Did you know that before 1840 most brides didn’t wear white? When Queen Victoria of England married, she wore a white satin gown, shaking up the tradition of blue, gray, or other colors on the wedding day. 

Years later, her influence can be seen in two of the most well known gowns of bridal history, those of Grace Kelly and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. 

Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco (1956)

https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a12787551/grace-kelly-wedding/

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy (1996)

https://www.instyle.com/celebrity/10-great-wedding-kisses

These two gowns have almost single handedly dictated the trends of bridal gowns ever since they were photographed. 

Look no further than the royal family to see just how popular their influence has been:

Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales (2011)

https://www.brides.com/kate-middleton-wedding-dress-5183927

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex (2018)

https://www.vox.com/2018/5/19/17372246/meghan-markle-second-dress-reception-stella-mccartney

You don’t have to look too close to see how Kate and Meghan’s dresses are inspired by Grace Kelly and Carolyn Bessett-Kennedy’s gowns, respectively. 

Grace’s gown triumphed traditional opulence. A full skirt, a long-sleeves lace top, and a dramatic train and veil. The glamor of the dress matched the formality of the occasion (she was marrying a prince after all).

Carolyn’s gown revolutionized the bridal gown industry with its minimal design and lace. By wearing something so simple, Carolyn kept the attention on herself. 

Which brings us to trends today. As a bridal boutique, we have a variety of gowns in different silhouettes and styles that err outside of these models. However, we also have many that were clearly inspired by the looks above. While other bridal trends may come and go, we’re confident these two will stay around forever, inspiring brides around the world for years to come. 

Some of our faves in store that remind us of these looks: 

Elysee – Delancey 

Love by Enzoani – Arlette

Either of these with a lace topper? *chefs kiss*

Love by Enzoani – Ainsley 

Love by Enzoani – Bijou

All either of these two need are a veil and a bouquet, and you’d be ready to walk down the aisle.

Excited by any of these looks? Book an appointment with us today to try them on and see just how regal, royal, and timeless you could feel on your wedding day!