The Most Beautiful Royal Wedding Gowns and What They Cost

Princess Eugenie made a bold statement with her choice of bridal gown for her October 2018 wedding to wine merchant Jack Brooksbank in the second big royal wedding of that year (making him yet another commoner who married into royalty).

The wedding dress, a long-sleeved ivory gown designed by Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos, features a flowing train, folded shoulders, and a low back which reveals scars from a back operation Eugenie underwent as a 12-year-old. With no veil, she chose to accessorize with the Greville Emerald tiara (borrowed from her grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II). Her shoes, hidden from view, were designed by Charlotte Olympia.

Estimated cost: $135,000 (USD)

We had no doubt Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s big day in May 2018 would top the list of the world’s most extravagant royal weddings, but the details of her gown are to die for! The dress was designed by Clare Waight-Keller for Givenchy and features an A-line cut and boat neckline. The silk tulle veil is five metres long with hand-embroidered flowers from all 53 countries of the Commonwealth in the trim. She accessorized with Queen Mary’s diamond bandeau tiara, lent to her by grandmother-in-law Queen Elizabeth. A simple and elegant look for a beautiful and trailblazing bride. Although a lot has happened since they exchanged vows as Harry and Meghan moved to California and stepped down from royal duties, it doesn't take away from that beautiful day.

Estimated cost:$135,000 (USD)

Kate Middleton's much-anticipated wedding dress, a vintage Alexander McQueen customized by Sarah Burton, didn't disappoint back in April 2011. From the sweetheart neckline, elaborate lace sleeves (hand-sewn from individual flowers) and ruched, full skirt, it inspired many gowns going forward. (And who can forget her engagement and wedding rings?)

Estimated cost: $434,000 (USD)

For her May 2008 wedding to Queen Elizabeth II's oldest grandchild, Peter Phillips (son of Princess Anne), the Montreal-born bride's dress was only a fraction of what some of the other gowns on this list cost — but that doesn't make it any less spectacular. The ivory satin dress by Sassi Holford was made even more beautiful by the lace bolero, cathedral train and the tiara on loan from her mother-in-law, the Princess Royal. Although the pair didn't last — Autumn and Peter announced their separation in 2019 — they share custody of their two daughters, Savannah and Isla.

Estimated cost: $4,000 (USD)

For her July 1981 nuptials to the heir to the throne, Diana wore a custom billowy gown complete with puffy sleeves, sequins and pearls. It was designed by one of the style icon's favourite brands, David and Elizabeth Emanuel, with — at a whopping 25 feet — one of the longest veils and trains ever. She accessorized with her Spencer family heirloom tiara. One-of-a-kind dress, one-of-a-kind woman.

Estimated cost: $115,000 (USD)

For her second marriage, this time to heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles in April 2005, Camilla Parker-Bowles was the picture of elegance, opting for a grey embellished silk dress coat by Anna Valentine and feathered headpiece by Philip Treacy. It was the perfect choice for their low-key (by royal standards) wedding, which was closed to the general public and media.

Estimated cost: Unknown

For her May 2004 nuptials to King Felipe VI, the former journalist opted for a stunning off-white silk tulle gown from Spanish designer Manuel Pertegaz which featured a fitted bodice, impressive 14-foot train, detailed embroidery and unusual high collar, which only made it all the more glam.

Estimated cost: We don't know for certain, but it's rumoured to be in the millions (USD)

At age 17 the commoner became Brunei royalty during her September 2004 nuptials. Wearing a glittery Malay outfit of blue and gold, she also wore a gemstone-encrusted headscarf and dress and diamond-studded shoes seemed over the top but not as much as her bouquet which was made not from flowers but gold and diamonds. Talk about extravagant royal weddings!

Estimated cost: $4.5 million (USD)

She may have worn one of the most expensive dresses of all time to the Academy Awards in 1955, but Grace Kelly's royal wedding gown the following year cost even more. The celebrated actress enlisted MGM costumer Helen Rose to design her dress, which made perfect sense as she'd already dressed her for the films High Society and The Swan. While the price tag doesn't seem like much compared to others on this list, the dress — made from 25 yards of heavy taffeta, 25 yards of silk taffeta, 100 yards of silk net and 300 yards of lace — is as iconic as it is priceless.

Estimated cost: $8,000 (USD)

The former model and reality star wore a custom gown by Swedish designer Ida Sjöstedt for her June 2015 wedding to Prince Carl Philip of Sweden. The gown featured silk organza, crepe and handmade lace. The best part? The dress's scooped back allowed for her rebellious (by royal standards) star-shaped tattoo to remain visible.

Estimated cost: Unknown, but you just know it's pricey.

We love how wedding traditions differ around the world, and this stunning gown is no exception. For her October 2011 wedding, Jetsun wore a traditional kira, which took three years to weave. The ankle-length dress consisted of a rectangular piece of woven fabric, wrapped and folded around the body which is pinned at both shoulders and bound at the waist with a long belt. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck crowned her with a multi-coloured brocade crown, officially making her his queen.

Estimated cost: Unknown, but we'll bet it's beyond our budget.

In June 2010, the queen-to-be married longtime love Daniel Westling (making him one of only a handful of well-known commoners who married royalty) in a cream-coloured satin gown designed for her by Par Engsheden. The V-shaped back and rounded neckline was perfection but it was her five-metre train, which attached at the waist of her dress and matched the shape of her veil (which was held in place by the same tiara Queen Silvia wore to her own 1976 wedding) that was the kicker.

Estimated cost: Unknown

Typical royal wedding gowns find a way to incorporate lace, but not Charlene's. She went sleek and chic with her custom dress by Armani Privé during her July 2011 nuptials. It included an off-the-shoulder neckline and slim silhouette. The drama was in the details, from the embellishment of 40,000 crystals and 20,000 pearl teardrops to its two trains and intricate embroidery.

Estimated cost: Unknown, but we only imagine.

Madeleine married financier Christopher O'Neill in June 2013 wearing a custom gown and veil designed for her by Valentino. Fit for royalty, the dress was made of silk and featured embroidered Chantilly lace but it's the diamond floral tiara you can't take stop staring at.

Estimated cost: $294,000 (USD)

Back in 1993, the couple had multiple wedding ceremonies, as is customary for Japan's royal family. But it was the silk bridal kimono for their traditional Shinto ceremony that wowed. Its 12 layers weighed 30 pounds and the white silk brocade train reportedly took three hours to put on.

Estimated cost: $300,000 (USD)

She and King Abdullah bin Al-Hussein married in June 1993 a mere five months after meeting at a dinner party, but it didn't take as long to find the perfect dress: an elaborate gold-embroidered gown from designer (and Princess Diana favourite) Bruce Oldfield.

Estimated cost: Unknown

The bride wore a custom gown by Elie Saab for her 2013 wedding to Prince Felix. Its 10-foot-long train was embroidered with Chantilly lace and if that wasn't special enough, she accessorized the gorgeous royal wedding gown with the Grand Ducal family's diamond floral tiara.

Estimated cost: Unknown

For her 2004 wedding to the late Prince Friso (he passed away in 2013), Mabel wore a custom gown by Viktor & Rolf, which was covered in dozens of bows (248, to be exact) rather than beadwork. It's gone down in history has one of the most unique wedding dresses of all time.

Estimated cost: Unknown

For her traditional August 2013 wedding to Prince Rahim Aga Khan, the former model wore an ivory and gold sari by Manav Gangwani, who also designed the groom's ensemble.

Estimated cost: Unknown

For her 2004 nuptials, the bride wore an ivory satin dress by Danish designer Uffe Frank that was simple, yet beautiful. She accessorized with an antique veil used by Crown Princess Margareta of Sweden during her 1905 wedding, along with a century-old crown, a gift from Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik.

Estimated cost: Unknown

The late bride (she passed away in 2001) wore a magnificent Christian Dior dress to her 1951 wedding that was covered in silver lamé studded with pearls, 6,000 diamonds and 20,000 feathers — the definition of couture.

Estimated cost: Unknown, but considering it's a Dior, we'd guess a lot.

For her 1995 nuptials, the bride wore a silk ivory Valentino was adorned with appliquéd roses, while smaller flowers decorated the lace bodice. The scalloped veil was made from four-and-a-half metres of Chantilly lace and embroidered with butterflies and the diamond tiara was borrowed from the groom's mother, Queen Anne-Marie. It all made for an epic royal wedding for Marie-Chantal and Prince Pavlos.

Estimated cost: $225,000 (USD)