Before becoming Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly was a Hollywood star who knew that a wedding isn't one event but three. On 18 April 1956 - one day before the religious wedding - she wore two different outfits on the same day, one for receiving guests and another for the civil ceremony. And both leave a stronger impression than the dazzling satin bridal gown that became a global image the next day.

The morning dress, designed by Helen Rose (an MGM costume designer who knew Grace from Hollywood), was a tailored "midi" with a "corolla" silhouette popularised by Christian Dior. Short puff sleeves, a light skirt, a thin belt, a folded Peter Pan collar with a bow, neutral heels, white gloves, and a small bag with a pastoral motif. In her short wavy hair - decorative bows. That was the outfit for greeting guests and receiving wedding gifts in the palace.

The civil ceremony was the moment for the best. The same designer made a two-piece in a soft champagne-rose colour. Alençon lace with silk thread embroidered like brocade. A fitted top with French sleeves and articulated cuffs, fastening down the middle, a small bow at the collar, and a skirt with an elegant volume. Tiny leather gloves. Jewellery - deliberately zero. And a tiara with a floral motif in the form of a half-turban.

For modern civil weddings - the ones without a cloud of lace and without a four-metre train - this is the most beautiful reference. The two looks share the same DNA as the religious wedding dress that came the following day, but without the pomp. And precisely that makes each one better: romance and detail, no theatre.

A Balkan bride planning a quiet wedding at the town hall or a city venue, with five family members, no videographer and no 200 guests, has a peak example here. The wedding doesn't need to be "small" - it needs to be considered. Grace Kelly knew that 70 years ahead - elegance never means being cheap.