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IMAGES: The most iconic celeb bridal outfits!
Speculation is rife regarding the dress Kate Middleton will wear when she becomes British royalty and the wife of Prince William on April 29.
It's amazing just how obsessed the world is with celebrity bridal fashion, so much so that fortunes are made and reputations sealed each time an A-list beauty walks down the aisle.
While Middleton's choice is a closely-guarded secret so far, in the following pages we bring you a look at the most iconic bridal outfits in recent times -- and some truly iconic ones from decades gone by.
Katie Holmes
When Katie Holmes said 'I do' to Tom Cruise back in 2006, it was certainly the wedding of the year.
The setting was the romantic Odescalchi Castle in Lake Bracciano, Italy and Katie donned an Armani gown for the occasion, which sported an off-the-shoulder cut, ivory silk train adorned with Valenciennes lace and Swarovski crystal embroidery.
While we'll never know the official pricetag on Mrs Cruise's dream dress, fashionistas estimate it cost more than $100,000!
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
It's not always the big name and pricetag of bridals that matter, however.
Priyanka Gandhi taught us a lesson in that capacity when she married hubby Robert Vadra in 1998. She looked stunning in a red South Indian sari that belonged to her grandmother Indira Gandhi.
Chelsea Clinton
Speaking of political royalty, Bill Clinton's little girl opted for a Vera Wang design when she tied the knot last year.
The strapless ivory number showed off a pleated bodice, crystal-studded belt and swirling silk skirt and train. The New York Times pegged the cost at somewhere in the region of $20,000!
Shilpa Shetty
When the Bollywood stunner got hitched to her London businessman beau in 2009, she wanted to make sure she was the belle of the ball!
Shilpa had her trousseau designed by Tarun Tahiliani and the piece de resistance was her gold reception outfit -- a two-piece in gold, with Swarovski-encrusted bodysuit md matching satin sari-gown.
Nicole Kidman
When Hollywood beauty Nicole Kidman married Keith Urban in 2006, she chose an ivory, one-shouldered, puff-sleeved gown by top French couturier Balenciaga.
Avantika Malik
The big fat Indian wedding of the year for 2011 was definitely that of Imran Khan and Avantika Malik back in January.
The Bollywood heartthrob's wife went with a traditional lehenga in white, with pink and gold trim.
Ivanka Trump
When Donald Trump's little girl wed Jared Kushner in 2009, like Chelsea Clinton, she too opted for a Vera Wang dream dress. Ivanka's was a white, lace-overlaid affair with sleeves. And you can be sure it cost a whopper!
Pooja Shetty
It was touted as the ultimate power coupling of 2008 when young politician and Lok Sabha member Milind Deora tied the knot with Pooja Shetty, daughter of filmmaker Manmohan Shetty and director of the Adlabs multiplex empire.
For the occasion, Pooja wore an Anamika Khanna orange sari -- and a big smile.
Jenna Bush
George Bush's daughter Jenna tied the knot in 2008 and donned Oscar de la Renta for the occasion. Her 'V'-neck and back design was replete with rich beadwork, embroidery and a short train.
Lara Dutta
Lara was one of few Bollywood biggies to go with an international fashion house for her big day last month.
Couturier Elie Saab's 2011 bridal collection gave her what she was looking for -- a lace, silk taffeta and organza gown with gemstone-studded neckline.
Princess Diana
Maybe Kate Middleton will follow in her late mother-in-law's footsteps and go for a truly iconic bridal look.
Created by designer duo David and Elizabeth Emanuel, Princess Diana's was a gargantuan fairytale number with a veil that was eight metres long! Made from ivory silk, it showed off lace at the bodice and large, gathered sleeves.
And oh yes, it cost 9,000 pounds back in 1981!
Amrita Arora
For her white wedding in 2009, actress Amrita Arora relied on the talent of Ashley Rebello -- he came up with this pearl and lace-drenched floor-sweeper.
Camilla Parker Bowles
Who knows, since Kate Middleton is believed to get on famously with her step mom-in-law, maybe she will take her cue from Camilla Parker Bowles.
For her 2005 wedding to Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall wore a chiffon gown, which she topped off with and embroidered, pale blue and gold coat. Both were the handiwork of Robinson Valentine.
Rambha
Popular south Indian film actress Rambha chose to stick to the traditional for her April 2010 wedding. She wore a silk white and gold sari.
Jacqueline Kennedy
In the USA, the marriage of Jacqueline Bouvier and Senator John Fitzgerald Kennedy was the toast of 1953.
The flouncing gown you see her in was actually chosen by her father-in-law and created by African-American designer Ann Lowe. It was made from 50 yards (!) of silk taffeta and moved from fitted bodice to bouffant skirt, with rows of tucking, circles of ruffles and wax flowers as embellishment.
Gul Panag
The vivacious and feminine Gul Panag had a customary Punjabi wedding this month and looked lovely in a pink by JJ Valaya lehenga, featuring floral and paisley designs and embellished with zardozi and beads.
Fergie
The Black Eyed Peas singer wed her actor beau in 2009. For the occasion, she donned a Dolce & Gabbana corset gown with mesh tulle overlay, spaghetti straps and train.
Ayesha Takia
And finally, Ayesha Takia mixed gold, silver and crystal tones for her bridal lehenga in 2009.