Stunning Designer Wedding Dresses

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.

Vera Wang gown (212-628-3400).

A dramatic drape of jewel-encrusted silk georgette channels all the glamour of Cleopatra in a modern way.

The Details: Temperley London Phoebe gown. Clara Kasavina Bianca earrings. Rosena Sammi Tisra bracelets. Travel poster from greatbigcanvas.com.

Macrame lace gives this otherwise traditional cheongsam a twist, while its delicate Mandarin neckline and body-skimming shape lend it grace.

The Details: Ines Di Santo Norah gown and bolero. Cheryl King Couture Christina hair sticks. Doyle & Doyle earrings and necklace worn as a bracelet. Chad Allison platinum ring. Pearl River parasol. Travel poster from greatbigcanvas.com.

With a flouncy knee-length skirt and crisply tailored collar, this satin-organza cocktail dress serves up fun with a dash of formality -- just like the island itself.

The Details: Vineyard Annette dress, priscillaofboston.com. Corine Serruya headpiece, opheliehats.com. Kenneth Jay Lane earrings and cuff, 877-953-5264. Gumuchian Twinset ring. Travel poster from greatbigcanvas.com.

The full skirt of this floor-sweeping chiffon dress is adorned with appliques and fluffed up with a crinoline for a Flamenco-style swoosh.

The Details: Morgane Le Fay Rhiannon dress and crinoline. Ben-Amun by Isaac Manevitz earrings. Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry necklace. Travel poster from greatbigcanvas.com.

A sheer and close-fitting corded lace jacket is a prim yet provocative addition to the delicately embroidered strapless gown underneath.

The Details: Oscar de la Renta gown and jacket, Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier, 212-319-6778. De Beers Dormeuse earrings and ring. Adia Kibur necklace, Supplements NY, 800-631-3844. Cassin muff. Travel poster from greatbigcanvas.com.

With its one-shoulder sweetheart neckline, this silk-chiffon number is every bit as romantic and architectural as the city's sweeping skyline.

The Details: Romona Keveza Goddess gown. Christopher Designs platinum necklace. Rina Limor earrings, 800-999-0583. Stephen Russell bracelet, 212-570-6900. OGI platinum link bracelet. De Beers ring. Swarovski Kiosque clutch. Travel poster from greatbigcanvas.com.

The "Carolina" gown features a subtle sweetheart neckline that is the perfect counterpoint to the lush, exaggerated blossom on the skirt, Carolina Herrera.

It's the epitome of effortless style: a layered silk skirt, a graceful chiffon cowl neckline, and long, trailing black bows for that je ne sais quoi. 

The Details: Carolina Herrera Berenice gown and hat. Doyle & Doyle earrings. Siman Tu bracelet, 212-327-4626. Gabriel & Co. ring. Travel poster from greatbigcanvas.com.

Move over, pristinely plaited tiers of fabric. This season's soft, feathery folds have little in common with the well-defined ruffles of seasons past. The new incarnation of easy, breezy tulle and clear paillettes perfectly showcases this drop-waist gown's standout shape. "Fashionista" gown, by Kenneth Pool, from Amsale, amsale.com, 212-583-1700. Pearl necklaces: 125-inch rope, Honora, honora.com; five strand, Mastoloni, mastoloni.com. Ring, Varna, varna.com.

Crystals, pearls, beads, ribbons -- it used to be that one of these elements was enough to deck out a dress, but not anymore. Piled high around this silk, satin, and organza gown's jeweled neckline, the artfully layered adornment is as striking as a piece of statement jewelry. "Rhianna" gown, Monique Lhuillier, moniquelhuillier.com. Earrings, by Jose and Maria Barrera, from Tabandeh, 202-244-0777. "Everlon" band, Macy's, macys.com.

Streamlined and strapless, Manuel Mota's architectural wonder of silk mikado boasts a centerpiece of crisply folded fabric so chic that we hesitate to call it a bow. Unlike its more delicate predecessors, this knot isn't the slightest bit frou-frou. "Chez" gown, by Manuel Mota, from Pronovias, 212-897-6393. Pearl stud earrings, Mikimoto, mikimotoamerica.com.

This tall drink of water represents a new breed of sleek, streamlined styles. It's a far cry from the satin bias-cut dresses that used to define simple. With its uniform embellishment of hand-stitched chiffon petals, the effect is just as pared down as plain satin -- only much more interesting. "Petal" gown and headpiece, Colette Komm, colettekomm.com. Earrings, Mikimoto, mikimotoamerica.com.

It's not quite long, and it's certainly not short -- no, this ballet-length ankle-grazer falls divinely in the middle. The hand-beaded bodice and soft, delicate pleating keep the look current, never retro, while skyscraping heels and bare shoulders add edge. Gown (style No. 29129), Destinations by Mon Cheri, moncheribridals.com. Short veil, Suzanne Couture Millinery, suzannemillinery.com. "Blossom" sandals, by Bourne, from endless.com. Ring, Rina Limor, rinalimor.com.

The veil will always be in vogue, but right now, there's a much more innovative alternative: the cloche hat -- a must for any bride who's willing to try what other women only wish they could. The key? Make sure it's wedding worthy, like this heavenly, handcrafted style with its delicate ribbon and cluster of pretty-as-can-be rosettes. Hat, Albertus Swanepoel, albertusswanepoel.com. Gown (No. 12n17/2), Oscar de la Renta, from Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier, bridalatelier.com, 212-319-6778. Ring, A. Jaffe, ajaffe.com.

Spun from rich silk taffeta and adorned with a shimmering bodice and satin neckline, this is the most refined high-waisted number we've ever seen. It's not a bit like the bohemian versions of the hippie-dippy days of yore. After all, you wouldn't dream of going barefoot in this dress. "Neely" gown, by Mark Brower for Vineyard, from Priscilla of Boston, 800-970-9205. Beret, Suzanne Couture Millinery, suzannemillinery.com. Eternity band, Memoire, memoire.com.

All clean lines and body-skimming shape, the old column relied on its spare design to stand out. But Reem Acra's mesmerizing version, with its clusters of shimmery beading and flapper-esque court train of pleated tulle, isn't just new; it's improved. "Thumbelina" gown, Reem Acra, reemacra.com, 212-308-8760. White pearl bracelets, R. J. Graziano, 212-685-1248. Gold glass-pearl bracelet, Sequin, 212-398-7363. Ring, Zales Jewelers, zales.com.

Before now, flash like this was reserved for accepting an Oscar, not saying "I do." With this stunning gown's shape-skimming nude backdrop and twinkling, hand-beaded overlay of crystal and silver filigree threadwork, it has the power to transform the aisle into your own personal red carpet. Gown (RG337), by Naeem Khan, from Bergdorf Goodman, 888-774-2424. "Celeste" tiara, Jennifer Behr, jenniferbehr.com. "Purity" ring, Memoire, memoire.com.

We've been awed by gowns in black...and gowns that bare backs...and 30-foot trains. What haven't we seen? Carolina Herrera's tulle confection with hand-painted water lilies so gorgeous, it turns the bride into a work of art. "Claude Monet" gown, and cathedral-length veil, both by Carolina Herrera, carolinaherrera.com. Pearl earrings, Mastoloni, mastoloni.com. "Ellen" ring, Erica Courtney, ericacourtney.com.

Gown, Selia Yang. Ring, Cartier.

Gown, by special order, Reem Acra, 212-308-8760; necklace, Siman Tu. Dress, by Redux Charles Chang-Lima, from Esti's, 718-645-2600. Groom's tuxedo, Salvatore Ferragamo, 212-759-3822. Groomsmen's tuxedos and men's shoes, Brooks Brothers.

"Selena" gown, by Rivini.

"Hayworth" gown, Ines Di Santo. Engagement ring, Chad Allison.

"Alex" gown, by Edgardo Bonilla, from Kleinfeld; necklace, Kenneth Jay Lane, 877-953-5264; diamond solitaire ring, De Beers.

Silk charmeuse "Quinn" halter gown, by Vineyard Collection. Boa, by Paloma Blanca. Platinum flower ring, Michael M. "Laraine" slingbacks with pleated bow, Nina.

"Calista" A-line gown, with satin bodice and tulle skirt, Amsale. "Pucele" satin pumps,  Manolo Blahnik, 212-582-3007.

Gown with crystal bust (#4009), Jennifer Salzman. Cushion-cut diamond and platinum ring, Neil Lane Jewelry, 310-275-5015.

A-line strapless organza gown, by David Fielden, from Kleinfeld; diamond and platinum bangle, Chad Allison. Black silk-satin ostrich feather chemise, OMO Norma Kamali; crystal flower clip earrings, Siman Tu. Hoop earrings, by Sequin, from Henri Bendel, 800-423-6335.

Silk mousseline and tulle gown, J. Mendel.

Strapless gown (#12n23/11), and fascinator (#12n89), Oscar de la Renta, from Saks Fifth Avenue; engagement ring, Peter Storm.

A-line gown (#112210, look #1), Vera Wang. Engagement ring, Chad Allison.

The cascading scallops of duchesse satin in the back of this waist-cinching, shape-flaunting tall drink of water make for an exquisitely grand exit. "Lalique" gown, Matthew Christopher. Drop earrings, Carolee LUX Collection.

Melissa Sweet's pretty-as-can-be, nipped-at-the-waist "Fiesole" gown is one of the flirtiest styles of the season, thanks to its swishy tea-length skirt and intricate stripes of textured embroidery. Ruffled silk shantung, Reverie by Melissa Sweet.

Cut from luxurious silk mikado, this regal gown's snug, streamlined torso (complete with a bateau neckline) bursts into a train that billows softly to the floor. "Eridanus" gown, by Valentino Sposa, from Pronovias New York Flagship Salon. Earrings, Maria Elena Headpieces.

Satin tuxedo stripes and a dramatic A-line silhouette beautifully offset simple bows on the "Kim" gown, Birnbaum & Bullock, The Steven Birnbaum Collection.

The exaggerated sleeves of accordion-pleated chiffon are breezy and beautiful: "Sunshine" gown, Reem Acra. Earrings, Kenneth Jay Lane, 877-953-5264.

The "Salona" gown boasts a sweep of organic silk organza that snugly hugs the lace in front and gathers at the back in a dramatic, flowing train, Rivini. Diamond and tortoiseshell hair ornament,  Fred Leighton, 212-288-1872.

A crystal-dipped bodice gives the tulle "Leila" gown a retro flair; belt, Monique Lhuillier. Ring, Cartier.

This mermaid gown boasts delicate bows and a full skirt that can't wait to start dancing, Liancarlo. Earrings, by Yara Figueiredo, from Talavera, 212-213-0050.

Judging by the number of delicate floral appliques on this waist-flaunting gown, you may actually float down the aisle. Gown (#92308/30), by Oscar de la Renta, from Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier, 212-319-6778. "Lazo" headband, by Lia Terni, from Kleinfeld.

A striking, nontraditional veil matches the bold and surprising shape of this ultra-mini "Adriana" bubble dress (veil is attached), Amsale.

Celestial organza pleats flutter their way around Vera Wang's plisse organdy "Fairy Dust" gown. Brooch, by Juko, from Supplements NY, 800-631-3844.

We don't know which is more appealing -- the billowing skirt, dramatic veil, or chandelier earrings. Your leading man won't, either. "Fairy Princess" gown, Vera Wang. Long tulle veil, Erin Cole. Diamond earrings, Fred Leighton, 212-288-1872. Diamond ring, Harry Winston.

Once you set foot on Parker Hotel's lush grounds (the site for this glamorous shoot), and channeling your inner screen siren is easy -- just put on this Chantilly-lace cap-sleeve gown and flower-embellished hat. "Hesperides" gown, by Valentino Sposa, from Pronovias Flagship Salon. Hat, Suzanne Couture Millinery. Ear clips, by Jean Schlumberger, from Tiffany & Co., 800-526-0649. Tuxedo and shoes, Dior Homme, 212-421-6009. Shirt, Giorgio Armani. Tie, J.Crew. Groom's wedding band, Tacori.

Sheer beaded sleeves, a blooming chignon, and gumdrop-size earrings make for a scene-stealing combination at this poolside bar at the Parker Hotel. "Julianna" gown, Amsale. Earrings and ring, Christopher Designs Crisscut.

Swathe yourself in strategically draped charmeuse and kick up your pretty pink heels. Don't forget that A-list essential: an umbrella handler. "Pret" gown, Atelier Aimee. "Ginger" shoes, J.Crew.

This full-skirted, double-tiered, crystal-encrusted cupcake of a dress and these jaw-dropping diamond accessories will take you straight from your wedding to a walk down the Academy Awards red carpet. Gown, Priscilla of Boston. Earrings, Hearts on Fire. Necklace, by Jose and Maria Barerra, from Tabandeh, 202-244-0777. Ring, Mauboussin.

Be a Hollywood golden girl in this floaty, flirty, frothy silk-chiffon number. Gown, Anne Barge. "Caresse d'orchidees" ring, Cartier.

It's a wrap! Tiered ruffles flutter effortlessly from this gown's plunging neckline to the pristine lawn of the Parker Hotel's croquet court. "Columbine" gown, Carolina Herrera. Necklace, Harry Winston.

Show a little skin -- or, in the case of this asymmetrical gown, a peek of shoulder -- to guarantee a standing ovation. Gown, by Angel Sanchez, from Bergdorf Goodman, 212-872-8957. Earrings, by Jose and Maria Barrera, from Tabandeh, 202-244-0777. "Nico" shoes, by Brian Atwood, from Saks Fifth Avenue.

This statuesque sheath of silk and cotton will have your audience at hello, and its plunging back will wow them with goodbye. "Gallery" gown, by Lela Rose, from Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier. Ear clips, by David Webb, from Neil Marrs. Ring, Cartier.

In this drop-waist gown, your performance on the Parker Hotel's terre battu tennis court will be sheer genius. "Jordan" gown, Judd Waddell. Earrings, MMM Jewelry Designs. Ring, Harry Winston.