There is something momentous with weddings. The vary nature of a wedding – the ceremony (a the rite of passage during which two people are married) and the reception (the festivities celebrating the ceremony) – makes it a significant event. But there have been some weddings throughout history that make them one of the most iconic weddings in history.
What makes an iconic wedding “iconic?” Well, a variety of reasons. Each of the following weddings is considered iconic for different reasons – whether it be elegance, romance, grace, style, humor, and even kitsch.
Here are the top 6 iconic weddings:
Iconic Wedding #1: The wedding of the Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson (1937)
What makes this wedding iconic is that Edward, (the great-grandson of Queen Victoria) who was the King of England chose love over status. Wallis Simpson was divorced, which was considered to be politically and socially unacceptable for the spouse of the king, known as a queen consort (the wife of a reigning king).
Edward’s love was so great that he abdicated the thrown. His brother George then inherited the thrown, and bestowed the title of Duke of Windsor to Edward.
Iconic Wedding #2: The wedding of Jacqueline Bouvier and John Kennedy (1953)
Style, elegance, grace, and charm are words that best describe Jacqueline Bouvier. She married then-senator John F. Kennedy at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Newport, Rhode Island, and was often called “the most beautiful wedding ever.” Over 800 guests attended their wedding, which was officiated by the Archbishop of Boston.
Her wedding own was designed by Ann Lowe and was made of ivory silk taffeta and had a portrait neckline, rosette motifs, and a bouffant skirt. But the dress worn by Jackie is actually the second dress Lowe made. The first dress was destroyed by a flood just 10 days before the wedding. Lowe then had 10 days to completely remake the dress. Her lace veil, which belonged to her grandmother, was her “something borrowed.”
Iconic Wedding #3: The wedding of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III of Monaco (1956)
The epitome of Hollywood royalty, Grace Kelly was an actress known for her roles in movies such as To Catch a Thief, Dial M for Murder, Rear Window (a personal favorite!), and High Society (her last movie). She became actual royalty when she wed Prince Ranier III, becoming “Her Serene Highness The Princess of Monaco”.
Her wedding gown is considered to be one of the most recognizable of all time. It featured a high neckline and sleeves, and was made from antique Brussels lace and hundreds of tiny pearls hand-sewn onto the fabric. For her bouquet, she carried a prayer book and small bunch of lilies of the valley.
Iconic Wedding #4: The wedding of Tiny Tim and Miss Vicki (1969)
Publicity stunt? Who’s to say. Musician Tiny Tim married Vicki Budinger on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson”. Not counting Carson’s final episode in 1992, this episode was the most watched with over 40 million viewers (some sources say over 45 Million). Tiny Tim was a novelty performer whose best known hit is “Tiptoe Through The Tulips.”
Iconic Wedding #5: The wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer (1981)
Why is this wedding so iconic? Where to start?
The people – 3,500 guests attended the ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral, and an additional 750 million worldwide watched on television.
The dress – designed by Elizabeth and David Emanuel, Diana’s dress was made of ivory silk taffeta, was decorated with lace, hand embroidery, sequins, 10,000 pearls, and had a 25-foot train.
The music – They had three choirs, three orchestras and a fanfare ensemble.
Iconic Wedding #6: The Wedding of Princess Buttercup and Prince Humperdinck (1987)
Although this wedding took place in the world of movies, and not real life, it has influenced how many couples have planned their own weddings. (I have worked with not one, but two different couples who incorporated the words of the “Impressive Clergyman” into their own ceremonies).
The script says “He has an impediment that would stop a clock.”
Mawidge… mawidge is what bwings
us togewer today…
Mawidge, the bwessed awwangement,
that dweam wiffim a dweam…
… Ven wuv, twoo wuv, wiw fowwow
you fowever.
What iconic weddings would you add to the list? Let me know in the comments below!
Photo Credits:
Wallis Simpson & Edward VIII – Encyclopedia Britannica
Jacqueline Bouvier & John Kennedy – trialsanderrors via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Diana Spencer and Prince Charles – Joe Haupt via Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean
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