The moment Kate Middleton revealed her beautiful lace and ivory wedding gown to the world it became a part of established history. Why? Because it marks a pivotal moment in history and because wedding dresses are a symbol of many things to many people: happiness, hope, virtue, family and more. The wedding dress is the most important dress a bride will ever wear. No wonder then that some of the most iconic have imprinted themselves on the minds of people all over the world.
Confetti Editor, Belinda Hanks, picks her Top 5 most amazing wedding dresses of all time. From the first white gown worn by Queen Victoria in 1840 to Kate Middleton's Alexander Mcqueen inspired lace detailed gown - currently on display at Buckingham Palace.
No. 5
Priscilla Presley, 1967
Just making the top 5 is Priscilla Presley. Marrying the king of pop, Elvis Presley, surely qualifies Priscilla's wedding dress by default. It also stands its own ground in this iconic five some. Worn by 21-year-old Priscilla Beaulieu in 1967 this wedding dress screams 60s style and chic and freedom. Like the other dresses in this category it marks a historic moment and defines a moment in fashion at the same time.
No.4
Carrie Bradshaw, 2010
Next would have to be one of the most talked about wedding dresses of recent times. It wasn't, of course, a real wedding, but most of the female population of the world still watched with baited breathe while Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw donned a Vivienne Westwood gown, about to finally marry 'Mr. Big' in the Sex and the City film, 2010. What makes this dress such a worthy contender is first of all the designer's name. Westwood needs no introduction. And if we are talking high fashion and social regard then this TV show is the place for fashionitas to look to and be inspired from. This particular dress then, had to be included in my top 5.
No.3
Queen Victoria, 1840
To make a list of the most iconic wedding dresses of all time and omit Queen Victoria's would be unforgiveable. It was her who single-handedly began the trend for white wedding dresses when she married Prince Albert in 1840. Before then women would marry in a range of different colours. The impact, influence of this one dress, is therefore particularly hard to scale.
No. 2
Grace Kelly, 1956
One of the first wedding visions that would spring to mind if you asked any of the fashion police elite would be that of film star Grace Kelly who married Prince Rainier III of Monaco in a stunning dress designed by Helen Rose, a wardrobe designer at MGM, 1956. It was a dress that people will always remember and a style that has recently become hot property once again. Often we hear whispers from fashion and design corners that say Middleton's style was Grace Kelly-sequel. You can't get away from that fact. Other celebrities parodying this classic include Nicole Richie, was also said to be inspired by this Hollywood siren.
No. 1
Kate Middleton, 2011
Truly the wedding dress of the century! Kate Middleton wowed in this Sarah Burton classic on April 29, 2011. Never has there been a fashion moment that captured the world as one, crowds literally lining the streets just for a glimpse of her much anticipated wedding gown. This 50s style gown had a tight, long-sleeved bodice, sharply skimmed into the waist. The picture of a fairytale princess in every sense of the word. The fine craftsmanship by the Royal School of Needlework included individually spun flowers of rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock. And as you would expect, this wedding dress is now a modern relic on display at Buckingham Palace. Even supermodel Kate Moss' recent wedding couldn't hold a style-candle to Middleton. When asked to vote for Kate Middleton or Kate Moss' bridal style, Confetti's brides voted unequivocally for the Duchess. "Stunning," one bride began. Couldn't have said it better myself.
There are many more wedding dresses that have inspired and shocked, wowed and horrified us all over the years. We'll save those for another time...