At a wedding in the 2000s, an ensemble from any decade could make an appearance as the bride walks down the aisle. A 1990s sheath, a 1980s princess ball gown, or a 1970s hippie frock were all extremely popular, while many went back to truly embrace retro dresses, from 1960s minis to 1950s tea-lengths. Some can even go as far back as a 1920s flapper girl outfit (with a headpiece to match!) or a 1900s high-necked Victorian. Brides searched for the dress style that was unique and perfect for them, and were no longer held back by societal norms for color or style. Light pink and light blue dresses became more popular, as well as the huge popularity of form-fitting and hip-hugging dresses. The beginning of the new millennium saw the groundbreaking introduction of the strapless wedding gown! We threw off the chains of trend, and embraced inspiration from our parents, grandparents, and our retro idols.
Britney Spears
The pop princess, Britney Spears, and her former backup dancer, Kevin Federline, married in a surprise wedding in September 2004. Brit famously broke from tradition and popped the question to Federline on her private plane! The couple invited their guests to an assumed “engagement party,” and they arrived only to find Spears in a $26,000 silk strapless Monique Lhuillier wedding dress. Her sleek gown was made totally 2000s Britney by her accessories: lace half-gloves, matching necklace, and a cathedral-length veil.
Jennifer Lopez, aka J.LO
At J.Lo’s Calabasas wedding to her former backup dancer Cris Judd in 2001, she wore a romantic square-necked silhouette by Valentino. Made from Chantilly lace with floral motifs, her gown featured sheer, pearl-embellished long sleeves. Her long, simple veil accented her sleek updo and natural makeup look. The traditional ensemble made her natural beauty shine! Although the couple has since split, Judd gave J.Lo the best gift of all — her twins!
Katie Holmes
Katie Holmes wore a gown by Giorgio Armani for her glamorous 2006 wedding to her now-ex Tom Cruise in an Italian castle. Her off-the-shoulder silk and lace gown was adorned with Swarovski crystal sleeves, which took over 350 hours to create. Her sheer, ruffled neckline mirrored her fluffy veil, and beautifully accentuated her collarbones and neck.
Beyoncé
Queen B went a surprisingly classic route for her wedding to Jay-Z in 2008, considering the dramatic outfits she usually rocks on stage and the red carpet. Her white taffeta strapless wedding gown was designed by her mom, Tina Knowles. The dress had a pronounced, angular sweetheart neckline and asymmetrical ruching. Her trailing vail was pinned into a sleek bun, paired with simple pearl earrings. She finished off the look with a blue manicure, the color the couple chose for their first born’s name in 2012!
Gisele Bündchen
The Brazilian supermodel embodied the 2000s as she cast aside almost every wedding-dress convention when she got hitched to Tom Brady in 2009 with her glam, sequined Dolce & Gabbana gown. They had two ceremonies, one with friends and one with only their parents in attendance. Bündchen’s dress for the larger ceremony was a party-girl white mini dress with square shining sequins and fringing sparkles at the hem. So fun!
