How Celine Dion’s Wedding Tiara Landed Her in the Hospital

In a heartfelt and revealing interview, iconic singer Celine Dion shared a story from her 1994 wedding to her late husband, René Angélil, that illustrates just how far she was willing to go for her dream wedding. Speaking to Vogue as part of their “Life in Looks” YouTube series, Dion recounted the painful experience that followed her decision to wear a stunning but incredibly heavy crystal-embellished tiara on her big day.

Dion, now 56, took the phrase “beauty is pain” to an entirely new level when she decided to don the elaborate headpiece for her nuptials. The tiara, sewn into her hair, became an unexpected source of agony. Reflecting on the day, Dion recalled the struggle she faced walking down the aisle. “We rehearsed one time with the dress and the big veil. … Everything was fine,” she said. “But when I had to walk [in] the cathedral, it’s no wooden floor. It’s carpet,” Dion explained, noting that the weight of the headdress made her lean forward uncomfortably while walking.

Despite her resolve, Dion soon noticed the physical toll the tiara was taking. After finally removing the headpiece, she discovered a cut on her forehead. “The next day, I woke up [and had a bump] the size of an egg on my forehead,” she shared. “I looked at my husband and said, ‘It’s too late now, we’re married.’” The injury led Dion to seek medical attention, and she ended up on antibiotics for three weeks.

The candid conversation also allowed Dion to reminisce about her beloved husband Angélil, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 73. “This is a moment that will be with me for the rest of my life,” she said, speaking of their wedding. “The dress couldn’t have been big enough. I could have had three times the size on my head. I could have had six different dresses that night, because he was and he’s still such a wonderful human being. … I still feel his presence so much.”

Dion’s wedding dress, designed by Mirella and Steve Gentile, was nothing short of spectacular. The gown featured a sweetheart neckline, long sheer lacy sleeves, a poofy skirt, and a six-meter-long train. Adorned with 2,000 Swarovski crystals and weighing over six pounds, the dress was a dazzling display of craftsmanship and opulence.

Celine Dion and René Angélil’s love story is one for the ages, marked by deep affection and mutual respect. The couple welcomed three sons together: René-Charles, now 23, and twins Nelson and Eddy, now 13. Despite the physical discomfort and the hospital trip, Dion’s wedding day remains one of her most cherished memories, a testament to her enduring love for Angélil.