Wedding Fashion Inspiration from the MTV 2024 VMAs
When it comes to red-carpet events that push the boundaries of fashion, the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) have always been a playground for daring and unconventional styles. From Lady Gaga’s infamous meat dress in 2010 to Lil’ Kim’s iconic lilac pastie ensemble in 1999, the VMAs are synonymous with bold, head-turning looks. But while the focus is often on shock value, there’s no shortage of fashion moments that can inspire your wedding wardrobe.
This year’s 2024 MTV VMAs brought a mix of edgy, avant-garde, and surprisingly bridal-ready styles. Whether you’re planning your ceremony, reception, or a fun bachelorette party, the VMA’s red carpet offers plenty of ideas to incorporate a touch of music video glamour into your special day.
The Gowns
Sabrina Carpenter in Bob Mackie from Tab Vintage and jewelry by De Beers
In the sphere of wedding fashion, vintage and archival looks are always a good idea. Pop superstar Sabrina Carpenter wore a shimmering archival Bob Mackie gown…but not just any vintage gown. This piece by Bob Mackie was worn by Madonna at the 1991 Academy Awards and by Fran Drescher on an episode of “The Nanny.” With seven nominations and a flirty mashup performance of her top hits, “Please Please Please,” “Taste” and “Espresso,” Sabrina Carpenter made a memorable night for herself – talk about bride of the party!
Ph: Getty Images
Camila Cabello in Tony Ward
Camila Cabello stepped onto the carpet in a gothic bridal ensemble from Tony Ward’s fall 2024 couture collection. The beaded lace-inspired pattern on the dress and the ballet-length veil channeled all the romance of a wedding gown but in a bold, gothic hue. The singer, nominated for Best Trending Video for “I Luv It” and Best Pop Artist, didn’t just transform a classic light-colored look into a dark, dramatic one—she also debuted dark hair, a striking change from her previous blonde tresses. For the nearlyweds looking to make a statement, turning expectations upside down can be a bold move that pays off!
Ph: Getty Images
Lisa in custom Mugler
Best K-POP, Best Choreography, Best Art Direction and Best Editing nominee Lisa (of BLACKPINK) brought all our favorite wedding trends to the red carpet. A statement corset, dramatic gloves, and a chic hood? Yes, please! Whether she’s winning Best K-Pop Song for “Rockstar” or walking down the aisle (ok, fine – the red carpet), Lisa does it all in style.
Ph: Getty Images
Nessa in Ronny Kobo
Pop a veil on this look, and you have a quintessential bridal ensemble. The Radio host and official VMA’s preshow co-host, Nessa (Nessa on Air), exuded minimal bridal chic with this Ronny Kobo wrap dress. This off-the-rack jersey dress would fit anyone like a glove, perfect for a courthouse elopement or a more casual brunch wedding.
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The Reception Looks
Paris Hilton in Celia Kritharioti
It’s only appropriate that the queen of “sliving” would step out looking absolutely breathtaking in crystallized silver chainmail. We’ve been loving metallic party looks for reception outfit changes, and “Infinite Icon” artist Paris Hilton hit the mark with this custom Celia Kritharioti Couture rendition. To pull the look together, she drew eyes back up to her face with a statement choker necklace. Who says you can’t do statement jewelry on your wedding day?
Ph: Getty Images
Flo Milli in PatBo
Butterfly motifs have long been a symbol of transformation, beauty, and new beginnings, making them a fitting choice for bridal fashion. So, of course, we loved Flo Milli’s butterfly embellished mini dress from PatBo’s spring/summer 2025 ready-to-wear collection as a wedding reception mini. Complete with the most beautiful bridal waves hair and sparkling Swarovski jewelry, the “Never Lose Me” rapper’s look was nothing short of bridal after-party perfection.
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Anitta in Dolce & Gabbana and jewelry by Suzanne Kalan
Brazilian artist and one of the night’s performers, Anitta, channeled “sexy bride” in a Dolce & Gabbana mini-dress with intricate corsetry. The winner of Best Latin Video for “Funk Rave” said, “It’s a little spoiler of something…I can’t say much, but it’s cute, I like it. And I’m kind of manifesting to the world and see what happens,” in a pre-show interview with MTV. This cryptic message has us anticipating an impending wedding for the star!
Ph: Getty Images
Katy Perry in Who Decides War
Admittedly, this one might be a bit of a stretch as far as wedding fashion inspiration goes…but there’s potential! Katy Perry wore a Who Decides War two-piece set fresh from the brand’s spring 2025 collection. The collection, shown just a few days prior at New York Fashion Week, was full of Victorian and historical influences, but with modern takes in the form of distressed textiles and unique draping. This deconstructed take on traditional draping could make for a great reception look, especially if the ceremony dress is structured and elegant. We think the 2024 VMA Video Vanguard Award recipient herself would approve of this dramatic juxtaposition!
Ph: Getty Images for MTV
The Bachelorette Party Attire
Addison Rae in custom Miss Claire Sullivan
Singer and It-Girl Addison Rae always serves up flirty and fun looks, and this custom Miss Claire Sullivan lingerie set and tutu look is no different. While this look perhaps leans more like a “wedding night” type of ensemble, we can’t help but think how fun it would look in a bachelorette party setting! From the huge smiles and fun poses Addison Rae served all night, you know this girly outfit made the “Diet Pepsi” singer feel on top of the world. When thinking of your wedding and wedding-related event attire, feeling happy and confident is what matters the most!
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Tate McRae in Roberto Cavalli, jewelry by Jacob & Co., and shoes by Maison Ernest
We love a good pop-culture reference, and Tate McRae was channeling 2001 VMAs Britney Spears perfectly. While we see a lot of white/cream attire at bachelorette parties, we’ve also seen some great all-black bachelorette party themes. This sultry lace mini dress worn by the “greedy” singer would look great on a dancefloor!
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Ashleigh Johnson in Diesel
Water Polo Olympic Gold Medalist Ashleigh Johnson stepped onto the red carpet in the perfect look for a laid-back bachelorette. The cotton, distressed, and web-motifed midi dress by Diesel perfectly embodies a relaxed elegance. After all, not every wedding look needs to be defined by sparkles and lace.
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Chanel West Coast in SEKS and jewelry by Laruicci and Alexis Bittar
The West Coast Hustle television personality and rapper/singer Chanel West Coast came to the award show in a SEKS dress just begging to be worn out in Vegas. Far from conventional, this chainmail and safety pin piece is utterly unique and would ensure you’d be the star of the show at your wedding party. Heart motifs are par for the course with wedding attire, but this cheeky rendition has us thinking outside the box!
Ph: Gilbert Flores
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Hungry for more red carpet and fashion inspiration? Check out our wedding fashion features from the Oscars, Grammys and more here.
