When you think about Serena Williams at wedding events, your mind probably goes straight to that $3.5 million jewelry set or the fact that she basically turned her own nuptials into a real-life Disney movie. Honestly, she doesn’t just "attend" weddings. She dominates them. Whether she’s the one walking down the aisle in New Orleans or she’s standing by her best friend Meghan Markle in Windsor, Serena has a specific way of handling the "I do" circuit that is part high-fashion, part extreme-comfort, and 100% "get things done."
Most people focus on the glitz, but if you look closer, there’s a distinct pattern to how the greatest athlete of all time navigates these rooms. It’s not just about the dress. It's about the sneakers hidden underneath.
The Epic Fairytale: Serena Williams at Wedding Bliss in New Orleans
Let’s talk about November 16, 2017. Most people choose a wedding date based on venue availability or the weather. Serena and Alexis Ohanian chose it to honor Alexis’ late mother on her birthday. That’s the kind of sentimental depth you don't always see in celebrity weddings.
The Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans was transformed into a Beauty and the Beast wonderland. We're talking 200 guests, including Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, and Anna Wintour. Serena’s first look was a Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen ball gown. It was massive. It was "princess" in a way she admitted she never thought she’d go for.
But here’s the kicker: she didn't stay in that dress.
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- Dress 1: The McQueen ball gown with a cape.
- Dress 2: A feathered Versace gown that reportedly took five embroiderers 1,500 hours to finish.
- Dress 3: A short, fitted Versace dress designed specifically for the first dance.
The first dance wasn't some awkward slow sway, either. They did a choreographed routine to "Tale As Old As Time," and then the party shifted into high gear with a literal carousel. Yes, a white carousel in the middle of the room where everyone, including Queen Bey herself, hopped on while Ginuwine’s "Pony" blasted through the speakers.
The Bridesmaid Duties: From Tuscany to Palm Beach
Being a bridesmaid is a lot of work for a regular person. Now imagine doing it when you’re Serena Williams.
In June 2019, she flew to Italy to be a bridesmaid for her "tennis rival but real-life bestie" Caroline Wozniacki. The wedding was at the Castiglion del Bosco in Tuscany. Serena wore a seafoam-green gown with thin straps. She looked effortless, but if you know Serena, you know she was likely the one keeping everyone on schedule.
Fast forward to late 2025. Her sister, Venus Williams, married Andrea Preti in a multiday celebration that started in Ischia, Italy, and moved to Palm Beach, Florida. Serena wasn’t just a sister in the pews; she was the unofficial Chief Operating Officer.
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Venus recently told Vogue that Serena was the one who sorted through 14 different hairstyle options for the bridal party. Within 30 minutes, Serena had organized them into a PDF file showing which look worked for which person. Why a PDF? Because, as Serena put it, she works in venture capital now and knows how to "get things done." She even gifted the couple a yacht for the wedding week, complete with all the catering and music.
Serena Williams at Wedding Receptions: The Secret Under the Gown
If there is one thing you need to know about Serena Williams at wedding receptions, it’s that she has zero interest in being miserable in heels.
At the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018, she arrived at St. George’s Chapel looking regal in a blush pink Versace dress and a fascinator. It was a 10/10 look. But for the private evening reception at Frogmore House, she swapped into a floral Valentino gown.
The secret? She wore Valentino sneakers under that gown.
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She later shared on Instagram that she almost always hides sneakers under her formal wear because she wants to be "comfy for long nights." She did the same thing at her own wedding, rocking a pair of custom, bedazzled Nike Cortez sneakers. It’s become her signature move. It’s a practical, "boss" move that has basically given every bride and guest permission to prioritize their feet over fashion once the sun goes down.
What Really Happens Behind the Scenes?
There’s a lot of talk about the drama of celebrity weddings, but Serena’s presence usually signals a very tight-knit support system. When she attended Meghan Markle’s wedding, she spent the entire night before getting her hair braided. It took two or three stylists working through the night. She literally slept while they worked so she could be ready for the morning ceremony.
That’s the level of commitment she brings to her friends.
Key Lessons from Serena’s Wedding Style:
- Sentiment over everything: Choosing a date or venue that means something personally (like a parent's birthday) beats a "trendy" location any day.
- The "Sneaker Rule": If you’re going to be on your feet for 10 hours, don't suffer. High-end sneakers are now officially wedding-reception-approved.
- The Power of the PDF: Even at a wedding, being organized helps. If you're the Maid of Honor or a close sister, handle the logistics so the bride doesn't have to.
- Multiple Looks: If you can’t decide between a princess gown and a party dress, don't. Change three times if you want—it’s your day.
If you’re planning your own big day or just heading to a summer ceremony, take a page out of the Serena playbook. Focus on the people who matter, organize the chaos with a bit of "VC energy," and for heaven's sake, bring a pair of sneakers for the dance floor.
Next Steps for Your Style:
Look into custom sneaker options for formal events. Many brands now offer bridal or "tuxedo" versions of classic silhouettes that provide the comfort Serena swears by without sacrificing the aesthetic of a black-tie event.