Instagram influencer and reality television star Kim Kardashian married rapper Kanye West on May 24, 2014, at an ancient Italian fort in Florence, Italy. Kim’s wedding dress was designed by Riccardo Tisci, a former fashion director with the House of Givenchy. Kim documented her wedding gown fittings with the famous designer on social media so that her devoted followers could feel like they were part of the occasion.
Keep reading to find out more about the intense relationship between Kim and Kanye, his elaborate proposal at a football stadium, and how influences from vintage Hollywood and British royalty inspired Kim Kardashian’s wedding dress.
Kim and Kanye – Friends Who Fell in Love
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West were friends for years before they started dating in 2012. The transition from friends to lovers inspired Kanye to write a song called “Theraflu,” revealing his love for Kim. Kim returned the compliment by obsessing about the talented rapper in the popular reality TV show “Keeping Up With The Kardashians.”
Kanye announced that the couple was expecting their first child while onstage in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Kim confirmed the pregnancy on the “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” website, telling her fans that she was looking forward to new beginnings. On June 15, 2015, Kim gave birth to her their daughter, North.
Kanye’s Flashy Proposal
Kanye proposed to Kim in San Francisco on her 33rd birthday. He rented AT&T Park and hired an orchestra to play. The giant TV screen flashed “Pleeaase marry me’!!!!” He then presented Kim with a flawless cushion-cut 15-carat diamond ring designed by Lorraine Shwartz. It is estimated to be worth $4 million.
The Rehearsal Dinner in Versailles
The night before the wedding, the couple’s rehearsal dinner took place in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace in Versailles. It was an elaborate affair with 600 guests that featured a concert by Lana Del Ray, celebrity guests Serena Williams, Alexander Wang, Rick Rubin, and the entire Kardashian clan.
The Marriage at Fort di Belvedere in Florence
The day after the rehearsal dinner, Kim and Kanye flew to Florence, Italy and married in front of a wall of white flowers at Forte di Belvedere. Even though it was a small intimate affair for 100 people, the wedding cost $2.8 million
Kim’s stepfather Caitlyn Jenner (then Bruce Jenner) escorted her down the aisle. Her mother Kris Jenner, and sisters Khloe, Kourtney, Kylie and Kendall witnessed the ceremony. Even though it was an intimate affair for 100 people, the wedding cost $2.8 million.
A Very Public Relationship Breakdown on Social Media
After their well-publicized wedding in Italy, Kanye and Kim went on to have three more children, many public personal and political disputes on social media, with Kardashian eventually making claims about Kanye’s mental health. This ultimately led to their divorce in 2022.
Kim Kardashian’s Wedding Dress Inspiration
Kim Kardashian named Marilyn Monroe as an inspiration for her wedding dress. Famed for her full figure, Kim claimed that the mermaid style cut of her wedding dress recalled Old Hollywood’s appreciation of curvy women.
What Did Kim’s Wedding Dress Cost?
Designer Riccardo Tisci is one of Kim Kardashian’s best friends. It is unclear how much she paid for the wedding gown. A similar couture wedding gown from the House of Givenchy would cost about $500,000.
Details of Kim Kardashian’s Givenchy Wedding Gown
Kim Kardashian’s Givenchy gown was fit for a royal princess. In fact, it shared many features with Kate Middleton’s royal wedding dress, including a plunging V-neck and long lace sleeves. Kim’s wedding dress had a curve-hugging skirt that narrowed at the calves and then flared out like an upside-down blossom, instead of the trendy A-line skirt.
She also wore about $15 million worth of jewels, including a halo-style head-piece, and diamond drop earrings. Her traditional cathedral-style veil fell to the floor in a six-foot circle at her feet. The silk train was nine-feet long and covered with lace appliques.
Do you love the plunging V-neck, long lace sleeves, and curvy mermaid skirt worn by Kim at her wedding to Kanye in Florence, Italy? Here’s where to buy similar gowns at a more affordable price.
Shop for a Kim Kardashian’s Wedding Dress
Here’s a selection of affordable dresses similar to Kim Kardashian’s wedding dress that will make you feel like a celebrity.
- The Long Sleeve Mermaid Wedding Dress by TSxuelian is created in white or ivory tulle and features a plunging V-neck bodice with off-the-shoulder lace sleeves and a skirt with lace appliques for $109.99 – $124.99.
- The Mermaid Wedding Dress by Lily Wedding is available in white, ice-white, ivory, or champagne tulle and features a lace, tulle, and satin dress with long sleeves, a modest bustle, and a pearl-studded belt for $151.00.
- The SYS Mermaid Dress is an ivory tulle creation that features a structured bodice with a vintage V-neck bodice, long lace sleeves, and a full mermaid skirt with a kick-pleat for $139.99 – $169.99.
- The Cambray Mermaid Wedding Dress is a handmade white gown created from satin, tulle, and crystals with lace sleeves, and a circular lace skirt that sells for $719.10.
- The Ornella Lace Mermaid Dress is a high-end wedding gown created from white tulle, lace, and satin with lace sleeves, a plunging V-neck, and a detachable tie-on train that sells for $2,399.00
Reach Out to An Expert Wedding Shopper
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