Summer Wedding Dresses

Our Wedding Wish List — 20 of the Most Perfect Dresses For Your Big Day

June 7, 2012 by Marisa Tom

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Walking down the aisle is just a fraction of your big day, but finding the perfect dress for the occasion is all part of its iconic and momentous charm. With Bridal Fashion Week fueling our inspiration tenfold and our own princess fantasies in check, we've culled a dreamy lineup of frothy, sleek, and demure white (and not-so-white) gowns worthy of your wedding-day bliss. Are you going for a serious siren statement? We couldn't think of anything sexier than Anna Sui's slinky, embellished bridal number. For a nontraditional take on gown couture, check out one dramatic red version from Vera Wang, and take cues from our vision for wearing such a bold creation. Is it all about lace and frill for you? We can promise you breathtaking iterations from Temperley London and Monique Lhuillier. Or are you vying for a Pippa Middleton derriere moment? Look no further than Alexander McQueen's cap-sleeved perfection. Keep clicking to see which dresses made our wedding-day cut.

Photo courtesy of WWD

"Marchesa never disappoints with its gorgeous gowns, but this particular sleek lace-overlay gown is absolutely breathtaking. It instantly reminds me of Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, evoking a sense of sophistication and classic beauty that I wouldn't mind channeling on my big day." — Marisa Tom, associate editor

"If I don't do a casual Summer garden wedding, I would totally do this rich, sexy Autumn wedding at some country estate. Everyone would get dressed up to the nines, and we would serve Manhattans and eat a 10-course meal. I would wear one of Vera Wang's rich red dresses from her Spring 2013 collection, like this one." — Noria Morales, style director

"This Marchesa dress is the epitome of a modern fairy tale. I love the length — it allows you to show off an amazing pair of heels! — and the mix of structured and floaty, which gives off an elegant, avant-garde vibe. It's perfect for the bride who wants to look amazing but doesn't take herself too seriously." — Brittney Stephens, assistant editor
Marchesa Ruffled Silk-Crepe Strapless Dress ($3,500)

"This minimal Oscar de la Renta gown has just the right amount of drama thanks to the oversized bow detail. I can already imagine the blushing bride turning heads as she walks down the aisle in her romantic, Napa Valley winery setting." — Chi Diem Chau, associate editor

"I love how soft and romantic this J. Mendel gown feels, but it doesn't feel so obviously bridal either. I imagine it would look so totally ethereal in the candlelight at an intimate outdoor wedding — just heavenly." — Hannah Weil, assistant editor

"I think getting married in a nonwhite dress is so cool, and Angel Sanchez created this stunningly elegant, dreamy confection in the absolute palest pink. How it manages to be sleek and soft at the same time is a wonder of his tailoring." — Noria Morales, style director

"From the moment I saw this dress, I was captivated by it. The pretty beige tone, sheer rope straps, and crisscross patterns give the girlier neckline an interesting twist." — Marisa Tom, associate editor
Free People Jill's Limited Edition White Summer Dress ($700)

"I have this thing with my arms, in that I like to cover the biggest part of them (you can guess why). This gown has the magic cap sleeve to make my arms look gorgeous, and the simple, timelessly pretty silhouette is ideal for my vision of a casual outdoor wedding. Plus, it's $625, which is a bargain in the wedding world." — Noria Morales, style director
J.Crew Mirabella Gown ($625)

"I'm all about the unconventional wedding dress — why be safe? I would totally wear this Rachel Zoe gown for my nuptials; the silhouette is unexpected, and I'm obsessed with the ruffled sleeves. Also, the gold Lurex detail would look amazing under the light!" — Brittney Stephens, assistant editor
Rachel Zoe Dasha Ruffle-Sleeve Gown ($725)

"I love the timelessness of this gown. Its sweetheart neckline and fitted bodice are incredibly feminine but simple — and totally flattering. You know years later looking back at your wedding-day pictures, you'd still think it was just as lovely." — Hannah Weil, assistant editor
J.Crew Tulipe Bustier Gown ($1,800)

"I know this gown will forever be associated with Pippa Middleton, but she made the dress look so insanely gorgeous it's hard not to want the same for your wedding day. Of course, the downside is that expectation that your derriere would look just as flawless in the gown's body-skimming silhouette. Regardless, it's such an incredibly elegant option, and it would suit so many different kinds of weddings — I'm just so in love with the way it drapes." — Hannah Weil, assistant editor
Alexander McQueen Fitted Cap-Sleeve Gown ($3,545)

"While the sweetheart neckline is totally traditional and demure, I love the unexpected feel of a light peachy pink hue instead of a classic white wedding gown." — Marisa Tom, associate editor
Alexander McQueen Silk-Chiffon Bustier Gown ($2,307)

"This picture does not do this Temperley dress justice because it's stunning in person. The allover lace is so romantic, it's got my favorite detail — the cap sleeve — and I think it would be lovely with long wavy hair in a garden wedding." — Noria Morales, style director

"From the beautiful beaded cap sleeve detailing to the intricate pleated waistband, I'm head over heels in love with this Reem Acra wedding gown. It's simply magical." — Chi Diem Chau, associate editor
Reem Acra Twist Front Gown With Jeweled Sleeves ($5,950)

"This Temperley gown is so dreamy — I love the intricate beading and appliques, and it's a great gown for the vintage-loving bride." — Brittney Stephens, assistant editor
Temperley London Long Elisha Bridal Dress ($5,760)

"For the uptown bride, I cannot imagine a more glamorous gown than this breathtaking Oscar de la Renta gown. The mermaid silhouette exudes sophistication, and the floral print detailing adds a nice modern touch." — Chi Diem Chau, associate editor

"This Monique Lhuillier creation is made for a serious princess moment. I love the skinny straps to define a long neck and collarbone, the ultrafeminine chantilly lace train, and the cinched bow detail." — Marisa Tom, associate editor
Monique Lhuillier Spring 2013 Embrace Dress

"I'm not typically drawn to lacy gowns, but Temperley bridal is unbelievably gorgeous, and this dress in particular manages to deliver the prettiest lace layers and intricate feminine details without being too froofy or frilly. It's stunning." — Hannah Weil, assistant editor
Temperley London Long Dove Bridal Dress ($6,575)

"This gorgeous lace gown is perfect for the vintage-inspired bride. I love the diaphanous sheer layers, diminutive buttons, and sequin embroidery. Simply divine." — Chi Diem Chau, associate editor
Anna Sui Aiguille Gown ($1,200)

"Sometimes, the simplest wedding dress can make the most stunning impact. This elegant silk gown is super chic with its diminutive silk straps and faux wrap sash — perfect for a pretty garden or beach wedding." — Chi Diem Chau, associate editor
J.Crew Goddess Gown ($575)

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Our Wedding Wish List — 20 of the Most Perfect Dresses For Your Big Day

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