50s Wedding Dress - Inspiring Vintage Dresses from the 1950s
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All about the 50s wedding dress, specifically 50s wedding dress styles, 50s vintage wedding dress looks, and 50s style wedding dress outfits, including Short 50s Wedding Dress, and Vintage Tea Length Wedding Dress Styles
“I don’t design clothes. I design dreams.”
The 50s vintage wedding dresses rank among the most iconic and romantic styles ever designed, and many continue to be classic wedding dresses styles today that continue to be copied.
Not only did some of the most legendary silver screen weddings of Hollywood icons occur during the 1950s, but also some of the most dreamy and romantic real life weddings occurred during this time.
Old Hollywood Glamour 50s style wedding dress inspirations comes from the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Jackie Kennedy, Lucille Ball, Brigitte Bardot and Sophia Lauren.
Each of these special ladies had stunning vintage wedding dresses that were just as unique as they were.
It’s no wonder that much of today’s wedding dresses continue to be inspired by this era.
We’ll slice the 1950s era just like a layer cake in three tiers and we’ll consume it, starting with first tier of the early 50s, and then will move to the mid-50s, and end with the third, with is the later 50s.
You’ll love getting a peek at some everyday weddings, private wedding ceremonies of Old Hollywood, as well as the most iconic and romantic weddings that occurred in the early 1950s (1950-1953).
What did brides wear in the 1950s?
50s bridal gowns, like other 50s gowns, were heavily influenced by Dior's New look and often sported a full skirt, a-line skirt, or ballgown silhouette, always with an emphasized waist.
The dress length varied between full length, tea-length, or ballerina length.
Of course veils, small hats, bouquets, pearls, and shoes were all important bridal accessories, which took their outfits from just “meh” to “oh my!”
50s ladies with a bigger budget could go all out with a lavish wedding, but for those on a tighter budget, many opted for a simple church wedding, and, if need be, would wear their favorite summer dress as they stepped down the aisle to say “I Do.”
“Fashions fade, style is eternal”
50s Style Wedding Dress: Early 1950s Vintage Wedding Dresses (1950-1953)
The early 1950s wedding dresses were stunning.
Typical style elements included a fitted waist, and were usually either an a-line or full-length ballgown silhouette.
For ladies with a tighter budget, it was common to opt for a small church wedding, where she would simply wear her favorite summer or formal dresses.
Fabric favorites included glossy silks and satins and lace...lots of floral lace!
Sometimes lace was used simply as accent pieces or in the long veils, and other times the entire dress was covered in lace.
Oh yes, the 50s loved the romance of lace so much that it was also used in veils and gloves.
“Now that I have the dress, happily ever after can start.”
Vintage 1950s Wedding Dress: Morira Shearer’s 50s Style Wedding Dress
The striking red haired Scottish beauty, Moira Shearer, took Old Hollywood by storm in her breakout role in the ballet themed 1950 film The Red Shoes.
In this romantic masterpiece, the talented ballerina agonizes over her choice between pursuing her passion of dance and finding true love.
We absolutely love her 50s style wedding dress, and adore the love that just exudes from these photos as she eagerly intertwines her fingers with her new hubby’s!
Her elegant 1950s dress is a high v-cut, with a fitted bodice and gentle a line skirt that flows gracefully to the floor.
Notice the beautiful and intricate pattern of her gown and how smooth and shiny the fabric is--which was a key characteristic of the early 1950s satin and silk fabrics.
Her wedding dress is paired with a simple long lace veil, adding a classic touch to her gown.
In the 50s the veil was often the “something old” and were lovingly gifted down multiple generations, from grandmothers, to mothers, to daughters.
She opted for a large formal bouquet that beautifully contrasts with the simplicity and elegancy of her wedding dress.
Vintage Wedding Dress: Elizabeth Taylor’s Silver Screen 50s Style Wedding Dress
“This is a rare glimpse of Taylor looking refreshingly young and unworldly. Covered in lace, this bears an uncanny resemblance to Grace Kelly’s wedding gown—which designer Helen Rose also created.”
The violet-eyed Elizabeth Taylor looks like a 50s style princess in the gorgeous vintage wedding dress that she wears in the original 1950 Father of the Bride movie.
It’s the classic “father is stressed because his baby girl is getting married” comedy.
Elizabeth Taylor sizzles in this iconic 50s wedding gown that oozes Old Hollywood Glamour and sophistication.
Her stunning dress consists of a fitted bodice with a lace v and tuxedo style front intertwined with shimmering satin.
Her voluminous Cinderella-style full ballgown style skirts positively billow with the many layers of satin and lace.
For the finishing touch, she adds a classic long lace veil and intricate flower bouquet.
Wow, this gorgeous wedding dress does look a bit heavy, so hopefully she had a helper for the trips to the lady’s room!
Fun fact!
Helen Rose designed this breathtaking 50s wedding dress.
She is the legendary clothing designer, who designed costumes and wardrobes for over a hundred films in the golden days of Old Hollywood.
You’ll recognize her name next to many of the most iconic 50s wedding dresses, including Princess Grace Kelly’s.
Vintage Wedding Dress: Elizabeth Taylor’s Real Life 50s Style Wedding Dress
Elizabeth Taylor truly appears to walking on clouds in the dreamy 50s style wedding dress that she wears in her real life wedding.
Elizabeth Taylor met the dashing and mega millionaire heir to the Hilton hotel fortune, Conrad "Nicky" Hilton, at the Mocambo nightclub in LA.
A year later she is walking down the aisle in Beverly Hills at the age of 18.
MGM Studios footed the entire bill, including the price tag for her princess dress designed by none other than the studio’s legendary costume designer, Helen Rose.
Elizabeth Taylor got to be a bride twice in the same year--once in the Father of the Bride movie and once for real life.
How many girls are lucky enough to say “I do!” in not one, but two perfect wedding dresses!
Now back to the dress... her stunning 50s vintage wedding dress has a sheer lace bodice with intricate detailing and off the shoulder style with sweetheart neckline.
The fitted bodice and cinched waistline pairs beautifully with her full princess style ballgown skirts.
To top off her outfit, she adds a long veil and simple bouquet.
Fun Fact!
Elizabeth Taylor’s first husband, Conrad Hilton Jr, was actually the great-uncle of Paris Hilton, the modern day socialite and TV personality, who’s teacup chihuahua is probably just as famous is she is.
Short 50s Wedding Dress - 50s Fashion: Janet Leigh’s Real Life Tea-Length Gown
“I hear white is back in style!”
Janet Leigh wore an understated and adorable two piece tea-length wedding dress to her private ceremony wedding to Tony Curtis in 1951.
Their love life was a favorite topic for the 50s gossip tabloids.
Bonus points if you recognize their close friend, who is acting as best man, and is standing to the right of the groom
(Answer: Jerry Lewis. The popular and talented comedian and director who would also cast them in a number of his films over the upcoming years.)
Even though she was only twenty-three, this was Janet Leigh’s third marriage, so for her private ceremony she went very simple and classic, with a two-piece dress with short sleeves in a muted neutral color, paired with white gloves and a small hat.
So chic and romantic!
When they met at a party in 1950, Tony Curtis was blown away by Leigh's "sweetness", not her star power.
"Her face was exquisite… and there was a sweetness about her that I found most appealing.”
They went on two have two beautiful daughters.
We love this happy family pic of Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh with their daughters Kelly (left) and Jamie Lee (right).
You’ll likely recognize the name of Jamie Lee Curtis, who went on to become a talented actress, staring in roles such as True Lies and Freaky Friday, among many others.
Vintage Wedding Dresses: Audrey Hepburn’s 50s Style Wedding Dress
Audrey Hepburn looks stunning in this simple vintage wedding dress in 1952.
Even though she found the perfect dress, yet she didn’t find the perfect someone, and decided to call off the wedding, breaking off her engagement to the tall handsome British businessman, James Hanson.
She was afraid that their demanding careers would require them to be apart far too much.
She wasn’t wrong, as Audrey Hepburn’s career was just about to take off.
This same year she was in Italy filming Roman Holiday with Gregory Peck.
Once it was released the following year, in 1953, she became an international star.
Audrey Hepburn’s silk wedding dress is an elegant fit and flare style with a wide boatneck neckline and dramatic long sleeves.
It is exquisitely fit in the bodice and elegant pearl buttons define the back bodice.
Its voluptuous full skirts flare into a full-length ballgown style.
Her perfect 50s wedding accessories add a touch of timeless elegance.
These include elbow length gloves and a classic, yet simple pearl necklace and drop earrings.
And what’s not to love about with her 1950s style satin crescent hat and veil?
Other posts you might like:
All 5 Iconic Audrey Hepburn Wedding Dress Styles - From her Personal Life and Movies
Vintage Wedding Dress: Jacqueline Kennedy’s Real Life 50s Style Wedding Dress
“Can you think of anything worse than living in a small town like this [Farmington, Connecticut] all your life and competing to see which housewife could bake the best cake? [Letter to R. Beverley Corbin, Jr.3 October 1946]”― Jackie Kennedy Onassis
Jacqueline Bouvier's romance with Senator Kennedy whisked her far away from that small town in Connecticut and into the glittering world of intrigue, wealth, and power.
Jackie was in full-on fairy-tale mode in her one of a kind of ivory silk taffeta wedding dress.
The off the shoulder neckline and small waist contrasted beautifully with her princess-like ballgown skirts, which took 50 yards of silk taffeta to make!!
Little did she know that this wedding dresses would become one of the most copied dresses ever.
She accented the neckline with a single strand pearl necklace.
For her something borrowed, she is wearing her Granny’s vintage rosepoint lace veil, which is fastened to a dreamy tiara of lace and orange blossoms.
In the 1950s, the popular way to modernize Granny’s “something old” classic veil was to attach it to flowers or a pillbox hat.
Fun Fact!
This wedding dress was actually the complete opposite of the dream wedding dress that Jackie would have chosen herself.
She had just returned from a delightful adventure abroad in Paris, and she wanted a simple chic French inspired wedding dress.
However, her fiancee’s father took the reigns in his hands and selected her a reputable society seamstress to ensure Jackie would wear a gown that was fitting for a future Kennedy.
The future father in law insisted on gown that was more ostentatious, as he wanted to wow the press and ensure this was the society wedding of the season.
Lace 50s Wedding Dress - 50s Fashion: Lauren Bacall’s Vintage Wedding Dress
Lauren Bacall oozes sophistication and Old Hollywood glam in floor-length gown.
Her gorgeous off the shoulder white lace gown with three-quarter length sleeves fit and flare wedding gown that she wears in the 1953 film How to Marry a Millionaire.
Lauren Bacall’s veil is an adorable sheer organza bridal hat, and her simple yellow lily bouquet add the perfect touch of color to her outfit.
Wondering who designed this unique lace vintage wedding dress?
It was none other than the famous costume designer, William Travilla.
He is best know for designing the wardrobe for eight of Marilyn Monroe’s most iconic films, including her white dress that blows up when she’s standing on a New York City Subway ventilation grate in the The Seven Year Itch.
Other posts you might like:
Marilyn Monroe How to Marry a Millionaire - Your Guide to 50s Glam
Short 50s Wedding Dress - 50s Fashion: Marilyn Monroe & Jane Russel in Vintage Tea-Length Wedding Dress Styles
Marilyn Monroe (as Lorelei Lee) and Jane Russell (as Dorothy Shaw) look absolutely gorgeous as they walk down the aisle together.
They wore matching 50s style tea-length wedding dresses in the 1953 Gentlemen Prefer Blondes film.
This vintage bridal style is dazzling.
These romantic wedding dresses have a high neckline white lace bodices with high necks and bell sleeves.
Their three-quarters full length full circle skirts are tailored for each of the women’s figure, with Marilyn Monroe’s having a slighter skirt and shorter hem.
They both paired the dresses with high heels.
We adore how the delicate feminine lace of the bodice contrasts contrasts with the full look of the pleated chiffon skirt.
Fun Fact!
William Travilla, who Marilyn Monroe affectionately called “Billy” also designed these wedding dresses.
It’s rumored that Billy dated the beautiful Marilyn Monroe for a bit.
His designs for her were an act of love, because he cherished her, saying, “My clothes for Marilyn were an act of love. Because I adored her, I couldn't help but do my best for her. “
1954-1956: Mid-50’s
50s Style Wedding Dress: Mid 1950s Vintage Wedding Dresses (1954-1956)
The romantic Mid-1950s dresses were totally made for happily ever afters!
Modesty and class continued to be favorite style elements in the mid-1950s, and graceful a-line silhouettes or or full Cinderella style ballgowns continued to be popular, as well as either floor length or tea length styles.
50s ladies also got delightfully creative with veil lengths and styles, ranging from flower garlands and no veils (Audrey Hepburn) to plain pillbox hats, to classic long lace veils.
Just like today, famous film and celebrity weddings had a huge influence on what styles were “in” for the 50s.
You’ll love getting a front row seat on the most iconic weddings from the mid 1950s, which includes, Audrey Hepburn’s real life wedding, Lucille Ball’s onscreen wedding, and for bonus, Marilyn Monroe’s unexpected wedding dress selection for her private courthouse wedding to the world famous baseball player Joe DiMaggio.
Also in the mid 1950s there were two of the most legendary weddings ever, both of which starred Grace Kelly.
One was in her onscreen role in High Society, and the other was her real life fairy tale weddings to the Prince of Monocco.
Short 50s Wedding Dress - 50s Fashion: Audrey Hepburn in Vintage Tea-Length Dress Styles
“Happy girls are the prettiest”
This rings so true, and is so very evident from the elegant and glowing Audrey Hepburn who looks absolutely magical in her vintage style wedding dress!
Two years after calling off her engagement with her first fiancee, Audrey Hepburn embarked on a whirlwind romance with the charismatic actor Mel Ferrer.
Only eight months after meeting him, she was walking down the aisle in one of the most iconic tea length wedding dresses of all time.
Her wedding dress had a fitted bodice and full billowing skirts.
Dramatic ballgown puff sleeves and a statement satin sash, combined with the high collar and bodice buttons were classic vintage details.
Her wedding dress accessories included elbow-length opera gloves and a rose hair garland instead of a veil.
Her rose garland is a nod to the 50s influence of Queen Elizabeth, who was crowed in 1953, and which prompted “crown phase” as a favorite for 50s brides instead of hats.
50s Vintage Wedding Dress Style: Lucille Ball 50s Style Wedding Dress
“How I Love Lucy was born? We decided that instead of divorce lawyers profiting from our mistakes, we’d profit from them.”
Lucille Ball oozes Old Hollywood Glam in her over the top fairytale wedding dress that she puts on to walk down the aisle in the 1954 comedy The Long Long Trailer.
In this film she plays a newlywed wife across from her real life sexy hubby, the Cuban singer and actor Desi Arnaz.
This 50s wedding dress has a fitted bodice, with a romantic sweetheart neckline.
We love the sensual touch of translucent lace at the neck and sleeves.
Her full gowns billow out into a dramatic layered ballgown style with an extravagant train and veil.
Her jewelry is simple pear drop earrings.
If you’re looking for a vintage style dress with lots of floral lace and a big wow factor, you found it!
50s Vintage Wedding Dress Style: Marilyn Monroe 50s Style Wedding Dress
Front page news in Jan 1954 was the gorgeous Marilyn Monroe’s courthouse wedding to the baseball legend Joe DiMaggio!
And oh my, did the paparazzi have a field day, allegedly turning this into into one of the most publicized marriages of the year!
Her wedding dress was so totally unexpected that it was the talk of the town!
The blond bombshell stepped out of the courthouse in an elegant two piece chocolate skirt suit.
A white fur collar and a white bouquet were the only touches of the traditional bridal white in her chic outfit.
In this surprising choice of a wedding dress, Marilyn Monroe was simply mirroring what what “everyday girls” in the 50s wore, who couldn’t afford fancy wedding dresses.
They dressed in their favorite afternoon dress for the wedding ceremony.
Sadly, even though Joe DiMaggio didn’t score a home run on this one, with the marriage only lasting nine months, yet Marilyn Monroe captured his heart forever.
His act of love?
Sending roses twice a week to her grave continuously, for two decades after her death.
50s Vintage Wedding Dress Style: Shirley Jones 50s Style Wedding Dress
We love Shirley Jones’ young chic girl next door charm oozes femininity and innocence in the 1955 musical Oklahoma!
The frilly neckline, translucent puff sleeves, and green ribbon details nod to the popular 1940s peasant style for girls, and truly make this dress one of a kind.
Also notice the fitted bodice and simple a line skirt style, which contrasts to the voluminous over the top ballgown skirt styles!
Guess you’ll just have to watch this iconic 50s musical to discover whether she wore it when singing and dancing to “Oh What A Beautiful Day,” an unforgettable musical number in the film!
50s Vintage Wedding Dress Style: Debbie Reynolds 50s Style Wedding Dress
Debbie Reynolds absolutely glows in her romantic lace wedding dress that she wears while walking down the aisle to the popular 50s singer Eddie Fisher in 1955.
(Debbie Reynolds became famous in her breakout role in the 1952 musical comedy Singing in the Rain).
Debbie Reynolds is wearing a vintage all over lace wedding dress, with sheer lace cap sleeves, a fitted bodice, and voluminous a line skirt.
Simple pearl drop earrings, a pearl necklace, and a two stand pearl bracelet is her jewelry of choice.
A simple bouquet and a lace veil complete her romantic ensemble.
50s Vintage Wedding Dress Style: Lucille Ball 50s Style Wedding Dress
Lucille Ball once again says yes to the dress for her on screen wedding in the 1956 film Forever Darling.
In this slapstick comedy a research chemist’s obsession with inventing a cutting edge pesticide puts his new marriage in jeopardy.
This 50s wedding dress has a fitted lace bodice and with a glamorous layered ballgown.
Notice how sensual and elegant the sheer lace bodice and sleeves are.
This shows a hint of skin in a dress that would otherwise cover the bride from the head to the floor.
For this late 50s wedding, her veil is waist-length and its flowy style mirrors her voluminous ballgown skirt below.
Humm, I think she should have “said yes” to a different headpiece, as this one looks a bit like a roman helmet.
Short 50s Wedding Dress - 50s Fashion: Brigitte Bardot in 50s Style Wedding Dress
Bridgett Bardot looks so incredibly French chic in her short 50s style wedding dress!
We adore this refreshing, simple, and yet oh so romantic feminine style!
Bridgett Bardot was a world famous 1950s-1960s French model, actress, and sex symbol.
We love the one of a kind vintage wedding dress in the French film And God Created Woman.
In the film, she is in love with one brother, but marries another, and oh how the sparks fly!
Bridgett Bardot’s short wedding dress was designed by Pierre Balmain.
The bodice is a collared shirtdress style, with sensual translucent lace on the neck and three-quarter-length sleeves.
The full skirts are cinched at the waist with a wide belt and fall just below her knees.
Her veil is attached to a crown of white flowers, and she is wearing white bow slingback flats.
Short 50s Wedding Dress - 50s Fashion: Grace Kelly in Ballerina length Wedding Dress
In High Society 1956, Grace Kelly plays the role of a beautiful spoiled heiress, Tracy Lord, who just got engaged.
And, oh my she truly looks a princess that just stepped out of a fairytale.
As soon as her wealthy ex-husband gets wind of the engagement, he’s determined to make her fall back in love with him.... and the countdown is on!
Before you know it, three handsome men vying for the her love, and which one will she chose?
To read the full detailed scoop on the Grace Kelly wedding dress you’ll love this post, and to learn more about her real life romance and how she wore her actual engagement ring to the Prince of Monocco while filming this move, you’ll love this post.
Grace Kelly’s stunning wedding dress is crafted from a rich silk organza that was a very light pinky yellow shade, and studded with floral embroidery.
The skirts were a fluffy tea-length.
Again, in true 1950s fashion, the sheer fitted bodice and sheer long sleeves show a classy hint of skin.
A pink ribbon belt and wedding corsage highlight her feminine figure.
Her other vintage wedding dress accessories that are positively divine, include dainty white gloves, a floppy wide brimmed hat, and adorable 1950s pumps.
This dress was also designed by the famous Helen Rose, who also designed Grace Kelly’s real life wedding dress.
High Society would be the list film that Grace Kelly starred in, before leaving Hollywood to become a real life princess by marrying the Prince of Monocco.
50s Style Wedding Dress - 50s Fashion: Princess Grace Kelly Royal Wedding Civil Ceremony
Grace Kelly’s real life fairytale wedding took place in 1956, the same year the High Society film was released.
But a first, a bit of their love story...
The handsome Prince Rainier fell in love with the stunning blue-eyed beauty, after meeting her at in France at the annual Cannes Film Festival, which she attended, while in Europe filming the glitzy Hitchcock thriller To Catch a Thief.
A months-long inter-continental romance courtship with love letters ensued, until Grace Kelly also fell for the Prince.
The smitten Prince traveled to America and popped the question to Grace Kelly in her hometown in Philidelphia, and the planning for the big day commenced!
For the inside scoop on their romance and her iconic engagement ring, read the Grace Kelly Engagement Ring post.
Per Monaco law, Grace Kelly officially became a Princess Grace in a small civil ceremony wedding that occurred the day before her “big day!”
Grace Kelly’s 50s style wedding dress for the civil ceremony was a stunning Mandarian style sheath gown that.
Oh my doesn’t she look so gorgeous and classy?
50s Style Wedding Dress - 50s Fashion: Princess Grace Kelly in Vintage Wedding Dress Style for her Big Day
Grace Kelly’s fairytale romance and international wedding made front page news around the world.
On the day of her wedding, April 19, 1956, as Grace Kelly walked down the aisle of St. Nicolas Cathedral to the waiting arms of her prince.
The audience was spellbound, as she floated by, a vision in a one of a kind lace and silk taffeta wedding dress.
Big thank you to Helen Rose for legendary wedding dress, that not only inspired countless brides in the 50s, but it continues to inspire modern brides today, including the modern day princess Kate Middelton.
Now, the details on the wedding dress!
Her wedding dress consisted of a fitted bodice in lace, with elegant sheer detailing for the neck and arms.
Pearl buttons adorned the lace bodice and sweetheart neckline to the defined waist.
Her gorgeous ballgown skirts billowed out and were complimented by her statement train and and classic long lace head veil.
MGM studios actually gifted Grace Kelly’s wedding dress to her.
According to the rumors, it took 30 seamstresses six weeks to make it.
“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.”
And now for the “happily ever after”... When Grace Kelly put on her ring, she stepped into a new role and life as Princess of Monaco, in a new country, and said goodbye to Hollywood and her American citizenship.
Short 50s Wedding Dress - 50s Fashion: Audrey Hepburn in Vintage Tea Length Wedding Dress Style
"We'll always have Paris." -- Casablanca
One of the most whimsical, romantic, and iconic tea-length wedding dresses of all time is... drum roll... the unforgettable Givenchy creation that Audrey Hepburn wears in beautiful historic chapel in Northern France in the 1957 romantic musical Funny Face.
In this musical, Audrey Hepburn’s character, a book lover turned super model, falls head over heels with her quirky fashion photographer, and he, of course he’s smitten with her too.
Audrey Hepburn is wearing a sleeveless wedding dress has a fitted bodice with a boat neckline.
Her full circle skirt, with layers of glorious white petticoat is perfect tea-length, falling just below her knees.
She wears a pair of wrist length white gloves to accessorize the dress.
Audrey Hepburn’s two-tiered veil is pinned to her sculpted updo, with an adorable bow.
Her retro bridal accessories include fashionable white gloves, kitten pumps, and simple white pearl earrings.
The final touch? A delicate bouquet of white spring blossoms.
Hubert de Givenchy, the famous designer and friend of Audrey Hepburn’s, designed this tea length wedding dress and entire wardrobe for Funny Face.
To ooh and aaaw over all of the gorgeous Givenchy 50s outfits that Audrey Hepburn wore in this film, check out our post here.
Short 50s Wedding Dress - 50s Fashion: Marvelous Mrs. Maisel in Vintage Tea Length Wedding Dress Style
Oh là là, what’s not to love about this chic 50s style wedding dress that the Marvelous Mrs Maisel wears in the hit TV show by the same name that is set in 1958.
This 50s style dress beautifully channels key 50s fashion elements, including the fitted bodice, with the peep through lace on neck and sleeves, and the voluminous folds of the tea length tulle dress.
Similar to Audrey Hepburn’s dress, it has a young romantic, child-like, ballerina feel.
And just how cute is white bow detailing at the center of her veil?
1957-1959: Late-50’s
50s Style Wedding Dress: Late 1950s Vintage Wedding Dresses (1957-1959)
As the sayings go, “Should a bride feel comfortable OR look adorable?”
Is it too much to ask for both?
The late 1950s welcomed the glorious fabrics of chiffon and tulle which helped make the ballgown styles wedding dresses lighter!
Another favorite trend of tea length wedding dresses continued to be in vogue with hemlines showing off legs and highlighting shoe choices too.
You’ll adore the late 1950s vintage wedding dress style inspiration from the era’s favorite stars of Old Hollywood, including Sophia Lauren and Brigitte Bardot.
Just remember, “Once in awhile, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale.”
50s Wedding Dress - 50s Fashion: Sophia Lauren in a Vintage Wedding Dress Style
The Italian sexpot Sophia Loren, famously dazzled her handsome costar, Cary Grant, both on and off screen, as she struts her stuff in her gorgeous wedding gown in the 1958 film the Houseboat.
(This vintage wedding dress was designed by the famous clothing designer, Edith Head, a favorite of the producer Alfred Hitchcock, who brought to the silver screen the unforgettable wardrobes of the Hitchcock Blondes).
According to the tabloids, Cary Grant and Sophia Loren fell in love the year before while filming The Pride and the Passion, and their chemistry was again ignited when they were reunited to film the Houseboat.
Although they didn’t end up together in real life, yet their on screen characters had a very swoon worthy wedding.
Sophia Lauren’s unique lace wedding dress has a high neck, sweetheart neckline, pearl buttons, and a structured bodice.
It’s voluminous ballgown skirts sash in true Cinderella style.
Notice how her veil falls just to her shoulders, versus being a long lace veil that floats down her back.
The shorter saucy veil that hit the shoulder or waist vs floor length, became a popular look in the late 1950s.
50s Fashion: Sophia Lauren in a 50s Vintage Wedding Dress Style
“Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical.” -- Sophia Lauren
Sophia Lauren sparkles like an angel in her airy fairytale wedding dress.
In this gorgeous creation, also designed by Edith Head, Sophia Lauren, finds love again, in the 1958 Black Orchid film, despite being the widow of a notorious gangster.
We love the intricate embroidery on the bodice and ballgown style skirt that truly makes this dress one of a kind!
Also, check out those romantic orchid floral accents on her veil, that exactly matches her bouquet, and so beautifully contrast with her dark flowing locks.
50s Fashion: Brigitte Bardot Lauren in a 50s Vintage Wedding Dress Style
“A photograph can be an instant of life captured for eternity that will never cease looking back at you.” -- Brigitte Bardot
And, oh my, aren’t we so happy that this ultra dreamy lace wedding dress was captured on film so that it can be enjoyed through the ages?
Brigitte Bardot looks like a true princess (sparkling crown included) in the ultra glamorous ballgown style wedding dress that she wears as a young bride Virginie in the 1959 French movie Come Dance With Me.
What takes this more over the top... the crowntop veil or the adorable puppy?
This post was all about 50s wedding dress
Which 50s wedding dress style is your favorite?
Do you prefer the princess ballgown styles favored by starlets, like Elizabeth Taylor, or the tea length 50s style dresses, like Marilyn Monroe wore Gentlemen Prefer Blondes?
Do you prefer 50s wedding dress styles from the early, mid, or later 50s?
Which one of these vintage wedding gowns would be your dream wedding gown?
Other posts you might like:
The Ultimate Guide to 1950s Fashion for Women
Recreate the Iconic Grace Kelly High Society Wedding Dress - Your Vintage Wedding Dress Inspiration
Chic Vintage Maternity Clothes - From Retro Dresses to 50s Fashion