At One Fab Day, we’re passionate about celebrity weddings, but we often look back at iconic ceremonies from the past – the 1960s and 1970s, to be specific. These decades were a golden era for celebrity nuptials, shaping wedding styles that continue to inspire brides today. We’ve compiled stunning photographs of these vintage dresses in one place, perfect for adding a touch of nostalgia to your civil ceremony or part-one wedding moodboard.
The beauty of 1960s and 1970s celebrity weddings lies in their understated elegance, making them an excellent source of inspiration for a relaxed yet romantic celebration.
Celebrity Wedding Dresses from the 60s & 70s
Priscilla Presley, 1967
The union of Elvis and Priscilla Presley remains an unforgettable moment in celebrity wedding history. The couple’s decision to hold their intimate ceremony and lavish reception at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas resulted in a truly unforgettable celebration, complete with a stunning five-foot wedding cake. However, it was Priscilla’s timeless wedding-day look that has left an indelible mark on bridal fashion.
To this day, brides continue to draw inspiration from her understated yet elegant pearl-embellished gown, paired with a signature bouffant hairstyle and a retro-inspired short veil. The crowning glory of her look was undoubtedly the dramatic eye makeup, characterized by bold liners that added a touch of glamour to her overall appearance.
Elizabeth Taylor, 1964
While Elizabeth Taylor’s eight marriages may have been a challenge for anyone to keep track of, selecting a standout look from her extensive bridal wardrobe is an equally daunting task. However, this vintage-inspired ensemble, worn during her marriage to Richard Burton in the early 1970s, is undeniably captivating. The canary yellow chiffon dress, featuring a babydoll design, was paired with an eye-catching emerald and diamond brooch.
Completing the look was a dramatic braid hairstyle, adorned with a show-stopping flower crown crafted from hyacinth and lily of the valley blooms.
Syreeta Wright, 1970
On July 21, 1970, Syreeta Wright walked down the aisle as Stevie Wonder’s bride, donning an understated yet breathtaking ivory gown with a classic round neckline and striking flared sleeves. The elegant simplicity of the dress allowed Syreeta to add her own touch of glamour with a corsage of fresh lilies and two sleek side buns, a hairstyle that would later gain fame through Princess Leia’s iconic look in Star Wars seven years hence.
Bianca Jagger, 1971
Bianca Jagger’s iconic wedding attire in 1971 is a must-mention when discussing the most memorable wedding dresses of the 1960s and 1970s. Her union with Mick Jagger at Saint Tropez Town Hall was marked by her bold fashion choice – a tailored, two-piece skirt suit designed by Yves Saint Laurent. What made this look truly unforgettable was Bianca’s decision to wear YSL’s iconic Le Smoking jacket sans blouse, adding an air of sophistication and elegance.
To complete the ensemble, she donned a wide-brimmed, veiled sun hat and ankle-strap, peep-toe heels that added a touch of whimsy to her overall aesthetic. Whether you’re planning a civil ceremony or a lavish party, Bianca’s 1970s-inspired look is sure to bring a dash of glamour and style to your special day.
Mia Farrow, 1966
Mia Farrow’s 1960s-inspired wedding attire at her union with Frank Sinatra remains an iconic fashion moment. The ceremony took place at a Las Vegas residence belonging to one of Sinatra’s friends, setting the stage for Farrow’s mod and sophisticated look. Her pixie cut added an edgy touch to her overall style, which was perfectly captured by her knee-length ivory skirt suit featuring a double-breasted jacket and a striking bow at the waistline.
This timeless ensemble would be just as stunning on a modern bride today. The actress’s reception attire, a sheer lace overlay dress, was certainly elegant, but it’s her ceremony look that continues to inspire fashion enthusiasts.
Audrey Hepburn, 1969
Audrey Hepburn’s wedding style was as iconic as her on-screen presence. While she famously wore stunning dresses in films like ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’, her real-life weddings showcased a more understated elegance. One such occasion was her 1969 union with Andrea Dotti, where she opted for a chic and minimalist ensemble. Givenchy, her long-time friend and collaborator, designed a pale pink minidress featuring a funnel neckline and matching headscarf-style headpiece.
This effortlessly elegant look was completed by simple white ballet flats, making it one of the sweetest and most memorable celebrity wedding dresses of the decade.
Yoko Ono, 1969
Yoko Ono and John Lennon’s wedding, often overshadowed by their famous bed-in for peace protest, was a low-key affair that took place in Gibraltar during their honeymoon. The unconventional couple opted for a relaxed, casual attire, with Yoko donning a white two-piece outfit featuring a layered miniskirt, wide-brimmed hat, and knee-length socks to match John’s polo neck and cord combo.
For brides looking to recreate this laid-back vibe at a non-traditional wedding or civil ceremony, swapping the plimsolls for knee-length boots could add a touch of 1960s flair.
Farrah Fawcett, 1973
Farrah Fawcett’s 1973 wedding to Lee Majors is a nostalgic gem for fans of retro style, boasting a bold, romantic, and quintessential look from the decade. Her bridal ensemble featured a flowing gown with a cinched waist and cuffs, but it was the dramatic, voluminous sleeves that truly stole the show. Completing her relaxed yet stunning appearance were open-toed sandals and a floppy sun hat adorned with fabric bows, adding a playful touch to the overall aesthetic.
Candice Bergen, 1968
While not strictly a wedding dress from Candice Bergen’s real life, her stunning bridal look in the 1970 film The Adventurers is impossible to ignore. This vintage masterpiece combines the elegance of Grace Kelly with the opulence of late 1960s fashion. The high neckline, long sleeves and intricate floral patterns on the bodice and skirt create a showstopping ensemble that could effortlessly dominate a modern-day bridal catwalk.
Maureen Cox, 1965
When Ringo Starr’s wife Maureen Cox exchanged vows with the legendary musician, she opted for understated elegance on her big day. Her pleated skirt suit and pillbox hat combo, finished with a charming bow, served as a stunning example of effortless chic. This subtle yet sophisticated look is perfect for brides seeking a refined, low-key aesthetic for a civil ceremony or intimate elopement.
Alana Stewart, 1979
In 1979, the epitome of elegance was embodied by an off-the-shoulder gown with campesino-inspired lace appliqué. This style, worn by Alana Stewart for her wedding to Rod Stewart, showcased a quintessential blend of romance and sophistication. The delicate beauty of Alana’s baby’s breath flower crown added a whimsical touch, while her lace gloves hinted at the bold and daring bridal styles that would emerge in the 1980s.
Ginger Rogers, 1961
Ginger Rogers, the iconic movie star, opted for understated elegance when she tied the knot with bandleader William Marshall for the fifth time. Despite her low-key approach to her wedding look, fashion enthusiasts will be struck by her timeless bridal style. Her choice of a chic skirt suit, complete with a wide lapel and oversized buttons, is quintessential late 1950s and early 1960s glamour.
The overall ensemble was rounded out with a veiled pillbox hat, short gloves, classic heels, and a simple string of pearls. For those looking for inspiration for their own 60s-inspired wedding hair or makeup look, there are plenty of options to explore on the topic or by following One Fab Day on Instagram for more ideas.
