The bodice of Grace's magnificent dress was made of antique lace, and a high cummerbund of ivory silk faille encircled the bride’s slim waist.
The full silk skirt was bell-shaped and the silk tulle veil had two lace lovebirds appliquéd at the back. According to MGM Studios, the bridal ensemble had taken six weeks to create and involved the skills of 35 craftspeople, working under strict conditions to preserve the secrecy of the design. Helen Rose designed both the cathedral and the civil-ceremony wedding dresses.
As was the Monaguesque custom, the civil marriage of Grace and Prince Rainier took place in the Monaco palace throne room on 18 April 1956. The bride was beautiful in a beige lace and dusty rose silk suit with a fitted bodice and skirt that flared into a full hem. A close-fitting hat trimmed with silk flowers, pink silk pumps and white gloves added the final touches.
MGM Studio also gave its star a dozen Helen Rose-designed outfits from High Society – the musical comedy that was to be the actress’s 11th and final film. She expanded her trousseau to some 40 outfits during a rapid shopping trip to New York. The colour palette included beige, delicate pastels and her favourite hue, yellow.
Grace's daughter Caroline on her wedding day (first husband).