Historically, February is the most romantic month of the year. The world seems to turn into a place of love, red and pink hearts, heart-shaped chocolates, and romantic movies. Special Date Night is now, officially, on February 14. More lovely still: Valentine’s Day dates often bloom into that cherished “I Do”.

 

Given the basic fact that every bride would like to look like a movie star, let’s walk down memory aisle and revisit some iconic big-screen wedding scenes. Just for inspiration. Just to look, and marvel, at what would still dazzle the senses in 2023.

Inspiration #1: Pink and Glitter

 

With pink being the color dominating runways and stores, the wedding dress worn by Shari Headley (as Lisa McDowell in Coming to America, 1988) is the first to come to mind. The gown is designed by Deborah Landis and made of light pink, glittered tulle with an incredibly large skirt and train accessorized with a massive ring and necklace. The bold look is worthy of the effort – well, perhaps the royal crown made with pearls, coral and 14-karat gold might have to go if the groom is not as wealthy as Prince Akeem. The bouquet of white and pink orchids is a symbol of love and beauty.

Inspiration #2: Showstopper

 

No doubt, the gown chosen for the wedding scene in Crazy Rich Asians would be a great inspiration for a showstopping look on the big day. Fun fact: the multi-colored dress, with extensive embroidery and a 10-foot train worn by Sonoya Mizuno as Araminta Lee, is not a gown. It’s a jumpsuit created by Mary Vogt out of stretch tulle studded with thousands of Swarovski crystals. The skirt is attached to the bodice.

Another jaw-dropping alternative would be the strapless rose-gold metallic gown worn by Golden Globe winner Jennifer Lopez as mega-celebrity Kat Valdez in Marry Me. This sartorial masterpiece – created out of nine layers of silk taffeta, horsehair, and tulle – was picked by costume designer Caroline Duncan from the Zuhair Murad’s bridal collection. It was then matched with Pasquale Bruni necklace and earrings. Fun facts: the gown weighed 95 pounds, it required a team of five people to transport it; an entourage was needed to help the actress navigate her wedding scenes. 

This Showstopper list would not be complete without the head-turning outfit worn by Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, 2008. Fun fact: the floor-sweeping, corseted, strapless gown with an exaggerated hourglass silhouette, was designed by Vivienne Westwood especially for the film. Costume designer Patricia Field styled it with a vintage topaz blue feathered headpiece and a bouquet of roses

Inspiration #3: Elegant Classics

 

The custom look designed by Carolina Herrera for Kristen Stewart as Bella in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn is the crème de la crème of flawless bridal fashion. This floor-length white dress with a Bardot neckline and short train only seems to be minimalistic. According to costume designer Michael Wilkinson, the oval-shaped back includes a Chantilly lace border veiled in tulle. Fun fact: the crepe satin lace design took six months to create. It includes 17 buttons on each sleeve and 152 buttons on the back.

The wedding gown worn by Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope in Scandal is another example of classical elegance. Designed by Anne Barge, this off-shoulder, silk and satin chiffon dress features a full ball gown skirt made of Italian silk.

Inspiration #4: Oh-So-90s

 

Channeling the 90s is a hot trend in 2023. The off-shoulder lace dress, worn by Julia Roberts as Maggie Carpenter in Runaway Bride (1999), seems to illustrate an entire decade.

 

We remember that Maggie has four other wedding dresses. This is the one she wears to finally say “I do”.  Fun fact: though costume designer Albert Wolsky created other wedding dresses, he preferred to buy the gown for Maggie’s wedding from the Amsale Alberra bridal collection he found at Saks Fifth Avenue.  This classic A-line satin ball gown features a scallop-edged sweetheart neckline. The bodice has intricate lace and the back of the dress features a line of elegant, covered buttons. Maggie’s small bouquet, made of wild blooms and a ruffle of foliage, is tied with a long silk ribbon.

Another inspiration: the simple, sleeveless, knee-length button-up dress picked by costume designer Kym Barrett for Claire Danes as Juliet in Romeo + Juliet (1996). The so-called “little white dress” was meant to complement the blue suit custom-made by Miuccia Prada for Leonardo DiCaprio as Romeo. Juliet’s ensemble is presented with matching gloves exhibiting exquisite embroidery, and an elegant bouquet of white flowers.

Inspiration #5: Hidden Symbols

 

HBO’s Insecure follows Issa Rae’s character but don’t be surprised if a stunning Oscar de la Renta wedding gown – and custom Brother Vellies pumps, all worn by Yvonne Orji as Molly – turns out to be a centerpiece during Season 5. The strapless embroidered fern dress has a sweetheart neckline and a full corset back. Fern symbolizes new beginnings and hope for the future.

Inspiration #6: Vera Wang

 

It’s not a secret that Vera Wang couture is always a good idea for a luxurious wedding ceremony. Here are a couple of haute couture wedding gowns for the big day mood board.

Inspiration #7: Minimalism & Lily-of-the-Valley

 

A ballerina-style tea-length tulle and satin dress – with fitted, dropped waist and boat neckline designed by Hubert de Givenchy for Audrey Hepburn as Jo Stockton in Funny Face (1957) – is an iconic wedding style.

 

Accessorized by the legendary Edith Head – with an elegant train decorated with a bow, silk gloves, matching satin ballerina pumps, and a small lily-of-the-valley bouquet – this look is one of the most revered wedding fashion images of all time.

Speaking of that lily-of-the-valley bridal bouquet: costume designer Manon Rasmussen brought the idea back to life when Kirsten Dunst played Justine in Lars von Trier’s Melancholia (2011).

Inspiration #8: Vintage Lace

 

No list of best movie wedding dresses of all time would be complete without lace gowns.

 

The dress has a flared skirt, fluted sleeves and lace bodice. It was designed by William Travilla for Marilyn Monroe as Lorelei and Jane Russell as Dorothy in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953). Such a festive mood for a dreamy wedding.

An off-shoulder, boat-neck fitted gown created entirely from lace by William Travilla and worn by Lauren Bacall as Schatze Page in How to Marry a Millionaire (1953). It would look great in 2023 without any style adjustments, especially with Bacall’s hairstyle and vintage pearls.

Inspiration #9: Feathers

 

The bridal look worn by Keira Knightley as Juliet in Love Actually would be a unique and offbeat option for a stylishly simple wedding ceremony. It combines a vintage-y beaded skirt, lace crop top, cathedral-length train, feather-adorned sheer overlay – which is, again, a hot 2023 trend.