Prince Rainier of Monaco’s wedding to his Hollywood bride 68 years ago was the stuff of fairytales. Here, a look back at Grace Kelly’s wedding dress
Grace Kelly’s wedding dress for her marriage to Prince Rainier of Monaco is one of the most iconic bridal gowns of the 20th century. Her dress set a high standard for elegance and sophistication, influencing countless brides, including Kate Middleton, whose 2011 gown by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen was notably inspired by Kelly’s classic look. At the peak of her Hollywood career, Kelly’s transition to royalty was marked by a gown that had to embody both her star status and her new role as a princess.
The wedding, held 67 years ago this week, was a significant cultural event, broadcasted across multiple European channels and watched by over 30 million viewers. The gown was designed by Helen Rose, an Academy Award-winning costume designer, and it remains a timeless symbol of bridal fashion.
Helen Rose, having worked on Grace Kelly’s wardrobe in four of her films, was a trusted designer for the actress. MGM Studios, recognizing Kelly as their most famous star, gifted her the wedding gown, which was handcrafted by the studio’s wardrobe department. The dress was made from ivory faille and 100 yards of silk net.
Grace Kelly’s wedding dress featured a high neckline, a fitted bodice, and a silk taffeta skirt adorned with thousands of hand-sewn pearls and a three-foot-long train. The creation of this masterpiece took months. The intricate design included a slip skirt support and under-bodice beneath the lace bodice, a foundation of ruffled and smoothing petticoats under the pleated silk faille skirt, a train insert, and a silk faille cummerbund to complete the ensemble.
On her wedding day, Grace Kelly opted not to wear a tiara. Instead, she chose a lace and pearl-embellished Juliet Cap to secure her veil. The veil was made from a fabric that ensured her face remained visible to the 600 guests and millions of viewers watching the live broadcast. It was decorated with two tiny lovebirds appliquéd around the edges.
Rather than carrying a large bridal bouquet, Kelly, like many religious brides of the time, carried a Bible. This Bible, a gift, was adorned with silk, lace, and pearls. Alongside it, she held a small bunch of lilies of the valley, completing her elegant and timeless bridal look.
For her wedding shoes, Grace Kelly wore a modest 2.5-inch heel to ensure she wouldn’t tower over her husband, Prince Rainier, who was only slightly taller than her. Designed by David Evins, the shoes were adorned with seed pearls, lace, and had her name embossed into the left shoe and Prince Rainier III’s into the right. Additionally, a copper penny was embedded in the shoes for good luck.
On April 19, Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Monaco was filled with Hollywood stars and high society figures, including Aristotle Onassis, Conrad Hilton, Egypt’s former King Farouk, Randolph Churchill, and Ava Gardner, who gathered to witness the nuptials. During the wedding breakfast, guests enjoyed lobster, caviar, and a six-tier wedding cake crafted by the pastry chefs of the Hotel de Paris. The cake featured a memorable moment when two live turtle doves were released after Rainier sliced through it with his sword.
Following the ceremony, the couple departed in a Rolls-Royce, a gift from their subjects, and embarked on their honeymoon aboard the yacht Deo Juvante II, a present from Aristotle Onassis.
While the grand royal wedding is the one the world remembers, Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier were actually first married in a civil ceremony in the throne room of the Royal Palace on April 18, the day before the lavish event, in accordance with Monaco royal family tradition. This earlier, more intimate service was not televised, and for this occasion, Grace Kelly chose a more understated bridal ensemble.
Grace wore an elegant pink brocade two-piece outfit, made from taffeta and covered with French Alençon lace, also designed by Helen Rose. This chic and understated ensemble was the perfect prelude to the iconic wedding dress she would wear the following day.
