Every bride wants to wear a beautiful dress on her wedding day, but which beautiful dress will it be? Some women fantasize for years of the day they will walk down the aisle in trails of tulle. Others search through racks of billowy dresses looking for the modern sheath that more closely suits their everyday style. Here, classics that will stand the test of time if you plan -- and we hope you do -- to hand it down to the next generation. Extravagant Balenciaga-style gowns and romantic Empire-waisted dresses worthy of the Empress Josephine. And alongside them you will see fashions for your bridesmaids and flower girl. With their simple lines and lovely fabrics, they will complement you, the bride, and like your own dress, help you shine on your wedding day.

Above, Pure Grace Kelly: an ivory gown by Candace Solomon, with a tight lace bodice and tulle skirt -- a fantasy of a wedding dress. The bride also wears an antique lace veil. Below, an antique Belgian-lace veil adds texture to a stark long-sleeved gown with a sweetheart neckline by Yeohlee; the bridesmaid wears a mint dress with a gazaar wrap by C.J. Yoon Ono.

For Romantics Only
An Empire waist, four-leaf-clover embroidery, a collar of rip-curl feathers -- no gesture is spared in an Haute Couture Givenchy gown by John Galliano. Below, take an Aline organza gown by Reem Acra and crown it with a Nelson D'Leon veil that falls over the bride's shoulders like a waterfall; the result is a dream.

Short, Long, Longer
A cascade of flounces on a flower girl, designed by Morgane Le Fay.

Below, bridesmaids dress in sleek brown satin by Dessy Creations.