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Why Grace Kelly's "Wedding of the Century" Still Blows Our Minds 61 Years Later

Grace Kelly Wedding Facts

Why Grace Kelly's "Wedding of the Century" Still Blows Our Minds 61 Years Later

June 26, 2017 by Quinn Keaney

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Every aspect of the ceremony was recorded by MGM, making it one of the first "reality TV weddings." Much like Kim Kardashian's first wedding, Grace and Prince Rainier's nuptials were broadcast for fans back home. It was one of the first of its kind and gave people unheard-of access with shots of Grace blessing herself during the vows and up-close footage of the presentation of the rings.
Grace wore two elaborate gowns. Helen Rose — MGM's head costume designer at the time who'd worked with Grace on High Society and The Swan — created both of Grace's lavish dresses. For the civil ceremony, she donned a pale pink taffeta skirt suit with a champagne lace overlay. The religious ceremony required a more elaborate look.
Grace's second dress was straight out of a fairy tale. With 450 yards of peau de soie, taffeta, silk net, antique Belgian lace, three petticoats, and an enormous train, the ivory gown was, quite literally, fit for a princess (and took 30 seamstresses at the studio six weeks to make!). Both of the ceremony dresses were given to the actress as a wedding gift from studio executives at MGM.
Her wedding gown still serves as inspiration for today's designers. The Alexander McQueen dress designed by Sarah Burton for Kate Middleton took notes from Grace's gown, and Oscar de la Renta later discussed its enduring impact on the fashion world, saying, "On her wedding day, Grace Kelly gave new meaning to the word icon. Her whole look, from the regal veil to the feminine lace details and the conservative gown, made her an ageless bride."
She opted for unique accessories. In lieu of the standard tiara, Grace wore a beaded Juliet cap that attached to her 90-yard veil. Along with a bouquet of lilies of the valley, she carried a pearl-encrusted prayer book. Even her shoes had a little something special to them; shoe designer David Evins hid a copper penny inside the sole of the right shoe as a symbol of good luck.

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