Get inspiration for your big day with the most gorgeous bridal-style gowns from Hollywood's hottest red carpets
Yes, while some might declare it to be the ultimate fashion faux pas to be caught in a long white gown on a day that isn't your wedding, we're calling these gorgeous A-listers our wedding dress inspo and celebrating their commitment to an ivory frock.
We never thought we'd suggest looking to the red carpet for wedding dresses, but, as Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, Anne Hathaway and more prove, there is actually a wealth of glamorous style statements out there to mine.
Kate Hudson (left), for example, is an absolute goddess in this vintage style J Mendel gown. She's actually at the London premiere for Kung Fu Panda 3, and we've just cropped a person dressed as a panda out of the frame (new wedding theme trend?) but we're taking her out of this context and sticking her on our Pinterest board all the same.
But why shouldn't our favourite stars do bridal dressing every day, if they so choose? Wedding dresses are fun; you get to dress like a princess and be the centre of attention - just don't spill anything, EVER down all that lovely chiffon.
Beyonce, clearly, loves a long white gown, having sported could-be wedding dresses on several occasions over the last few years. Blake Lively, too, is a repeat wearer and, knowing that the ivory *just suits* her, has worked plenty of staple white dresses into her wardrobe.
Kate Hudson
So, Pinterest boards at the ready, folks, these are our favourite celebrities wearing bridal-style gowns on the red carpet. Just add a veil ...
Kate Hudson
So, Pinterest boards at the ready, folks, these are our favourite celebrities wearing bridal-style gowns on the red carpet. Just add a veil ...
Saoirse Ronan
At the Golden Globes last month, best actress nominee Saoirse made sure all eyes were on her in this Grecian Saint Laurent dress, complete with floor-sweeping train.
Beyonce
Queen Bey showed us that a long white gown doesn't always need to be fussy on the red carpet at the Oscars in 2015. Her Stella McCartney jersey number outlines her figure beautifully.
Anne Hathaway
Anne's worked a few great white dresses over the years, but this, worn to the Dark Knight Rises premiere back in 2012, has got to be our fave. The twisted goddess straps, the V neck detailing... designer Prabal Gurung has made a masterpiece here.
Jennifer Lopez
Leave it to J Lo to present us with the nearly-naked bride. She shimmied down the post-Oscars red carpet in 2015 wearing this clutch of Zuhair Murad threads - and she rocked it.
Blake Lively
Blake Lively LOVES a wedding look (as you will see over the coming slides) and we're particularly keen on this Chanel number, teamed with Sophia Webster heels in Cannes in 2014.
Rooney Mara
At the 2016 Oscars, Rooney Mara gave us the gothic glam bride, teaming her Givenchy couture gown with a dark berry lipstick and slick up-do.
Kerry Washington
Oh what we'd give to borrow Kerry's Miu Miu peplum dress for our big day. She wore the dress to the 2015 Oscars after-party.
Serena Williams
Isn't Serena's white lace gown all kinds of beautiful? She chose this cut-out Galia Lahav dress for the 2016 Oscars after-party.
Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian's actual bridal look is now world famous, but we'd say we love this semi-naked dress by Roberto Cavalli almost as much.
Sofia Vegara
Sofia once joked about the scaffolding required to hold up those, ahem, assets on the red carpet and we can see the beautiful construction that has gone into her Mark Zunino corset.
Angelina Jolie
Ange's Versace column gown was smothered in delicate pearl beads - quite the statement for her By The Sea film premiere in November 2015.
Lupita Nyong'o
At the 2015 Oscars, Lupita showed us that the back of a gown can be as beautiful and important as the front. Her beaded Calvin Klein number is giving us serious #BridalGoals.
Lady Gaga
Gaga styles her long white Azzedine Alaia gown as only she could - with a pair of haute washing up gloves - at the 2015 Oscars.
Julianne Moore
Oscar winner Julianne Moore celebrates her 2015 victory in Chanel Couture - a dress bridal dreams are made of.
Zendaya
Zendaya goes the full bride wearing this frothy tulle Marchesa confection to a totally casual pre-Oscars dinner in 2015. We would if we could too, believe us.
Solange Knowles
Solange's actual wedding day look was groundbreaking - remember the cool cape and that silk jumpsuit? But her Naeem Khan effort at the 2015 Oscars after-party was almost as memorable.
Beyonce
Here's Queen Bey again, rocking another really quite bridal look in 2011. She's launching her fragrance, Pulse, in this feathered Lanvin halter.
Cheryl Cole
Cheryl looked distinctly bridal as she arrived at the launch of new fragrance Storm Flower in 2014. The newly-christened Mrs Fernandez-Versini wore a flowing blush Zuhair Murad gown, complete with sparkling sequins and sweatheart neckline. The only bit we'd leave out for real-life nuptials? The thigh-high split.
Anne Hathaway
Have your fairytale princess moment on your wedding day in an ethereal ivory and silver ruffled dress like Anne Hathaway's Valentino gown at the 2011 Love Ball. Beautiful.
Jessica Chastain
Hollywood newcomer Jessica Chastain proved she's already got her red carpet styling down pat at the Golden Globe Awards in a stunning, pearl-encrusted Givenchy gown. The beauty of this look? It would look just as at home walking up the aisle as it walking up the red carpet. With a delicate train and demure high neck, it would made for a truly standout bride.
Cameron Diaz
Oscar veteran Cameron Diaz pulled out a show-stopping look on the Oscars red carpet, in a form-fitting nude ruffled Gucci gown and an eye-watering $1 million of Tiffany & Co. jewels. Brides looking for a strapless gown should take note of Cameron's style.
Jessica Biel
Despite rumours Justin Timberlake had put a ring on it, there was no sign of an engagement sparkler on the hand of Jessica Biel as she hit the red carpet at Golden Globes in 2012. Maybe the actress decided to drop him a hint by choosing a distinctly bridal-style Elie Saab gown? He certainly got the hint soon after this...
Uma Thurman
Uma Thurman looked a-ma-zing on the red carpet at the opening ceremony of the 2011 Cannes Film Festival in a white Versace dress. Nod to the look in glamorous strapless styles.
Zoe Saldana
Brides looking for a truly show-stopping bridal look, take note. Zoe Saldana shot straight to the top of our best dressed list in her sparkling Givenchy Haute Couture gown at this year's SAG awards - a stunning big-day look if ever we saw one.
Blake Lively
Looking for something a little different? Blake Lively's white Chanel gown with its intricate floral appliqué detailing and sheer skirt would be stunning as a wedding dress. She, however, wore it to the 2011 premiere of Green Lantern.
Elle MacPherson
Australian beauty Elle Macpherson chose a beautiful Zac Posen gown for her moment in the spotlight at the Golden Globe awards in January 2011. One of the most bridal-inspired styles the red carpet has ever seen...
Rooney Mara
Rooney Mara well and truly wowed when she chose an ethereal white backless Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci Couture gown during her Dragon Tattoo publicity trail earlier this year. The delicate sleeves and gentle train would make any bride a vision of elegance.
Kate Beckinsale
Not traditionally bridal in style, Kate Beckinsale's Cannes 2010 premiere look could, however, be perfect for brides-to-be craving some high-octane glamour. Glittering embellishment and the softest pink hue ensure a large dose of style romance, that while not your typical wedding day fare, is no less scene stealing.
Florence Welch
Bohemian brides-to-be listen up! Follow Florence Welch's lead and opt for a floaty long-sleeved gown for a romantic wedding look.
Penelope Cruz
Look familiar? Spanish stunner Penelope channelled Kate Middleton's wedding dress in a white floor-length gown with lace sleeves by Givenchy at the London premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. It's a beautiful style to copy.
Blake Lively
Some brides like to experiment with their dress on their big day. Why not channel Blake Lively in Marchesa at the Bafta Brits to Watch gala and wear an asymmetric gown in dreamy silver and white.
Winona Ryder
Winona Ryder's 2011 SAG Award dress was pure bridal chic - in fact, we wouldn't be surprised if she'd plucked it from a wedding collection.
Natalie Portman
Brides with a baby-on-board should look to Natalie Portman for inspiration. The starlet's 2010 SAG Awards styling oozed elegance, proving a bump needn't get in the way of a high-octane style moment.
Jennifer Lopez
Look to J-Lo for your wedding dress inspiration. The diva dazzled on the red carpet in this breathtaking Georges Chakra gown.
Lea Michele
Glee leading lady Lea Michele got ultra glamorous for the PETA 30th Anniversary Gala, in an elegant Jose Daran ivory dress, teamed with Tiffany & Co. gems and Jimmy Choo peep-toes. Classic elegance.
Gemma Arterton
Brides looking to keep things simple for their big day should look to Gemma Arterton's beautiful white dress styling, which she sported for the Tamara Drewe premiere in London. Opting for clean lines, her Gucci column dress was the picture of elegance.
Eva Longoria Parker
Here comes the... Eva! In a breath-taking white gown that would have been perfectly at home on a blushing birde, Eva Longoria Parker stole the show on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet. If you're looking for something dramatic, then let Eva be your style guide...
Kirsten Dunst at the Costume Institute Gala 2010
Kirsten Dunst had our fashion pulses racing when she stepped out in this ethereal draped creation by Rodarte, paired with nothing but a pair of Rodarte heels. From the soft chignon, to the glowing natural make-up, the whole look oozed bridal chic.
Taylor Swift at the Costume Institute Gala 2010
She may have been one of the MET ball's youngest attendees at just 20-years-old, but Taylor Swift displayed elegance way beyond her meagre age in an ethereal Ralph Lauren Collection gown. If romantic elegance tops your bridal criteria, then this could be the look for you....
Sarah Jessica Parker at the Costume Institute Gala 2010
Not all brides dream of a gown in the purest white hue, preferring a shade that is softer, yet still neutral. If this rings true, then take your cue from Sarah Jessica Parker. Having recently been bestowed with a designer role at Halston Heritage, the SATC starlet represented her new brand team in style, arriving at the 2010 Costume Institute Gala in this heavenly high-shine pleated gown, with a matching champagne-hued corsage adorning her hair.
Diane Kruger at the Costume Institute Gala 2010
If ruffles and frou-frou aren't for you, then a clean line column dress - a la Diane Kruger - could be the design for you.
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Jessica Biel at the Costume Institute Gala 2010
Looking every inch the bride and groom, Jessica Alba swept down the Costume Institute red carpet in an elegant Ralph Lauren champagne gown, with beau Justin Timberlake by her side.
Jessica Alba at The Killer Inside Me premiere
Boho brides, this one is for you! If you don't take your style too seriously, but still want keep things vaguely traditional, then go for a white dress, but in a laidback silhouette, like Jessica Alba's romantic tiered number.
Kate Hudson at the 2010 Golden Globes
She loves a bridal look on the red carpet, but Kate Hudson didn’t just attend the Golden Globes wearing a wedding-inspired gown – she actually donned a piece from Marchesa’s covetable bridal collection. We love the dramatic structured bodice and sweeping train, which she had to carry to avoid getting wet on the rain-soaked carpet. (17 January 2010)
Leighton Meester at the 2009 Emmy Awards
If Grecian goddess is your bridal buzzword, then prepare to fall head-over-heels for Leighton Meester's stunning white chiffon Bottega Veneta A/W ’09 gown. We're utterly seduced. (21 September 2009)
Kate Beckinsale at the 2006 Golden Globe Awards
Take note, brides! If your romantic white dress feels like it is lacking in the colour stakes, then try adding colour-pop gems to complete your look. Kate Beckinsale steps up as inspiration, in this vintage Christian Dior Golden Globe gown. Stand-out emerald jewels add a touch of wow factor to her ethereal look. (16 January 2006)
Diane Kruger
Our fashion crush strikes gold once again in this angelic trailing Narciso Rodriguez gown with sheer peek-a-boo panels. Love the tousled locks and lace-up nude heels too. Diane Kruger was at the Hollywood Film Awards. (27 October 2009)
January Jones at the 2009 Primetime Emmy Awards
She might play one of TV's most downtrodden wives - as Mad Men's Betty - but January Jones would make a stunning bride in this gorgeous Versace gown. Now we know it might not be typical bridal fare, but the structured metallic bodice and peplum-enhanced silhouette ensure scene-stealing style, whether on the red carpet, or walking down the aisle. (21 September 2009)
Naomi Watts at the 2005 Costume Institute Gala
If drama scores high on your bridal-gown checklist, but you balk at anything that screams frothy, then why not create impact with a sculptural silhouette? Naomi Watts' romantic ruffled gown would be an utterly scene-stealing choice for fashion-forward brides. (2 May 2005)
Uma Thurman at the 2005 Golden Globe Awards
Here comes the Uma... No, Ms Thurman isn't taking a trip down the aisle, she wore this wedding-esque frock for an appearance at the Golden Globes. A tad bridal perhaps for the red carpet, but that means it only serves as good inspiration for those on the hunt for that perfect white gown. We love the flattering cowl-draped neckline and floor-skimming train. (16 January 2005)
Chloe Sevigny at the 2009 Emmy Awards
Not all brides want the big white gown - if this rings true for you, then Chloe Sevigny's Isaac Mizrahi polka-dot, asymmetric dress could inspire. If frou-frou is your ultimate style turn-off, a quirky print, like Ms Sevigny's spotty number, could provide the element of fun that you've been craving. (21 September 2009)
Kate Hudson at the 2010 SAG Awards
Perennial red carpet glamazon, Kate Hudson was white hot at the 2010 SAG Awards, in a slinky Emilio Pucci gown with plunging back. $1.75 million-worth of Cartier diamonds completed her sparkling look. Ideal if you want your walk down the aisle to be as scene-stealing as possible. (25 January 2010)
Melissa George at the 2009 Oscars
If you're a bride who is all about the high-impact silhouette, then a mermaid gown, like Melissa George's, could be right up your style street. Not for the fashion faint-hearted, this is a seriously show-stopping look, that might prove a challenge when you come to attempt that iconic first dance. (22 February 2009)
Anne Hathaway at the 2009 SAG Awards
Nominated as best actress for her role in Rachel Getting Married, an Azzaro-clad Anne Hathaway looked almost as if she were road-testing wedding gowns at the 2009 SAG Awards. Her bejewelled column dress would look perfectly at place on any bride-to-be. (25 January 2009)
Marion Cotillard
Marion Cotillard topped the best dressed lists when she collected her 2008 Best Actress Oscar thanks to this stunning white and silver mermaid dress by John Paul Gaultier. We can't think of anything more fitting for an Academy Award winner than this curve-skimming fishtail frock, which was covered in hundreds of shimmering scales. Nothing short of perfection. (2008)
Olivia Wilde at the 2010 People's Choice Awards
If you’re a real girly girl, who longs to unleash her inner Carrie Bradshaw, then you can do no better than a pretty promdress. Olivia Wilde wore this asymmetric Monique Lhuillier number to the 2010 People’s Choice Awards. (6 January 2010)
Taylor Swift at the 2010 People's Choice Awards
If you’ve got a romantic beach-side wedding planned, then you’ll be wanting to go for a shorter-length frock - no one wants a sandy, sea-soaked hem! If you’re heading for tropical climes, then go for a pretty appliqué mini like the shimmering Jenny Packham number that Taylor Swift wore to the 2010 People’s Choice Awards. (6 January 2010)
Anna Kendrick at the 2010 Golden Globes
If you’re looking for something a bit different for your big day, rather than the traditional plain white gown, look to Anna Kendrick’s beautiful Golden Globes Marchesa creation for inspiration. The soft ruffles are so very spring/summer 2010 - you’ll be the most on-trend bride your friends have ever seen. (17 January 2010)
Naomi Watts at the 2005 Golden Globe Awards
Simple white column dress can equal the epitome of bridal chic. Just take Naomi Watts' gorgeous Golden Globes gown as your print-out-and-keep style inspiration. (16 January 2005)
Natalie Portman at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival
One for fashionista brides-to-be, Natalie Portman's Givenchy ruffled gown might not have much in common with your typical wedding dress fare, but a similar style would certainly ensure that you're the centre of attention. (23 May 2008)
Selena Gomez at the 2009 ALMA Awards
She might be just 17-years-young, but Selena Gomez is already impressing us with a keen sartorial eye. She might not be old enough to be thinking about tying the knot just yet, but she certainly looked like the blushing bride in her fairytale Tracy Reese dress at the 2009 ALMA Awards. (17 September 2009)
Mariah Carey at the 2010 People's Choice Awards
Not that we'd typically advise you to look to Mariah Carey for fashion tips, but this strapless beaded gown, which she rocked to the 2010 People's Choice Awards, could be an incredibly elegant choice for brides, albeit without the in-your-face cleavage. (6 January 2010)
Kate Bosworth
Hilary Swank at the Middle East International Film Festival
You don’t get much more bridal than this gorgeous Elie Saab creation, as modelled by Hilary Swank at the Middle East International Film Festival in Abu Dhabi. (9 October 2009)