Wispy chiffon and gauzy tulle, plus the prettiest of appliques (check out the smattering of feathers on the Elizabeth Fillmore style), make these some of the most dreamily feminine gowns around. Claire Pettibone, Canterbury, $6,400, clairepettibone.com.

Rivini, No. 18, $4,035, rivini.com

Badgley Mischka, "Paola," $4,610, badgleymischka.com

Elizabeth Fillmore, "Ophelia" (No. 33106B), $7,920, elizabethfillmorebridal.com

Carolina Herrera, strapless rice raffeta, $7,990, carolinaherrera.com

There's something so ladylike about these styles that you almost sit up straighter just looking at them. We can't resist the elegant silhouettes, but we especially love the details, whether a slim, crystal-clasped belt, a pair of delicate bows placed just so, or a super-flattering collar. They're the kind of gorgeous dresses every little girl dreams about, and we guarantee they'll look good in photos that your grandkids pore over one day. Lazaro, No. 3761, $3,960, lazarobridal.com

Anne Barge, A-line gown, $6,150, annebarge.com

Carolina Herrera, No. 32814, $9,990, carolinaherrera.com

Badgley Mischka, "Concetta," $2,850, badgleymischka.com

Romona Keveza, L780, $3,990, romonakeveza.com

Kenneth Pool, "Botticelli," $11,700, kennethpool.com

Alvina Valenta, No. 9752, $3,025, alvinavalenta.com

Romona Keveza, L789, $2,990, romonakeveza.com

Oscar de la Renta, No. 82N15DS, $5,690, oscardelarenta.com

Edgardo Bonilla, "Crystal" (5606), $5,500, edgardobonilla.com

Priscilla of Boston, No. 4027, $10,400, priscillaofboston.com

Monique Lhuillier, lace corset, $2,420; A-line skirt, $4,840, moniquelhuillier.com

Anne Barge, V-neck gown, $2,850, annebarge.com

A wedding gown with a whiff of the silver screen about it -- whether covered with glittering sequins or featuring a dramatic plunging cowl back -- makes a statement while still being perfectly appropriate. If poufy ball gowns aren't your thing, channel Lana Turner and try on one of these less-constructed styles for size. Mika Inatome, No. 753, $3,300, 212-966-7777

Anna Maier-Ulla Maija Couture, "Dionne," $6,000, annamaier.com

Liancarlo, No. 3847, $4,580, liancarlo.com

Rivini, No. 19, $2,485, rivini.com

Kenneth Pool, "Canova," $5,200, kennethpool.com

Jenny Packham, "Hestia," $6,000, jennypackham.com

Atelier Aimee, "Eva," $3,900, aimeeusa.com

What's great about the dresses showing up in designer collections right now is the sheer range they offer. These days, a bride can go short or long, wear pleats or a peplum, and look ravishing no matter what her choice. These seven styles are as sophisticated as they come, each with its own distinctly fresh vibe. Oscar de la Renta, No. 82N19JS, $3,690, oscardelarenta.com

Angel Sanchez, N2018, $3,300, angelsanchezusa.com

Vera Wang, No. 11728, 212-628-3400

Reem Acra Couture, "Capelet," $5,100, reemacra.com

Lela Rose, "The Lighthouse," $4,995, lelarose.com

Adele Wechsler, "Tisha," $3,600, adelewechsler.com

Monique Lhuillier, strapless gown, $2,750; bolero, $5,280, moniquelhuillier.com