History's Most Expensive A-List Wedding Gowns

Serena Williams @People.com | Sarah Ferguson ©Photo by Derek Hudson/Getty Images ©/

Weddings are important events that are meant to commemorate the union of two people in love, but they are also infamously pricey. According to The Knot, the typical American spends about $1,600 on a wedding dress, but the more wealthy you are, the more expensive it is.

In fact, several of the A-list wedding gowns are more expensive than our entire homes. In rare circumstances, they could even purchase a whole residential complex. These well-known figures, ranging from monarchy to Sony artists, spent no money when it came to their ideal outfits.

1. Ariana Grande

Price: $100,000-$150,000*

Designed by: Vera Wang 

One of the richest singers in the industry, Ariana Grande, donned a stunning garment that could have cost up to $150,000. The ivory charmeuse column dress by Vera Wang had a split in the skirt, a low scooped back, and a corseted bodice.

Photo: Stefan Kohli

When it comes to her wedding attire, Grande was going for an Audrey-Hepburn-inspired style. For her nuptials to businessman Dalton Gomez, a Vera Wang Haute gown was specially constructed. In Montecito, California, at Grande's estate, Gomez and Grande were wed. The couple received millions of likes for their big day and had a small, informal wedding.

2. Gisele Bundchen

Price: Unknown

Designed by: John Galliano 

Gisele Bundchen had a stunning wedding day appearance. On February 26, 2009, the two quickly planned a modest, private ceremony in which the Brazilian supermodel wed NFL quarterback Tom Brady. The couple did not make photographs from the intimate ceremony public until their ninth wedding anniversary.

The star of the show was Bundchen's outfit. She was dressed in a white, strapless gown by Galliano with a lengthy train. The bridal veil and the lace accents battled it out for the appearance. White flowers in tiny sizes were sewn on the veil. Bundchen changed into an ivory slip dress after her evening gown for the afterparty, which was a little cookout at their property.

3. Lucille Ball

Price: Unknown (Not a Gown)

Designed by: Unknown

I Love Lucy star Lucille Ball broke yet another wedding day tradition by wearing black wool instead of the customary white-on-white attire. Ball and Desi Arnaz were wed in a secret ceremony that Arnaz organized.

Lucille Ball ©Archive Photos / Gettyimages.com

Due to scheduling conflicts, the two were unable to elope together. Arnaz picked a date for their wedding after growing impatient with the delays. There was an issue, though, and Ball was unable to retrieve her clothing from the motel she had checked into. She was required to don the same black wool attire she wore the day before to her own wedding. When she realized she wouldn't be being married in a white dress but rather in a less formal wedding gown, she declared herself "fit to be tied."

4. Piper Perabo

Price: $8,000-$12,000*

Designed by: Michael Kors

Actress Piper Perabo looked stunning for her wedding in New York City in a very unconventional gown created by Michael Kors. The Coyote Ugly actress selected a shiny silver floor-length gown with an animal design and long sleeves for her outdoor wedding.

Piper Perabo @jmarroyo7 / Pinterest.com

With a sheen that was almost chrome, Perabo made sure that she would be the center of attention on her special day. The outfit was anything but conventional, especially with the long yellow veil. Her husband matched her unusual outfit with a loose-fitting navy suit and a grey fedora.

5. Drew Barrymore

Price: $20,000-$40,000*

Designed by: Karl Lagerfeld (Chanel)

Reviews of Drew Barrymore's wedding dress were divided, but as long as she is content wearing it, who cares? Barrymore, who was expecting at the time, had the dress made for her by Chanel's very own Karl Lagerfeld.

Drew Barrymore @SareJayneHurley / Pinterest.com

The muslin and organza were used to create the white, pleated dress. Additionally, it wasn't off-the-rack; Lagerfeld made it just for her. The embroidered muslin, organza, tulle, and feather flowers, as well as the black satin belt, were all ideal touches for Barrymore's wedding. Barrymore participated in the dress' design, even going to Lagerfeld's Paris studio to collaborate with the Chanel team.

6. Lady Kitty Spencer

Price: $40,000*

Designed by: Dolce & Gabbana

Lady Kitty Spencer, often known as Princess Diana's niece, has always been well-known. The Dolce & Gabbana brand ambassador dressed up for her nuptials to 62-year-old businessman Michael Lewis in no less than five outfits.

Lady Kitty Spencer @onefabday / Pinterest.com

Spencer donned a Victorian-inspired lace gown for her vows that made her appear every bit the fairytale beauty. One of her other outfits was a blue floral D&G dress. Kitty stole the show, but the next in line for the crown was fashion. The guests had a great time at the Italian wedding.

7. Paris Hilton

Price: $1,000 for the engagement dress and thousands more*

Designed by: Retrofête

Paris Hilton has been in several engagements, but the reality TV star has always given each relationship a fresh appearance. She proposed to British businessman Carter Reum in 2021 while wearing a Retrofête-created gown. The gorgeous white sequined dress costs more than $1,000 at retail.

Paris Hilton @vogue/@people

Paris has stated publicly that she wanted more than one dress for her wedding, not simply the one she would wear to walk down the aisle. However, this is not her official wedding gown. The Hilton family will probably spend a lot of money on Paris' wedding!

8. Reese Witherspoon

Price: $2,900-$4,900*

Designed by: Monique Lhuillier 

Famous for her elegant shapes and ethereal fabrics, Monique Lhuillier is a go-to bridal designer for both celebrities and regular people. Reese Witherspoon, a famous client of the label, chose Lhuillier to create her wedding dress for her 2011 nuptials to Jim Toth.

Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth | Image: Instagram

Although Witherspoon's dress is a traditional Lhuillier design, it has a modern touch. The gown is pink, not the customary white or ivory. It had a bustier-style bustier bodice, a simple A-line skirt, and no straps. It was the gown that "captured everyone's attention," according to Brides.com.

9. Kelly Clarkson

Price: $1,750*

Designed by: Jessamine from Temperley

On her wedding day, singer Kelly Clarkson exuded beauty. The American Idol contestant accessorized her lacy white Jessamine from Temperley dress with a Maria Elena headpiece, a vibrant arrangement of flowers, and a clutch.

Kelly Clarkson @peterjdilorenzo / Pinterest.com

The actual dress has a boho aesthetic. Although Clarkson admitted to trying on dresses by Vera Wang, she didn't think any of them could be "the one." It was difficult for her to choose the Temperley, but she did so after realizing that the A-line silhouette embodied her "personality in a garment." The dress was "a bit rock 'n roll, a little ragged, sweetly ruined, and [not] a princess thing," according to Clarkson.

10. Alexandra Lenas

Price: $30,000*

Designed by: Elie Saab Haute CoutureGl

The dress worn by Alexandra Lenas was one of the "breathtaking" celebrity wedding attires of 2013, according to amour. Lenas' outfit, which was created by Elie Saab Haute Couture, complemented the medieval concept of the dream wedding wonderfully. In Big Sur, Lenas wed Sean Parker, and the wedding was absolutely extravagant.

Alexandra Lenas @PageSix / Twitter.com

Photos from the singer-wedding songwriter's show her wearing a dress with a lengthy train and elaborate embroidery. The photography was conducted in a heavily forested area, which added to the mysterious, storybook charm. The Ventana Inn served as the venue for the $4.5 million wedding. Celebrities including Olivia Munn, Emma Watson, and Jack Dorsey were on the guest list for the wedding.

11. Princess Diana

Price: $208,620*

Designed by: David and Elizabeth Emanuel

The late, great Princess Diana's wedding dress was one of fashion's best-kept secrets for a very long time. The veil cost $34,750, whereas the gown was worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Princess Diana's wedding gown included a 25-foot train, 153-yard tulle veil, and was fashioned of ivory silk taffeta and vintage lace.

Princess Diana ©Fox Photos / Gettyimages.com

The garment was created by Elizabeth and David Emanuel with the intention of astonishment. The Emanuels desired something "dramatic" that would "go down in history." Princess Di herself chose the designers after falling in love with one of their chiffon blouses.

12. Mariah Carey

Price: $25,000*

Designed by: Vera Wang 

Whatever you may think of Mariah Carey, she never does anything without a show. She had a stunning bridal gown during her nuptials to music entrepreneur Tommy Mottola. The famed Vera Wang created the dress, which had a sweetheart neckline.

Mariah Carey ©Rick Maiman / Gettyimages

It had a twenty-seven-foot train that six helpers were needed to lift. Vera Wang has long been associated with the wedding dress market, and stars like Sharon Stone and Mariah Carey have sported some of her exquisite designs. The June 1993 wedding may not have gone as planned, but the voluminous, satiny dress pretty well stole the show.

13. Keely Shaye Smith

Price: $60,000*

Designed by: Richard Tyler

One of the most costly wedding dresses on this list belongs to Keely Shaye Smith. The journalist wore a white floor-length dress with an Irish lace cape on top. The dresses had removable sleeves, which was a distinctive feature we haven't seen on many of the others so far.

The dress's designer is Richard Tyler. It was embellished with hand-sewn freshwater pearls and pearl-encrusted embellishments. Due to their thicker nacre layer, freshwater pearls are less likely to flake or chip than other types of pearls. In contrast, saltwater pearls are bigger and have a thinner nacre coating, making them more prone to damage.

14. Hailey Baldwin

Price: $130,000*

Designed by: Virgil Abloh 

As you might anticipate, one of Hollywood's hottest new designers, Virgil Abloh, created the outfit for one of its most popular stars. For her nuptials to pop sensation Justin Bieber, Hailey Baldwin wore three different outfits. According to Baldwin, her Off-White wedding dress was a "fantasy come to life."

Hailey Baldwin @voguemagazine / Twitter.com

The lace off-the-shoulder dress had a mermaid skirt, long sleeves, and an exceptionally long train. Her distinctive veil, which read "TILL DEATH DO US PART" in block lettering (Abloh's signature) at the end of the cloth, emphasized the sweetheart neckline.

15. Elizabeth Taylor

Price: $187,931*

Designed by: Helen Rose 

Who can be shocked that actress Elizabeth Taylor had eight wedding gowns throughout the course of her life considering how unsubtle she was? Here is a picture of her first wedding dress, which was fashioned by Grace Kelly's wedding dress designer and costume designer Helen Rose.

Snap/Shutterstock

Taylor's wedding gown, which MGM Studios paid for, was modeled after the outfit she wore in Father of the Bride. The traditional, full-skirted dress took fifteen people three months to complete and was covered with seed pearls. Conrad Hilton, a hotel magnate, and Taylor Hilton wed in Beverly Hills' Church of the Good Shepherd.

16. Madonna

Price: $80,000*

Designed by: Marlene Stewart

The most distinctive element of Madonna's wedding dress, which was connected to a black bowler hat, was undoubtedly the veil. The garment, which reportedly cost $80,000, was worn by the rock icon when she wed actor Sean Penn in the 1980s (adjusting for inflation). On Julien's Live, it was auctioned off for $81,250.

Source: todayinmadonnahistory.com

The ivory wedding dress was made of tulle and featured a sweetheart neckline, a boneless bodice, and a ruched tulle skirt. Adding the final touch to the bodice was a pink flowery ribbon that was angled. If Madonna's dress was the original "daring bride" style, The Knot questioned it. She most likely was, as evidenced by the tulle-topped bowler hat.

17. Sarah Ferguson

Price: $45,000*

Designed by: Lindka Cierach 

Sarah Ferguson's wedding dress was created by Lindka Cierach for her 1986 marriage to Prince Andrew. Ferguson wore a dress made of ivory Duchesse satin with substantial beading. The beadwork featured images of hearts, thistles, bumblebees, anchors, and waves.

Only a few hours after Ferguson's wedding, copies of her gown went on sale. According to reports, the stunning gown was inspired by Princess Diana's outfit. The initials "A&S" were entwined on the seventeen-foot-long train and were fashioned of silver beads. According to reports, Ferguson shed 26 pounds to fit into her ideal dress. Cierach was referred to by Fergie as "a genius" who could create the "most flattering gown in the world."

18. Princess Eugenie

Price: $135,000*

Designed by: Christopher De Vos and Peter Pilotto 

The ivory, long-sleeved wedding dress worn by Princess Eugenie was made by Christopher De Vos and Peter Pilotto. Although Eugenie has a reputation for being brave, the low-backed gown was a fashion risk. According to Princess Eugenie, who spoke to Vogue, she was "very certain" about her attire.

Princess Eugenie @dailymail / Pinterest.com

She was aware of the style and designer she preferred. Although Eugenie admitted that she had never anticipated becoming so rigid, she was "quite on top of it" when it came to getting her outfit just perfect. Layer by layer, De Vos and Pilotto made Eugenie's dress, scheduling fittings in between each stage.

19. Queen Letizia

Price: $8 million*

Designed by: Manuel Pertegaz 

When she wed King Felipe in 2004, Queen Letizia of Spain wore the most expensive gown in royal history. The outfit, which cost an incredible $8 million, was created by Royal courtier Manuel Pertegaz. The dress' high price was in part due to the actual gold used in its embroidery.

Queen Letizia @prkrity / Pinterest.com

The lengthy train and high neck of the flowing white gown. At the age of 87, Pertegaz outdid himself in the creation of this wedding gown. The Almudena Cathedral in Madrid served as the location of the wedding. Letizia enjoyed fame as a news anchor before ascending to the throne.

20. Kim Zolciak

Price: $58,000*

Designed by: Leanne Marshall

As a member of the Real Housewives of Atlanta group on Bravo, Kim Zolciak first gained notoriety. Kim was completely open in the series, sharing with the world the ups and downs of parenting, singledom, and finally, falling in love. In 2017, she wed Kroy Biermann in a lovely seaside ceremony.

Kim Zolciak @AOLdotcom / Pinterest.com

Being Kim, she wasn't going to wear a Macy's off-the-rack item. Instead, she asked designer Leanne Marshall to assist her in making the garment of her dreams. The princess-style ball gown was made at a staggering $58,000.

21. Jessica Biel

Price: $100,000*

Designed by: Giambattista Valli

In 2012, Justin Timberlake wed actress Jessica Biel, fulfilling a real Hollywood fantasy. The former member of the boy band thought he was going to marry Cameron Diaz at one point, but when that didn't work out, he found his true love.

Jessica Biel @cristetat / Pinterest.com

The actress from Netflix made the decision to do something a little unusual and commissioned Giambattista Valli to design something exquisite for her wedding. Even though it was somewhat expensive, the end product was a stunning pink ruffled gown that was ideal for their Italian wedding.

22. Kim Kardashian

Price: $500,000

Designed by: Riccardo Tisci

It seemed like two worlds collided when Kanye West, the hip-hop sensation, and Kim Kardashian got together. On their wedding day, the reality personality and the singer didn't cut any corners. As you may expect, the attire played a significant role in the celebrations.

Kim Kardashian @RapUp / Twitter.com

Kim's dress, which was designed by Riccardo Tisci, reportedly cost more than $500,000. That's a significant sum of money, but when you consider how much this ex-couple was worth, it was but a drop in the bucket. The slim white gown still looks fantastic on Instagram today as it did back then.

23. Pippa Middleton

Price: $52,000*

Designed by: Giles Deacon

Pippa Middleton, the sister of the Duchess of Cambridge, initially caused a stir in 2011 when she walked in front of Kate to fix the train on her gown as she wed Prince William. When Pippa married James Matthews six years later, it was Pippa's turn to make her own way down the aisle.

Pippa Middleton @hollywoodlife / Pinterest.com

Although Pippa's wedding gown shared many characteristics with Kate's, it was still completely distinct and stunning. The lacey piece was created by Giles Deacon, who received a salary of about $52,000. That's not too bad, especially since the outfit was featured in publications like the New York Times.

24. Salma Hayek

Price: $434,000*

Designed by: Nicolas Ghesquiere

Salma Hayek, an actress, has always been known for her stunning beauty, so it was only right that her wedding gown emphasized that. No expense was spent on the icon's marriage to Francois-Henri Pinault in 2009.

Salma Hayek @SirmioneWedding / Twitter.com

Hayek reportedly spent $434,000 on a Nicolas Ghesquiere gown, but it was well worth the money. Hayek looked stunning as she walked down the aisle in her intricately embroidered bodice and full, voluminous skirt. 150 guests attended the extravagant ceremony, including celebrities such Sony actor Ed Norton.

25. Amal Clooney

Price: $380,000*

Designed by: Oscar de la Renta

Even though George Clooney had already been married once in the 1980s, it seemed for a while that he would never be hitched again. That all changed, though, when he met Amal, a formidable human rights lawyer.

Amal Clooney @josephine31 / Pinterest.com

The couple fell in love right away and married in Venice, Italy, in 2014. Even though the event was attended by a host of celebrities, no one noticed the former AT&T Warner Bros. Batman star. They were admiring Amal in her magnificent Oscar de la Renta dress, which reportedly cost $380,000.

26. Meghan Markle

Price: $147,000*

Designed by: Weight Keller for Givenchy 

Many compared Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's romance to the unlikely union of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III. The pair hasn't, unfortunately, had an easy go of it. Their wedding day, however, received the same amount of attention as Prince William and Kate Middleton's own ceremony.

Meghan Markle @Shopify / Pinterest.com

For her big day, Markle worked with Givenchy designer Weight Keller to produce the ideal understated dress. The reported price was in excess of $147,000, which is a significant sum of money. As with most things involving Meghan, the former Comcast actress's decision was divisive. Some believed it to be overly basic.

27. Serena Williams

Price: $3.5 million*

Designed by: Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen

Given her prowess on and off the court, Serena Williams has amassed a very outstanding net worth of over $210 million. When the tennis star wed Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian in 2017, she wasn't hesitant to write a big check.

Serena Williams @parismimi / Pinterest.com

Major newspapers, tabloids, and social media platforms including as Facebook all featured Serena's outfit. One of the most costly wedding dresses ever seen, the magnificent feathery gown with a sweetheart neckline was created by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen at an estimated cost of $3.5 million.

28. Marie-Chantal Miller

Price: $225,000*

Designed by: Valentino

Despite having been born in London, Marie-Chantal Miller wed Pavlos, the Greek Crown Prince, in 1995. The British beauty hired Valentino to create the ideal wedding dress, which turned her into a vision in white.

Marie-Chantal Miller @dlisset1623 / @buzzfeed / Pinterest.com

Amazingly, Miller's dress was more expensive than Meghan Markle's, coming in at over $225,000. If the bride's smile was any indication, the lovely vintage-inspired outfit was well worth every penny. The tulip-shaped front and the modest yet lovely 4.5-meter lace train were well-liked.

29. Victoria Swarovski

Price: $1 million*

Designed by: Michael Cinco

Your future is essentially certain when you are a member of a family as well-established as the Swarovski family. It didn't matter that Victoria Swarovski was only 22 when she wed Werner Murz in 2017. The spending limit was set as high as she desired.

Victoria Swarovski @FasqueCastle / Twitter.com

Like any other young bride-to-be (and model), Victoria spent $1 million on the exquisite ball gown created by Michael Cinco. The transparent bodice with its intricate ornamentation was striking and distinctive. Plus, it was appropriately sparkling given Victoria's family history.

30. Chiara Ferragni

Price: $420,000*

Designed by: Maria Grazia Chiuri

Chiara Ferragni, an Italian influencer, wed X-Factor judge Fedez in 2018, much to the joy of her fans. Naturally, Ferragni shared a ton of photos from the joyful event, including several shots of her stunning garment.

Chiara Ferragni @weddywood / Pinterest.com

The dress, which was created by Maria Grazia Chiuri, was every bit as stunning as you might anticipate. As soon as Chiara entered the room wearing the unique dress, everyone turned to look at her. Who can you trust if you can't count on an influencer to perform at their wedding? Who's counting if the dress costs $420,000 or not?

31. Kate Middleton

Price: $545,000*

Designed by: Sarah Burton

The British public was overjoyed when Prince William and Kate Middleton's long-awaited nuptials took place in 2011 after many years of courtship. Millions of people throughout the world, in addition to Britons, watched the union.

Kate Middleton @wabbey / Twitter.com

The Sarah Burton dress worn by Kate Middleton, which reportedly cost $545,000 to make, was a complete showstopper. Whether on purpose or not, Kate Middleton's dress was an instant classic, inspiring brides to select comparable designs all across the world. The price is reasonable given how many people would see the clothing.

32. Coleen Rooney

Price: $392,000*

Designed by: Marchesa 

Coleen Rooney may not be well-known to Americans, but in the UK, she is regarded as one of the first WAGs, or wives and girlfriends, of well-known footballers. Since they were youngsters, Coleen has been dating soccer player Wayne Rooney.

Coleen Rooney @brides / Pinterest.com

Wayne spent $5 million of his hard-earned money on the couple's lavish wedding in Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy, where they exchanged vows in 2005. Coleen's pricey Marchesa bridal gown contributed to the overall cost. The extravagantly priced strapless gown with a wide, ruffled skirt cost $392,000.

33. Priyanka Chopra

Price: $2 million*

Designed by: Ralph Lauren/Sabyasachi Mukherji 

The stunning $2 million wedding dress worn by actress Priyanka Chopra. The garment was hand-beaded and hand-embroidered, and it was created by Ralph Lauren. The lovely garment was made by fifteen artists over the course of 1,826 hours. The bodice of the dress had 2.4 million high-luster sequins.

Priyanka Chopra @filmystani / Pinterest.com | @Breezy_Breeze10 / Twitter.com

11,000 Swarovski crystals were also used. Phrases, names, and dates important to Chopra and her husband, singer Nick Jonas, were also embroidered on the gown. Chopra chose a Sabyasachi Mukherji gown for her second, traditional Hindu wedding, which required a team of 100 workers and more than 3,000 hours to complete.

34. Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck

Price: Unknown (Believe to Be over $1 million*)

Designed by: Ralph Lauren

After a turbulent romance in the early 2000s that did not end well after more than ten years apart, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck got back together and were married. In addition, J-Lo wouldn't be herself if she didn't have the dress she deemed to be the most stunning one to go down the aisle in. The most stunning dress ever.

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck @WeGlobe/Pinterest

J-Lo consulted Ralph Lauren, the creator of some of her most amazing costumes, to create her ideal wedding dress. For her own collection, Lopez's most recent (and presumably final) bridal gown was made from more than 1,600 feet of cloth and over 1,000 hankies.