The Most Glamorous Gowns of the 1980s

Princess Diana with Prince Charles on their wedding day

The 1980s had a lot of iconic fashion trends for wedding dresses. From puffy sleeves to short or hi-low hemlines, there’s no doubt everyone remembers 80s fashion.

We’re taking a trip down memory lane to reminisce over the most glamorous gowns of the decade, specifically celebrities who said “I do” in the 80s. Here are some of our favorite styles that we still love today.

1. Princess Diana – 1981

Courtesy: David Levenson/Getty via People

Princess Diana leads the top of our list, of course. Not only is her princess wedding gown considered one of the most iconic wedding dresses in history but more than 750-million people watched the wedding ceremony between Princess Diana and Prince Charles.

The gown itself, designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, was a dramatic ivory silk taffeta gown, embellished with lace, ruffles, sequins and pearls in a heart motif and featured a stunning 25-foot train.

It was truly amazing and so memorable. In fact, a backup dress was made just in case the details of her gown were leaked before the big day. Talk about high priority!

2. Madonna – 1985

Courtesy: Herb Ritts via Twitter @Tom_TheSequel

Known as a fashion-forward pop icon, Madonna was simply fabulous on her wedding day (no surprise here). She had a top-secret wedding ceremony with actor Sean Penn at a cliff-top mansion in Malibu in August of 1985. Many famous friends were in attendance, including Tom Cruise, Andy Warhol, Carrie Fisher and Diane Keaton.

Madonna’s gown was nothing short of amazing. Her strapless ball gown, designed by Marlene Stewart, had a sweetheart neckline with a fitted corset bodice and large pink flowers with a pleated white tulle skirt.

To top it all off, a daring black bowler hat with tulle to resemble a veil. It was definitely a show-stopping look.

3. Sarah Ferguson – 1986

Sarah Ferguson with Prince Andrew on their wedding day

Courtesy: Getty via Martha Stewart

When Sarah Ferguson wed Prince Andrew, she was the epitome of a fairytale princess. In true 80s fashion, the duchess satin gown featured long, slightly puffy sleeves and a 17-foot long train.

The bride asked designer Lindka Cierach to add some special touches to her gown. The couple’s initials were embroidered into the fabric on the train along with bees and thistles for her family’s crest and anchors and waves to honor Prince Andrew’s naval career.

The final touch was a york diamond tiara, commissioned by her mother-in-law the Queen, atop a 20-foot long veil. She looked absolutely stunning to say the least.

4. Demi Moore – 1987

Courtesy: GMA via Daily Mail

Considered a power couple in the late 80s, actress Demi Moore wed actor Bruce Willis within just four months of meeting. The Hollywood duo eloped and were married at the Golden Nugget hotel in Las Vegas in 1987, followed by an elaborate 2nd ceremony in December of that year where Little Richard officiated.

Demi has always been known for having a great sense of style, but her lace wedding dress was stunning. It featured long sleeves and a high neck and looked amazing on her.

5. Rita Wilson – 1988

Courtesy: Jim Smeal/WireImage via People

If a short wedding dress is your thing, then you’ll remember (and totally love) the fun and flirty cocktail number that Rita Wilson wore on her wedding day.

The actress pledged her love to actor Tom Hanks in a short bodycon-style dress adorned with ruffles and lace. She finished the look with an updo and simple veil.

While her 80s wedding-day look hasn’t stood the test of time, her marriage definitely has. The couple have been married for 35 years, proving they definitely have a friend in each other.