Get swept off your feet by these lighthearted and swoon-worthy wedding dresses.
Turn heads at your ceremony with a 10-foot train of seraphic silk chiffon, then delight guests once more when you remove the dramatic overskirt to reveal a dance floor–grazing hem.
Joanna August “Harb” gown and “Carrie” skirt; Stephen Russell earrings (212-570-6900).
Not only does this silk-faille beaut feature impeccable tailoring and a curve-hugging shape, but its softly verdant shade— the color of budding leaves—nods to the new life you’re starting.
Zac Posen gown (available at Neiman Marcus, 888-888-4757); Blue Nile earrings; Asprey “Fern” necklace; Ivanka Trump ring.
Bare shoulders and plunging necklines scream sexy. A fits-like-a-glove lace sheath with cap sleeves and an elegant mandarin collar whispers it alluringly.
Ian Stuart “Tiger Lily” gown (Available at Panache Beverly Hills, 310-657-7100); De Beers earrings and “Aura” ring.
Crisp with a moonlike sheen, this eminently feminine strapless silk-faille style borrows its sharp, double-breasted bodice from the boys. A smart, wide-brim hat channels Audrey Hepburn’s gamine elegance.
Carolina Herrera “Isolde” gown; Suzanne Couture Millinery straw hat; Assael earrings; Tiffany & Co. ring.
This versatile ribbed-crepe blouse and flouncy, feathery skirt will look airy and ethereal during vow hour and later feel as festive as a flute of Champagne when the clock strikes party.
Honor blouse; Kate Spade “Marybelle” skirt; Kwiat earrings and ring; Laurence Dacade for Thakoon pumps.
In true ladylike fashion, the charms of this tea-length alencon-lace frock reveal themselves slowly and with poise. Start by loving the nipped-in waist, then notice the swingy circle-cut skirt and chaste sweetheart bodice.
Justin Alexander gown; Bell’occhio “Lavandiere” hat; Oscar Heyman earrings; Ivanka Trump ring; Alberta Ferretti shoes (310-652-9000).
True, the slinky silhouette of this draped tulle gown hearkens back to the 1940s, but its thigh-high slit, atmospheric hue, and twinkling sequined zigzags are hot off today’s runways.
Anna Sui for Bhldn “Aiguille” gown; Stephen Russell bracelet (212-570-6900); Tiffany & Co. bracelet and ring.
Cascading organza ruffles and tumbling layers of tulle and lace are the stuff of fairy tales and fantasies. Thanks to a timeless hourglass shape, this gown is firmly rooted in reality.
Vera Wang Bride gown; A. Link for Forevermark earrings.
Two 21st-century details—convenient, hidden pockets and a skinny, waist-cinching belt—prevent the nebulous swirls of antiquey lace applique on this mermaid gown from seeming stiff or stodgy. A come-hither french net fascinator adds a shot of modern whimsy.
Junko Yoshioka “Zarya” gown (available at Mark Ingram Atelier, 212-319-6778); Suzanne Couture Millinery fascinator; Fred Leighton earrings.
Architectural ruching on this silk-gazar gown makes your decolletage (and the killer jewels adorning it) the center of attention, if not the universe.
Rivini by Rita Vinieris “Vionette” gown; Harry Winston “Cluster” earrings, “Cluster” necklace, and ring.
Zip yourself into this cloud of layered tulle, and you won’t want to stop moving. Every spin, swoosh, and twirl allows the substratum of pale periwinkle to peek through—the ultimate in “something blue.”
Lazaro “Wisteria” ball gown; Forevermark “Center of My Universe” earrings.
You could call this silk-faille gown’s piece de resistance a bow, but that would be like referring to the Hope Diamond as a mere rock. A floor-skimming, softly draped skirt balances the knot’s cosmic proportions.
Rafael Cennamo gown (available at The White Dress, 949-723-0121); De Beers bracelet; Tiffany & Co. ring.
This awe-inspiring gown has a profusion of embellishments-- tulle ruffles, floral applique on the bodice, and chic horsehair trim -- but nothing weighs it down. Instead, the flourishes spruce up a ball-gown shape that flatters body types from reed-thin to va-va-voom curvy.
Tara Keely gown #2202; Seaman Schepps earrings.
Two words: stretch chiffon. Like your favorite pair of jeans, this mermaid-style number was made to play up your assets while masking any flaws. It creates the ideal hourglass silhouette, and if that’s not enough to warrant a double-take, the micro-pleated bodice and intricately shirred skirt most definitely are.
Vera Wang gown (212-628-3400).
An unexpected metallic hue makes this ethereal dress feel as refreshing as a breeze on a hot summer day. The goddesslike tiers of Chantilly lace and a head-turning halter neckline boost its cool factor.
Douglas Hannant "Jill" gown (available at gabriellanewyork.com); Blue Nile earrings; Cathy Waterman bracelet (available at twistonline.com); Jimmy Choo pumps (available at kleinfeldbridal.com).
The only thing more elegant than cap sleeves are the cap sleeves made from sheer, embroidered lace on this fit-and-flare attention-getter. Combined with a delicate boatneck and wide-open back, the look is divine.
Lela Rose "The Grove" gown (available at Mark Ingram Atelier, 212-319-6778); Cathy Waterman earrings and "Ribbon Swirl" bracelet (both available at ylang23.com).
With a sweetheart neckline, satin flowers, crystals, and layer upon layer of frothy organza, this gown is about as fairy princess as it gets. In it, you’ll feel as if you’re starring in your very own midsummer night's dream (whether or not you have an enchanting tree to perch on).
Casablanca gown #2069; Cathy Waterman "Paisley Leaf" earrings (available at barneys.com); Brumani bracelet; Rene Caovilla booties (available at Ermare, 954-568-2281).
From the front, this drop-waist design seems devoted to subtle details, like the tiny pleats on the bodice and artfully crinkled taffeta skirt. Then you catch a glimpse of its back draping, which sweeps dramatically down the aisle.
Peter Langner "Zig Zag" gown; Forevermark earrings (available at aucoinhart.com); Stephen Russell bracelet; Blue Nile ring.
An airy confection of wrapped tulle and downy ostrich plumes will have you flying into your groom's arms while guests' eyes are glued to its beautiful, billowing silhouette.
Kenneth Pool "Ariana" gown (available at Amsale Flagship Salon, 212-583-1700); Tacori drop earrings; Cathy Waterman "Pave Ribbon" necklace (available at ylang23.com).
There's something charmingly traditional and frankly feminine about this silk organza gown. Between the crisscrossed Chantilly lace embroidery and a delicate sweetheart neckline, it will have classic brides jumping for joy.
Judd Waddell "Fiona" gown (available bridalsbylori.com); Blue Nile earrings; McTeigue & McClelland "Flora" necklace (available at mc2jewels.com).
Part sculpture, part wedding dress, this sandy strapless incorporates enough origami folds and masterful draping to make it museum-ready. For a contemporary twist, consider outfitting your bridesmaids in all white.
J. Mendel gown; Maja DuBrul earrings; Stephen Russell bracelet; Blue Nile ring.
Talk about a breath of fresh air! Not only does this delicate knee-length silk gazar dress count as your something blue, but you’ll be able to wear it again and again.
Christian Dior "Rue de Paris" dress (800-929-3467). Oscar Heyman earrings; Casadei pumps; A. Jaffe ring (For setting, 913-345-0200).
In search of a frock you can kick up your heels in? Look no further. This tea-length charmer, with a sparkly bodice and oversize blossom, makes you (and everyone who sees you) want to dance the night away.
Alfred Sung dress #6854; Paolo Costagli "Sugarloaf" earrings and necklace; Manolo Blahnik "Hangisi" pumps (available at Neiman Marcus, 800-937-9146).
Short, frilly, and as finely spun as cotton candy, a light pink organza mini can carry you from the ceremony to the reception to the afterparty. It's that versatile, and that special.
Oscar de la Renta dress; Untamed Petals sash; Paolo Costagli earrings; Oscar Heyman bracelet; Badgley Mischka sandals (available at heels.com).
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