If you are looking for inspiration for your wedding, nothing could be better than the fabulous nuptials of international style icon Grace Kelly. Her 1956 wedding to Prince Rainier of Monaco was watched by thirty million viewers on television, all eager to see the exquisite couture gown that Miss Kelly would wear down the aisle. They were not disappointed ? the long sleeved lace gown made fashion and wedding history as one of the most elegant bridal gowns of all time. It became an instant classic.

Princess Grace's gown was a gift from MGM Studios. It consisted of 25 yards of silk taffeta and 100 yards of silk net, peau de soie, tulle, and 125 year old Belgian rose point lace. She wore a Juliet cap embellished with seed pearls and orange blossoms, and was the picture of poise and, yes, grace. It took 36 seamstresses to create Grace Kelly's incredible bridal gown. With its' fitted bodice and full skirt, the gown was au courant in 1956, and remains the pinnacle of timeless good taste today.

Many brides adore Grace Kelly's divine style, and would love to add a sprinkle of her graciousness to their own wedding. Even if you are not able to afford a couture gown, and your fiance is a prince only in your eyes, there are ways to indulge your royal wedding fantasies without a royal wedding budget. Simply let the principles of elegance, timeless beauty, and high fashion guide you as you plan your wedding.

Because Grace Kelly was known above all for her cool beauty and impeccable taste, the bridal ensemble will be very important to a bride trying to emulate her style. Look for a wedding gown with classic lines. To reassure the people of Monaco that she would be a proper princess, not a flashy Hollywood actress, Miss Kelly chose to wear a gown with very demure styling. Today's brides may prefer a more open neckline, but for a cool weather wedding, lace long sleeves like the princess wore would be truly lovely. Alternatively, you could choose a strapless gown and wear a fitted lace jacket or shrug over it for the ceremony. This would be especially nice if your ceremony will be held in a house of worship, to show respect for religious customs. There is something refreshing about showing less, rather than more, skin.

Brides have always loved pearls, and Grace Kelly was no exception. Her bridal ensemble was decorated with hundreds of handsewn seed pearls. In addition, Prince Rainier presented her with a spectacular diamond and pearl bridal jewelry set from Van Cleef & Arpel as a wedding gift. To achieve similar elegance on a more affordable scale, choose handcrafted pearl bridal jewelry accented with Swarovski crystals. Select classic pieces such as pearl and crystal drop earrings and strands for timeless beauty.

For d'cor, take your inspiration from the Princess's garden. Miss Kelly's wedding flowers included white lilacs, hydrangea, lilies, and snapdragons. In addition, orange blossoms adorned her headpiece. This choice may have sent a message, as orange blossoms symbolize fertility and purity. It was a well known fact that Prince Rainier needed to produce an heir to the throne in order to ensure Monaco's independence from France. Apparently the orange blossoms worked, because Princess Caroline was born nine months after the wedding!

The divine elegance and breathtaking beauty of Princess Grace helped to put Monaco on the map. Even years after her death, she remains one of our top style icons of all time. Grace Kelly's wedding reflected her exquisite taste, and she serves as a wonderful inspiration for brides everywhere.