From Cece and Schmidt finally saying “I do” on “New Girl” to Chuck and Blair eloping in Central Park during the “Gossip Girl” finale, weddings have made for some of the most memorable moments on television.
The wedding dresses that these beloved characters wear are almost as unforgettable as the weddings themselves — though some for better reasons than others.
For better or worse, Business Insider looked back at some of the best and worst dresses from TV weddings.
Blair Waldorf wore one of the most memorable TV wedding gowns to marry Chuck Bass on “Gossip Girl.”
Blair finally marries Chuck Bass in the “Gossip Girl” series finale in a last-minute wedding in Central Park.
Never one to miss an opportunity for a fashion moment, Blair wore a pale-blue Elie Saab gown to the nuptials.
The dress was made of sparkly, semi-sheer fabric, and the bodice was adorned with floral appliqué to create a high-fashion yet timeless look, much like Blair herself. A belt at the waist and a tiara completed the showstopping look.
Serena van der Woodsen’s couture wedding gown was fitting for the golden girl of “Gossip Girl.”
Serena and Dan Humphrey’s on-and-off relationship was a major plot point throughout the six seasons of “Gossip Girl.” The Upper East Side socialite and Brooklyn writer finally tied the knot in a flash-forward at the end of the show’s series finale.
Never one to follow convention, Serena ditched the classic white bridal dress for a gold Georges Chakra couture ball gown. The strapless ensemble featured an entirely gold bodice, with gold detailing across the tulle skirt that resembled paint splatters.
Did the dress look more like it belonged at the Met Gala than at a wedding? Maybe, but this is “Gossip Girl” baby! And for a character as fashionable and trendsetting as Serena, it made perfect sense that she’d go against the norm on her wedding day.
”I will never get tired seeing Blake wearing one of my designs and transforming it into a ‘Serena’ look,'” Chakra told Elle in 2012. “Her character has that effortless chic ability to break the rules and ditch your regular white wedding gown and make metallic gold accents acceptable and cool for a bride.”
Lorelai Gilmore’s wedding dress was a letdown on “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life,” especially after fans waited years for her to marry Luke Danes.
Lorelai and Luke finally get married in the “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life” finale, saying “I do” in the middle of the night just hours before their wedding because they don’t want to wait any longer.
The wedding was romantic, but the navy ensemble Lorelai wore didn’t fit the grandeur of the occasion. Her tea-length dress had a faux white blouse on the top, coordinating with a white flower on the waistline. She wore a lacy cardigan over the gown, giving the whole look a matronly feel. The outfit didn’t look like something Lorelai would wear to celebrate her marriage, especially given how over-the-top her fashion was on the show.
The dress also fell flat because it didn’t compare to the stunning, blush gown she bought to marry Luke on season six of the original “Gilmore Girls” series. Even a look like the sparkly suit Emily Gilmore wore to renew her vows to her husband Richard would have been more fitting than the outfit Lorelai ended up in.
Similarly, Jessica Day’s wedding look felt lackluster after fans waited years for her to marry Nick Miller on “New Girl.”
Jess and Nick get married in season seven of “New Girl.” Jess’ tea-length white dress is pretty, with its belted, empire waist and full skirt.
But it doesn’t make much of a statement, and Jess’ outfit gets turned into the butt of a joke when she’s forced to wear an eye patch after injuring herself.
Jess and Nick’s wedding was a highly anticipated moment for “New Girl” fans, and it was disappointing that Jess didn’t get to have her fashion moment as they said their vows.
Cece Parekh’s “New Girl” wedding dress was beautiful, and it had a fun backstory.
Schmidt and Cece get married in the season five finale of “New Girl,” saying their vows in the loft after Schmidt misses their actual wedding.
Cece wore a strapless, A-line gown adorned with gold flowers, which she paired with a traditional Indian dupattā. The embroidery on the gown looked similar to henna, again connecting the dress to Cece’s heritage.
According to the plot of season five, Cece had Jess to thank for her wedding gown, as she transformed an over-the-top gown that literally lit up into her best friend’s dream dress.
Molly Carter’s modern wedding gown stayed true to her fashion-forward style on “Insecure.”
Molly had plenty of dating drama through the five seasons of “Insecure,” but she gets a happy ending — and one last incredible outfit — during the series finale.
The ambitious lawyer’s style inspired a number of listicles while “Insecure” was on air, and star Yvonne Orji once joked that fans loved Molly’s wardrobe more than the actual character.
Molly sported a stunning Oscar de la Renta gown to tie the knot with her coworker, Taurean. The strapless dress, decorated throughout with a pattern of ferns, featured a sweetheart neckline and a voluminous skirt. It was chic, distinct, and perfect for Molly’s character.
Monica Geller’s classic gown was perfect for her wedding to Chandler Bing on “Friends.”
Monica and Chandler’s wedding on “Friends” takes place in both the season seven finale and season eight premiere for a two-episode special.
Monica planned the wedding meticulously, and though she couldn’t wear the dress she originally wanted after another shopper blackmailed her for it in “The One With the Cheap Wedding Dress,” she still chose a gorgeous gown for the big day.
Her fit-and-flare gown was fitted throughout the bodice, forming a V-neckline. The dress had no embroidery or embellishment aside from a subtle trim on the neckline for a simple yet beautiful look.
Phoebe Buffay’s wedding dress also suited her style.
Phoebe’s avant-garde style was a hallmark of her character throughout “Friends,” and her wedding dress needed to fit that aesthetic when she married Mike in season 10 of the series.
Her silk gown’s exposed corset, jewel sleeves, and ruched skirt had an old-world feel, while her traditional veil made her look like a bride.
She also wore an embroidered floral jacket until it was time for her outdoor winter wedding, which felt even more fitting for her character.
Although Rachel Green’s dress from the pilot is the most iconic “Friends” wedding dress, it feels more like a costume than a real gown.
When Rachel is introduced on “Friends,” she appears at Central Perk in her wedding dress, looking for Monica after running out on her wedding.
The gown is quintessential ’90s wedding fashion, with its heavy lace, full skirt, and off-the-shoulder sleeves. But the whole look feels gaudy, from the floral print on the skirt to the voluminous veil.
Considering the look went along with Rachel’s spoiled persona, it was fitting for the occasion.
Hilary Banks’ wedding dress on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” felt like a better take on a 1990s wedding gown.
Hilary donned a wedding dress in the season four premiere of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” when her boyfriend Trevor proposed to her while bungee jumping for their news show.
The dress had an off-the-shoulder neckline, subtle lace on the bodice, and a tulle skirt full of volume. The gown fit the ’90s aesthetic without being over-the-top. Even Hilary’s voluminous veil looked great with her ensemble.
Unfortunately, Trevor died during his proposal, so the dress never actually appeared at a wedding.
Rayna James’ romantic lace wedding dress fit her sweet Southern wedding on “Nashville.”
In season four, the country-music superstar finally marries the love of her life, Deacon Claybourne. And her beautiful off-the-shoulder dress is easily one of our favorites on this list.
“Nashville” costume designer Susie DeSanto told Glamour in 2016 that she wanted the dress to reflect Rayna’s character and be “simple, honest, not too fussy, elegant, and sophisticated.” DeSanto said she showed sketches to Connie Britton, who played Rayna in the show, and ultimately wanted to create the kind of wedding dress “you wear when you marry your true love.”
The dress featured a lace bodice and a satin skirt, with a hand-sewn flower appliqué, according to Glamour.
Although she didn’t end up getting married, April Kepner’s dress was one of the best “Grey’s Anatomy” wedding gowns of all time.
April’s season 10 wedding became famous among “Grey’s Anatomy” fans, as she ran away with Jackson and married him instead of her fiancé, Matthew.
But her dress was almost as memorable as the episode itself. The dress had sheer, short sleeves that flowed into an adorned bodice, creating the illusion that the appliqué was floating up her torso. The dropped-waist skirt was adorned with flowers, and the gown flowed into a train.
It’s not hard to see why Jackson interrupted the wedding to whisk April away.
Likewise, Cristina Yang didn’t marry Preston Burke, but the dress she wore to their wedding was stunning.
Preston left Cristina at the altar in the season three finale of “Grey’s Anatomy,” though the bride-to-be had also been apprehensive about the wedding.
Despite not wanting to be a bride, she looked every bit the part in her mermaid gown. Christina’s lace dress was adorned with understated silver embellishments, and her updo showcased the choker Preston’s mother gave her for the wedding.
The dress was gorgeous; it was just odd to see Cristina Yang wearing it.
Summer and Seth finally got their happy ending on “The O.C.” series finale, but the wedding dress wasn’t special enough.
From preppy shirts and Juicy Couture tracksuits to halter tops and lace camis, Summer’s closet perfectly encapsulated the colorful and chaotic boldness of early 2000s fashion. She loved bright shades, bold patterns, and graphic T-shirts — all of which matched her spunky, outspoken personality.
Maybe the costume department was trying to illustrate Summer’s character arc from trendy teen to vegan queen by picking this simple wedding dress. We love a classic moment, but the bodice was ill-fitting and completely swallowed Rachel Bilson’s figure, while the full skirt looked wrinkled.
Plus, it was just a little boring. After four seasons of watching Summer and Seth’s love story, we would’ve loved Summer’s dress to feel a little more memorable.
Jessa’s shotgun wedding dress was also a miss in what could’ve been a fun bohemian style moment for “Girls.”
If “Gossip Girl” was a fantasy of NYC fashion, “Girls” set out to be the reality with off-the-rack clothes meant to reflect what women really wear in the city.
At first glance, the short, casual dress seems to fit Jessa’s eccentric style. “Girls” costume designer Jenn Rogien told Fashionista in 2014 that Lena Dunham wanted the cast to “look the best they had all season” at the wedding. Rogien said she looked at both vintage and runway pieces and ultimately decided on this dress at a boutique owned by the mother of Jemima Kirke, who plays Jessa.
The story behind the outfit is great, but the dress doesn’t fit the season finale’s major twist. We love the cutout detailing on the oversize sleeves, but they clash with the lacy skirt. The overall look feels too casual, more akin to something you would’ve found at Free People in 2012. There are so many beautiful vintage and boho bridal looks, but this feels forgettable — and that’s the opposite of Jessa.
Wilhelmina Slater might have been the villain in “Ugly Betty,” but she looked like a dream in this Vera Wang gown during her wedding.
From an organ remix of “Milkshake” to a guest appearance by Victoria Beckham playing herself, a lot was happening during Wilhelmina Slater’s wedding in the second season of “Ugly Betty.” But that didn’t stop the former supermodel and MODE magazine editor from stealing the show.
Wilhelmina walked down the aisle in a luxurious silk gown designed by Vera Wang, who also played herself during the episode. The strapless column dress featured only a touch of sparkling embellishment, letting the gown’s cut and stunning fabric take center stage.
We also loved how Wilhelmina paired the dress with matching silk elbow-length opera gloves. The ensemble couldn’t have been a better match for our favorite stylish supervillain.
Robin Scherbatsky’s wedding dress in “How I Met Your Mother” could’ve been a showstopper.
Several major story decisions confused fans during the ninth and final season of “How I Met Your Mother.” But we’re here to talk about Robin and Barney’s wedding, not that wild twist in the series finale.
Robin opts for a Monique Lhuillier gown to wed the reformed womanizer, and there’s a lot we love about it. The exposed corset is a modern and unexpected style choice, and it pairs well with the sheer sleeves that hang just off her shoulders.
However, it all gets ruined with the big, sparkling, silver belt. Not only does the belt’s design seem dated, especially when the rest of the gown feels so fresh, but it cuts off Robin’s body and throws off the ensemble’s proportions, messing up what could have been a very chic moment.
The combination of beading and a bow on the bodice of Lily Aldrin’s dress didn’t work.
Lily and Marshall got married in the season two finale of “How I Met Your Mother” after briefly breaking up at the start of it.
Lily’s dress somehow had both too much and too little going on, as the bodice was heavily adorned with crystals and a silver bow, while the ball-gown skirt was plain.
The dress looked disconnected, and it didn’t do Lily justice. Marshall’s hat wasn’t a great look, either.
The dress Daphne wears to marry Simon in “Bridgerton” is full of stunning details packed with symbolism.
Simon agrees to marry Daphne only to protect her honor in the first season of “Bridgerton,” and their small, intimate wedding reflects that it’s not much of a celebration.
Daphne’s wedding dress might not be grand or dramatic, but it’s still beautiful for the moment. The gown features an empire waist and cap sleeves befitting of the time, and white flowers bloom across the skirt — a wink at the white rose Simon picked for Daphne earlier in the season, according to The Knot.
Although she wasn’t excited to get married, Claire Fraser’s dress was elegant and understated for her wedding on “Outlander.”
Claire and Jamie get married in season one of “Outlander” to protect her from being taken by Jonathan Randall. However, they end up developing deep romantic feelings for each other after saying their marriage vows.
Claire’s green and off-white gown for the nuptials was elegant and sexy, with its low-cut, scooped neckline and off-the-shoulder, quarter-length sleeves. The corset cinched tight, and the skirt was full.
Delicate beading adorned the bodice and the center of the skirt, making it stand out. Though Claire clearly felt torn about marrying Jamie because she was already married to Frank in the future, her wedding dress was breathtaking.
The dress Belly Conklin selected for her ill-fated wedding to Jeremiah Fisher on “The Summer I Turned Pretty” was underwhelming.
Belly Conklin spends much of season three of “The Summer I Turned Pretty” planning her wedding to Jeremiah Fisher.
In episode four, she goes wedding dress shopping and selects a white slip gown designed by Victoria Beckham. The gown has a scooped neckline and a low back with flared detailing on the skirt.
The gown is beautiful, but in the context of the series, it feels like an underwhelming choice for Belly. Because her parents aren’t paying for the wedding, she tries to find the most affordable dress that she likes, which leads her to the simple dress.
On another bride, the gown may have been a dream dress, but on Belly, it feels like a symbol of the tension around her nuptials.
Jane Grey wasn’t excited about her arranged marriage in “My Lady Jane,” but her gown was breathtaking.
The protagonist of “My Lady Jane” is forced into an arranged marriage with Guildford Dudley in episode two of the series, which was later canceled.
Jane does everything she can to avoid the wedding, but she ultimately does marry Guildford in a stunning ball gown. The cream dress featured an embroidered, strapless Basque bodice that flowed into a floor-length skirt with additional beading. Detached, sheer sleeves fastened at her neck with a ruffled neckline and gem detailing.
Jane’s gown was gorgeous, even if she wasn’t excited to tie the knot.
Read the original article on Business Insider
The post The best and worst wedding dresses worn on TV shows appeared first on Business Insider.
