When Grace Kelly walked down the aisle to marry Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956, she wore a stunning wedding dress that captured the attention of the world. The iconic gown was designed by renowned Hollywood costume designer Helen Rose and was made with exquisite fabrics and detailed embellishments. But how much did this dress cost? In this blog post, we will explore the cost of Princess Grace’s wedding dress and the stories behind its creation.
The Design of the Dress
Helen Rose was a highly acclaimed Hollywood costume designer who had worked on films such as “The Bad and the Beautiful” and “High Society.” When Prince Rainier III approached her to design the wedding dress for Grace Kelly, Rose jumped at the opportunity. She traveled to Monaco to work with the princess-to-be and create a dress that would befit a royal wedding.
The design of the dress was inspired by the royal gowns of the past, with its high collar, long sleeves, and full skirt. The bodice of the dress was made with silk faille, while the skirt was crafted from 25 yards of silk taffeta. The dress was cinched at the waist with an intricate belt made of rose point lace, and the train was adorned with delicate appliques that took Rose and her team hundreds of hours to hand sew.
The Cost of Princess Grace’s Wedding Dress
The total cost of Princess Grace’s wedding dress was estimated at $60,000, which equates to over $500,000 in today’s money. The fabrics and embellishments used in the dress were of the highest quality and required the expertise of skilled artisans to produce. The 125-year-old lace used in the dress was sourced from a textile mill in Brussels, Belgium, and was meticulously hand-stitched onto the dress.
Despite the dress’s high cost, it was considered worth every penny by the royal family and the public. The gown was viewed as a symbol of grace, elegance and sophistication and has since become an icon of fashion history.
Legacy of the Dress
Following her wedding, Grace Kelly placed her wedding dress in a permanent exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where it is still on display today. The dress has also been referenced in countless fashion designs over the years and has inspired many other wedding gowns around the world. Its timeless elegance and classic design continue to capture the imagination and inspire new generations of fashion designers.
Conclusion
Princess Grace’s wedding dress was a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship, created by the talented Helen Rose. The dress’s high cost and exquisite details reflect the luxury and grandeur of a royal wedding, and its legacy has endured for more than half a century. The dress continues to inspire awe and admiration, and its elegance and sophistication will always be remembered as a hallmark of fashion history.
FAQ
Which royal had the most expensive wedding?
Weddings are expensive in general, but when it comes to royal weddings, the cost can be astronomical. Out of all the royal weddings in recent history, Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer’s union in 1981 remains the most expensive and extravagant one to date. According to reports, the cost of the wedding was over $110 million, which, adjusted for inflation, would be nearly $500 million in today’s currency.
The wedding ceremony took place at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, where more than 3,500 guests were in attendance, including members of various royal families, political leaders, celebrities, and high-ranking officials. The ceremony was broadcast all over the world, and an estimated 750 million people watched it on TV. The cost of security alone was about $600,000, which is equivalent to approximately $2.5 million today.
The bride wore a wedding dress created by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, which had a 25-foot train made of ivory silk taffeta and antique lace. The dress was adorned with over 10,000 pearls, and it reportedly cost around $115,000, which is equivalent to around $500,000 today. Diana’s diamond tiara, which she wore for the occasion, was also incredibly expensive and worth around $40,000 at the time (equivalent to about $180,000 today).
But the extravagance didn’t end with the ceremony itself – the couple also threw an elaborate reception at Buckingham Palace, where over 120 guests were invited to dine on expensive gourmet dishes like quenelles of salmon with lobster sauce, lamb with mint sauce, and strawberries and cream. The cost of the reception was estimated to be around $600,000, or around $2.5 million today.
Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer’s wedding in 1981 remains the most expensive British royal wedding of all time, with a cost of over $110 million. From the lavish ceremony at St. Paul’s Cathedral to the elaborate reception at Buckingham Palace, no expense was spared, making it one of the most iconic and memorable royal weddings in history.
How did Elizabeth pay for her wedding dress?
When Princess Elizabeth was getting married to Prince Philip on November 20, 1947, the United Kingdom was still recovering from the aftermath of World War Two. The government had implemented strict rationing measures, including rationing of clothes, to deal with the shortage of resources. Like all other citizens, Princess Elizabeth was subject to these rules and had to use clothing ration coupons to purchase her wedding dress.
Despite being a member of the royal family, Princess Elizabeth could not escape the restrictions of rationing. She was given 200 extra coupons above her regular allocation, an amount that was still inadequate for a royal wedding gown. To make up for the shortcoming, the Princess received hundreds of clothing coupons from people all over the UK. These coupons were offered as wedding gifts by well-wishers, admirers, and citizens who wanted to contribute to the happiness of their future queen. However, Princess Elizabeth had to return all the coupons as it would have been illegal for her to use them.
The wedding dress designed by Norman Hartwell was made of ivory silk and was embroidered with pearls, crystals, and applique. The dress required a lot of meticulous handiwork that called for the skills of a group of dedicated seamstresses. The dressmakers were also subject to the constraints of rationing and had to use recycled materials and thread from parachute makers to construct the outfit. Despite the tough conditions, however, the team was able to produce a stunning dress that symbolized the dignity and grace of the new royal.
Princess Elizabeth paid for her wedding dress using clothing ration coupons issued by the government to all citizens. Many people from across the UK also sent coupons as a gift for the Princess, but these were unfortunately returned. Despite the challenges posed by rationing measures, the royal wedding dress turned out to be a magnificent masterpiece that reflected the spirit and resilience of a nation overcoming adversity.