey Hepburn
On September 25, 1954, Audrey Hepburn married Mel Ferrer in Bürgenstock, Switzerland. She wore a Pierre-Balmain design of a tea-length flared dress complete with a high neck and ball gown sleeves, complimented by elbow-length gloves and a satin sash. For her second marriage, to Anrea Dotti on January 18th, 1969, Hepburn chose to wear a Hubert de Givenchy-designed pale pink mini dress. It’s long sleeves and funnel neck, paired with white ballet flats, matching tights, and a headscarf, created an elegant and innocent look.
Natalie Wood
Natalie Wood married Robert Wagner for the first time on December 28, 1957. They divorced after five years but then reconciled and were married again in 1972. For their first wedding, of course, Natalie wore a cocktail dress and ballet flats which were accented by elbow-length gloves and a lace hood. The hood framed her face perfectly, making her the picture of docility and grace.
Elizabeth Taylor
Elizabeth Taylor married Conrad Hilton at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Beverly Hills on May 6, 1950. After her grand entrance, the ceremony had over 700 guests in attendance. Her lace and ivory satin wedding dress was designed by Helen Rose, of course. It had a full length skirt with pearl embroidery, and it eventually sold at auction after going down in history as “the epitome of 50’s glamour”.
Marilyn Monroe
Then known as Norma Jeane, 16-year-old Marilyn Monroe married Jim Dougherty on June 19, 1942. She wore a floor-length A-line gown with a ruffled neckline and sheer sleeves. Later, she celebrated her marriage to Arthur Miller at his agent’s house in Katonah, New York, on July 1, 1956. All things considered, for the ceremony, she wore a mid-length sheath with an empire waist and ruched bust. Her chin-length veil was attached to a pillbox hat, no doubt making this another iconic wedding look of the 1950’s.