Lace Wedding Dress: Timeless And Chic

By Alexandra Fullerton

Think of a wedding dress and a lace wedding dress is likely to be the first style that comes to mind... The intricate embroidered fabric has close connotations with timeless bridal style, thanks to the iconic brides who chose lace for their big day dresses. The good news is that lace wedding dresses will stay stylish for years to come and the result? If you choose a lace wedding dress, your wedding photos will stand the test of time, guaranteed.

Rewind for a moment… In the 1600s lace was so highly prized that collars and cuffs of lace replaced necklaces and bracelets made from gold or jewels as evidence of high status. Once Queen Victoria had her wedding dress made from handmade lace, lace's posh reputation stuck. Kate Halfpenny, founder and designer of Halfpenny London echoes this. “Traditionally wearing lace was seen as a symbol of wealth and prestige.” The fabric continues to have a prominent position in the bridal world today with the detail, time and cost involved in creating an elaborate finish elevating it over other luxe fabrics like satin, silk or velvet.

Designer of some of the most coveted bridal gowns and red carpet dresses, Jenny Packham, chose lace for her own wedding dress. “The fabric was my treat to myself - expensive and indulgent but forever beautiful," Jenny told GLAMOUR. “Lace is a heritage fabric which has artfully evolved over centuries to suit the contemporary mode. It is luxurious in its inability to be made without fine craftsmanship. The web-like texture creates a gauze that moulds easily around the body which lures designers back time after time.”

So far, it seems like a pretty expensive choice but there are plenty of high street wedding dresses that will see the price tags come back down to earth…

One of the most referenced wedding dresses of all time (and definitely the most influential lace wedding dress) belonged to Hollywood royalty Grace Kelly, who married actual royalty (Prince Rainier of Monaco) in 1956. Her dress mixed lace with silk and had two petticoats plus an 80metre train. MGM studio costume designer Helen Rose created the gown, which has gone on to inspire Kate Middleton and Naomi Biden, grand-daughter of US President Biden at her November 2022 nuptials (Naomi wore Ralph Lauren…)

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The now Princess of Wales wore Alexander McQueen, designed by the house’s creative director Sarah Burton, for her marriage to Prince William in 2011. The high-necked gown and full-skirt silhouette definitely bore a resemblance to Kelly’s legendary dress and Kate was said to have significant input in the dress’s design. The lace that covered the bodice and skirt was created by hand-embroidering delicate floral motifs onto a net base with roses, thistles, daffodils and shamrocks all representing the national flowers of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

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Said to have been inspired by her mother’s 1979 wedding gown, Paris’s lace wedding dress was high-necked, long-sleeved Princess-style perfection. Designed by Oscar de la Renta’s creative director Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim, who also looked to Grace Kelly for inspiration, it was embellished with appliqué across the bodice, sleeves and down over the skirt. Sweetly, Paris’s dress also echoed her sister Nicky’s gown from her own 2015 wedding - when Nicky wore guipure lace by Valentino Garavani couture.

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Here's Hailey with a reminder that lace wedding gowns don’t have to be buttoned up to the neck. Hailey Baldwin married Justin Bieber in a dress creative by Virgil Abloh, the late founder and creative director of Off-White, and turned lace wedding dresses into a decidedly sexy option. Her dress did have long sleeves, but was paired with an off the shoulder neckline, deep backless detail and body-con silhouette. The lace edging on Hailey’s veil spelled out, “Till Death Do Us Part.” Awww.

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Choosing Ralph Lauren for her big day, Lily’s dress was characteristically high necked, featuring long sleeves again. The Calais-Caudry lace on the dress was made by artisan weavers in an area of protected origin and the dress was also beaded with crystal flower motifs and silk organza petals. Lily eschewed a veil for a cape and hood which added drama to the look.

And it's nowhere near as expensive as you're thinking.

By Charlie Teather

There is a lace wedding dress out there for you, whatever your budget, and whatever your personal style. Whether you want to echo the timeless vintage feel of Grace Kelly in a long-sleeve wedding dress or get married in a short wedding dress - you can do it in perfect style, wearing lace.

One of this year’s hottest trends, inspired by Nicola Peltz Beckham’s wedding dress, is for gowns with square necklines and if you’re celebrating your big day by switching into an evening wedding dress, we have plenty of inspiration.

Save when you shop for a lace wedding dress with these ASOS discount codes and Net-A-Porter discount codes.

If you’re a bride on a budget (who isn’t?) you might be swayed by the price points of a high street wedding dress. Or why not search out a wedding dress sample sale, which will help your money go far further, meaning there is more money for your perfect bridal shoes!

For more from Glamour UK Fashion Director at large Alex Fullerton, follow her on Instagram @alexandrafullerton.