Let's face it - when it comes to fashion, we're all influenced by the movies, and it's never more apparent than when you first go wedding dress shopping. The styles and silhouettes from every classic drama and questionable rom com all come flooding back to you, and it's no bad thing! Including movie wedding dresses on your bridal style mood board can really help you pinpoint the look you're after, and bringing images to your bridal boutique appointments can help staff understand your vision, too. For this reason, and more, reading this feature on our favourite silver screen bridal looks officially counts as research. Ready to see the best movie wedding dresses of all time, in our humble opinions at least... Let's go!
The Best Movie Wedding Dresses of All Time:
1. Carrie, Sex and the City (2008)
In just over a decade, the Vivienne Westwood wedding dress that Sarah Jessica Parker wore as Carrie Bradshaw has become one of the most iconic gowns ever to hit the big screen. A floor-sweeping, corseted, strapless gown made from gold-backed ivory silk satin duchess and ivory silk Radzimir taffeta, it exaggerated the classic hourglass silhouette and gave it a contemporary twist, one that still looks fashion-forward today.
2. Juliet, Love, Actually (2003)
Unique, offbeat, and oh-so-noughties, Keira Knightley's bridal look in Love Actually is the source of much debate come the annual Christmas re-watch, but we're fans of her character's eclectic look. Comprising an antique-looking beaded skirt, lace crop top and long-sleeved, feather-adorned sheer overlay with cathedral-length train, it's a mishmash of lots of eras and influences, and a pretty daring look for a church wedding, it has to be said!
3. Jo, Funny Face (1957)
Designed by Audrey Hepburn's longtime collaborator Hubert de Givenchy, the wedding dress in 1950s romantic musical Funny Face appears towards the end of the film, as the pièce de résistance of a Paris fashion show, and, frankly, the gasps heard in the audience when Hepburn hits the runway are completely warranted! A ballerina-style, tea-length dress with fitted, dropped waist, boat neckline and a multi-layered tulle skirt, it's anything but flashy, but it still manages to be a total showstopper.
4. Satine, Moulin Rouge (2001)
A cinched, corseted wedding dress fit for a showgirl, the strapless, beaded, floor-skimming gown that Nicole Kidman's Satine wears in Moulin Rouge is a stunning mix of early 20th and 21st century fashion influences.
5. Muriel, Muriel's Wedding (1994)
The dress that Toni Collette wears as Muriel in Muriel's Wedding was designed to fit the film's campy tone, but, actually, we're huge fans of its voluminous skirt, long-sleeved lace bodice and embellished neckline.
6. Maria, The Sound of Music (1965)
A movie wedding dress fit for a royal wedding (not unlike Princess Eugenie's actual dress from 2018, now that we think of it!), the fitted, long-sleeved Shantung silk gown with pleated train and statement, high collar that Julie Andrews wears as Maria in The Sound of Music has more in common with 1960s wedding dresses than 1930s ones, but its modest, elegant lines are truly timeless.
7. Allie, The Notebook (2004)
Played by Rachel McAdams, the character of Allie never actually makes it down the aisle in her wedding dress, but it's a beauty nonetheless! A fitted, sheer, lace and satin number that's a little more risqué than your average 1940s wedding dress, it boasts a retro style that would look fabulous on a modern-day bride.
8. Bella, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 (2011)
Designed by Carolina Herrera, the wedding dress that Kristen Stewart wears as Bella Swan in the Twilight series is sleek and contemporary, featuring delicate buttons, and lace detailing at the wrist and via its sheer, cutout back. Definitely a style to steal for modern brides!
9. Lisa, Coming to America (1988)
Unforgettable for its pink hue, glittered fabric, and outrageously large skirt and train, the gown wore by Shari Headley as Lisa is quintessentially 80s, and, although few real brides would attempt to pull off such a daring look, it's nothing less than iconic!
10. Virginie, Come Dance with Me (1959)
No list of the best movie wedding dresses of all time would be complete without this beauty! You may not have seen this lesser-known, Italian-French drama starring Brigitte Bardot, but we're guessing her character's wedding dress will look extremely familiar - designed by Jacques Esterel, the romantic, long-sleeve, tea-length lace number been copied many times since!
11. Liv, Bride Wars (2009)
In many ways the quintessential movie wedding dress, the Vera Wang gown worn by Kate Hudson as Liv boasts a classic, modern style that will appeal to fans of the princess dress! With a fitted, strapless bodice and wide, tulle skirt, it's simple, yet chic.
12. Araminta, Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
Inspired by Swan Lake, party due to actress Sonoya Mizuno's ballet background, the wow-factor wedding dress in Crazy Rich Asians features a nude illusion bodysuit embellished with thousands of Swarovski crystals, and a dramatic, layered skirt with a centre slit.
13. Paige, The Vow (2012)
Another playfully pink movie wedding moment, this time care of Rachel McAdams's character in romantic drama The Vow. A strapless minidress with embellished, oversized florals on the skirt, it's the kind of carefree confection that would be perfect for a laid-back, city or civil wedding.
14. Juliet, Romeo + Juliet (1996)
A super simple wedding dress with flared, knee-length skirt and buttoned bodice, Juliet's wedding dress, as worn by Claire Danes in the 1996 Baz Luhrmann adaptation is definitely one for minimalist brides!
15. Ellie, It Happened One Night (1934)
For old Hollywood glamour, you can't beat the slinky, bias-cut silk gown that Claudette Colbert donned as Ellie in It Happened One Night. This is a style that modern-day brides still wear, particularly at black-tie weddings at luxury venues, and it still looks just as fabulous as it did in 1934!
16. Annie, Father of the Bride (1991)
A '90s family favourite, Father of the Bride features a surprisingly timeless wedding dress, a full-length, long-sleeved, lace dress that's not a million miles away from Kate Middleton's iconic Sarah Burton gown!
17. Shelby, Steel Magnolias (1989)
Bridgerton meets the 1980s in the romantic, ultra-detailed, full-skirted, embellished, off-shoulder wedding gown that Julie Roberts wears as Ellie in Steel Magnolias. Fabric roses are one wedding dress trend that has yet to make a comeback, but we expect to see them on the bridal runways in the next couple of years!
18. Lorelei & Dorothy, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
A double wedding with matching dresses is far from practical for most modern brides, but the dress itself, designed by William Travilla and worn by Marilyn Monroe and and Jane Russell, is a subtle showstopper! With flared, calf-length skirt, lace bodice and fluted sleeves, it's a dreamy style that we think vintage lovers will adore!
19. Jane, Mr and Mrs Smith (2005)
The chic, 60s inspired minidress worn by Angelina Jolie as Jane provides gorgeous inspiration for anyone dreaming of a low-key, city or civil ceremony wedding dress! We love the pretty bow at the bustline, and off-shoulder neckline.
20. Scarlett, Gone with the Wind (1939)
Set in the 1860s, Gone with the Wind finds Vivien Leigh's Scarlet O'Hara wearing a princess-style ballgown with voluminous, puffball sleeves, a daring neckline and lots of floral appliqué. We wouldn't be surprised to hear that this one was a source of inspiration for Princess Diana's iconic wedding dress!
21. Jennifer, Marley and Me (2008)
For a snowy, Wintertime wedding, Jennifer Aniston's Jennifer in Marley and Me wears a slinky, satin and lace number with a V neckline, keeping warm in a fringed, white shawl.
22. Cinderella, Cinderella (2015)
Worn by Lily James as Cinderella, this really is a fairytale wedding dress! Featuring colourful, intricately hand-painted florals, a fitted bustier bodice and sheer, long-sleeved overlay, it has inspired many real wedding dresses with colourful embroidery.
23. Fanny, Funny Girl (1968)
In a larger-than-life scene played for laughs, Barbra Streisand's Fanny Brice dons a wedding dress and a fake baby bump for a musical performance on Broadway - and what a dress! Boasting a distinctive 1960s feel (despite the film being set in the 1930s), it features elaborate floral embellishment at the neckline, and an elegant lace overlay skirt with train.
24. Elaine, The Graduate (1967)
In a long-sleeve wedding dress with lace-adorned sheer overlay, Katharine Ross's Elaine has to be one of the most simply stunning brides ever to hit the big screen. We're huge fans of the raw lace neckline, too.
25. Mary, The Wedding Planner (2001)
Chic, simple and bearing more than a passing resemblance to Meghan Markle's wedding dress, the boat-necked, long-sleeved, fitted gown worn by Jennifer Lopez's Mary in The Wedding Planner is one for fans of classic, timeless bridal style.
26. Padmé, Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)
A romantic gown with a 1920s twist via the cloche-style headpiece, the bridal look worn by Natalie Portman as Padmé is surprisingly not too dissimilar from the wedding dresses worn here on earth! The intricate, antique-looking lace is what gives this one wow factor.
27. Buttercup, The Princess Bride (1987)
A late-medieval-style wedding dress worn by Robin Wright as the bride of the film's title, this beloved gown features a silvery, beaded floral brocade fabric that almost reads as blue. The high waistline and caped sleeves give this one a regal feel.
28. Schatze, How to Marry a Millionaire (1953)
Wedding dresses created entirely from lace are pretty rare, which is what makes this one really stand out! An off-shoulder, long-sleeved, fitted number that flares beautifully from the knee, it was famously worn by Lauren Bacall as Schatze.
29. Mia, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)
A suitably regal look comprising a silk, sleeveless gown and long-sleeved lace overlay, the wedding dress Anne Hathaway's Mia wears in The Princess Diaries series is a real head-turner!
30. Kay, Father of the Bride (1950)
Elizabeth Taylor's Kay is a truly ravishing bride in this 1950s comedy, wearing a plunging satin gown with sheer lace collar, cinched waist and full, cascading skirt.
31. Emma, Emma (1996)
A wearable take on the Regency-style gowns of the era, the wedding dress that Gwyneth Paltrow's Emma wears in the Austen movie adaptation features short, sheer, puff sleeves with delicate appliqué, a gathered, high waistline and a column-style silhouette. We think it's a look that could work in any era!
32. Amanda, Carefree (1938)
Fans of 1930s style will love this exquisitely-ruffled gown worn by Ginger Rogers' Amanda. The bias cut and wide cap sleeves create such a dramatic silhouette, softened by all of those dreamy frills.
33. Jane, 27 Dresses (2008)
A lace, column-style, sleeveless wedding dress with deep V neckline, the dress donned by Katherine Heigl's Jane in 27 Dresses is effortlessly chic and simple. It's the kind of dress that would work at almost any style of wedding!
34. Maggie, Runaway Bride (1999)
Julia Roberts's Maggie wears no less than five wedding dresses in classic rom com Runaway Bride, but this off-shoulder lace number by Amsale Aberra is the one she wears to finally say 'I do'. The off-shoulder neckline is oh-so-90s, but it's a look that's due to make a comeback!
35. Sue Ann, The Adventurers (1970)
Featuring a high neckline, long sleeves and elaborate floral embellishment on the bodice and skirt, this gorgeous creation, worn by Candice Bergen in this lesser-known adventure drama, fuses Grace Kelly levels of glamour with late 60s luxury.
Looking for more timeless style inspiration for your wedding? You'll find it here!
