Remember, even if you can’t afford a gown by a top designer, use these photos as inspiration for your own dress. Often, a talented dressmaker can remake a gown for a fraction of the cost!

All photos are from Martha Stewart Wedding.

The 4 dresses below have stunning detail on the top, and simple, flattering skirts on the bottom! Gowns by Marchesa.

These gowns by Oscar de la Renta stand out from the crowd, and the outburst of flowers and pastel colors definitely says “spring!”  Patterns and pants, colors and cut-outs– whatever you go for you’re sure to turn heads!

Lots of feminine lace, frills, and bows characterizes Monique Lhuillier’s  line of gowns this season. Long or short, these dresses are all lovely!

We like a little extra cover, and the delicate lace additions on these dresses by Jenny Lee are just perfect for spring!

Looking for something with a bit of old-time glamor? These gowns by Rivini should do the trick nicely!

Vera Wang is going wild in red this season, with lots of interesting shape and texture. From deep maroon to fire-engine red, you’ll make a show-stopping entrance in one of these gowns!

And for something sweet and classic, try one of these gowns by Allure. Each one is prettier than the next!

Want to see more? Martha Stewart Wedding has more gowns from these designers and others!

In addition to bridal gowns, you can find separates, shrugs, veils, headpieces, jewelry, sashes, and shoes.  Of course the best part of all is that they’re up to 90% discounted! So, all you lovely brides out there, check out the stunning gowns and accessories at  Your Dream Dress and see if you can find the gown of your dreams at a price you may have only dreamed of until today!

Not that we want the maids to outshine the bride… but the bridesmaid’s gowns this season are just incredible!  We’ve browsed the newest collections (thanks, Martha!) and have picked some of favorites to show you… it was difficult to stick to just forty!

Some are long, some are short, some are tailored and some are flowing, and they are all colors of the rainbow– even a few patterned and two-toned, but what we love is that they all have clean, simple lines and beautiful, flattering shapes. And we’re particularly happy to see that there are plenty of options for the modest gals who don’t want to go strapless (or even sleeveless)!

To see all the latest collections, visit Martha Stewart Weddings. To see our favorites, read on!

Long Peach Bridesmaid Dress: Amsale.com

Long Light Pink Bridesmaid Dress: Amsale.com

Long Purple Bridesmaid Dress: Amsale.com

Short Deep Plum Bridesmaid Dress: Modern Vintage Collection Alfred Angelo

Short Red Bridesmaid Dress: Modern Vintage Collection: Alfred Angelo

Long Brown Bridesmaid Dress: Modern Vintage Collection Alfred Angelo

I am really digging Vera Wang’s line, all sultry beige and black tulle, these gowns are beautifully daring and unabashedly feminine at the same time. With silhouettes ranging from ballgown to trumpet, these dresses are perfect for the romantic or goth bride who dares to be different!

Ann Bowen‘s line has some real winners this season (although I admit that I hate some of them)! I like these figure-hugging sheaths with their sparkles, lace, ruffles, and deep V-necks:

If you can ignore the ridiculous veil (I know, it’s hard) you may find that you love these gowns from Badgley Mischka‘s fall collection. The sparkly silver embellishments add a beautiful touch, and I really love both dresses with the gold flowers and gold spangles!

If your style is simple and sleek, check out Carolina Herrera’s line, which is understated but undeniably sophisticated. The lovely shrugs in the 1st, 4th, and 5th photos are removable, but so chic!

Some of Claire Pettibone‘s dresses are too outlandish for my subdued taste, but I think that the ones I’m showing you here are absolutely whimsical and adorable!

I’m not sure how I feel about embroidered crystal bodices, but I’m crazy about the skirts on these Eve of Milady‘s gowns! They are exquisite and sure look like fun to swish around in!

What are your favorites?

To see the rest of the lines, or gowns by other designers, please visit Martha Stewart Weddings! Happy browsing!

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Red invitations with gold calligraphy, via The Knot.

Red, floor-length dress, $280, Lazaro. For your bridesmaids… or the daring bride! (via Brides.com)

Crystal vases topped with red, silk lampshades, and filled with water, glass marbles, water-activated LED lights, and a single ruby gerbera daisy (via The Knot).

Earrings, $45, Kenneth Jay Lane, 877-953-5264. (via Brides.com)

Bouquet of gloriosa lilies, red hypericum berries, red ranunculuses, and Safari Sunset (via The Knot).

Dress, $286, Ivy & Aster. (via Brides.com)

Red Sling-back shoes via The Knot.

Satin Sash with Beaded Embellishment by David’s Bridal

I do understand that not everyone agrees with me. Obviously not everyone agrees with me, because there are quite a lot of short dresses making it onto the runways today! And some, I admit, are pretty darling.  So if you’re got a beach wedding planned or just want to slip into something easier to dance in (after you’ve had your fun in the ball gown!), here are some delightful little dresses to consider!

All photos from Martha Stewart Wedding.

Matthew Christopher

Modern Trousseau

Matthew Christopher

Monique Lhuillier

Simone Carvalli

Ines di Santo

Aria

Matthew Christopher

Simone Carvalli

See more short dresses at Martha Stewart Wedding!

Here’s the recap, from Kate’s glittering tiara down to her hand-embroidered lacey pumps!

Get the Dress

There was much excited speculation over what The Dress would look like, with many big designers getting in on the fun and creating their perfect princess gown. Ramona Keveza almost got it perfect when she created this romantic A-line gown with a lace illusion neckline and sleeves decorated with delicate Chantilly lace.

Another look-alike is the Andrea gown, by Priscilla of Boston. This silk organza ball gown has embellished lace details on the skirt, much like Kate’s. The fully beaded lace jacket with scalloped edges adds royal charm.

Another Priscilla of Boston gown (this is Style 4615) is equally beautiful, with a twist. This A-line gown with hand-appliqued crystal-encrusted Alencon Lace sleeves also features a a lovely silver sash for added dimension.

Get the Tiara

Of course, a princess has to wear a tiara! If you want a royal headpiece too, but don’t have access to the Queen’s extensive collection of tiaras (Kate chose a  1936 Cartier “halo” tiara), check out these lovely options. Brides.come recommends, from top to bottom: Erica Koesler, David’s Bridal, Bel Aire Bridal, Ann Leslie Designs. For more headpiece ideas, visit Brides.com’s accessories gallery.

Kate’s veil is made of layers of soft, ivory silk tulle with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers, which were embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework, where the lace appliqué for the bodice and skirt were hand-made as well.

Get the Jewels

The lovely drop earrings Kate wore were commissioned by her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, as a wedding present.  London Jeweler Robinson Pelham created the diamond oak leaf and acorn earrings for the bride – a motif which echoes the coat of arms of the Middleton family.

Brides.com showcases a similar style from their most recent Brides Local Magazines cover shoot. They’re by the L.A.-based designer Simon G., who always finds beautiful, interesting ways to showcase diamonds. Like Kate’s earrings, these delicate danglers would perfectly complement any regal wedding gown.

Get the Shoes

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Feature photo from Fhiky

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We like the bold black-and-white prints of these floral print dresses. You can do it in something floor-length like the Floral Print Dress Halter or try short and flirty like this Strapless Sweetheart dress.

These silky tea-length dresses are charming and demure, perfect for a garden-themed wedding! Dresses by Dessy Collection and Mori Lee Affairs.

These two dresses are from the modest collection by Landa Designs, for your beautiful, trendy bridesmaids who don’t want to show too much skin!

Etsy is a great place to find floral dresses that are unique and fashion-forward. Many are one-of-a-kind, so you might want to mix-n-match different dresses that all have the same look. Hand-painted Silk Dress by TanjaDesign and Vintage Inspired Tea Length Dress by ellanacouture.

MORE IDEAS:

I love the way the guys’ ties match the bridesmaids’ dresses (via Flossy and Dossy):

Random print dresses from Etsy with matching bouquets and ballet flats (via Our Blog of Love):

The mismatched dress fashion is definitely catching on! As long as they are all a similar style, it gives each girl a chance to show off  her own color preferences while maintaining a coherent look. (Photo from London Bride)

…Or keep the pattern the same for all dresses, and give the bridesmaids’ freedom in choosing the length and cut of their dress (Elizabeth Ann Design)!

A cluster of silk roses adorns the back of a ballet-inspired peach gown by Lazaro gown featuring A cluster of silk roses at the back and an embroidered hem of vines and pink flowers.

All photos: Martha Stewart Weddings

Halter gown with organza flower by Amsale

Spring 2011, verawang.com

Silk-illusion net and satin gown by Monique Lhuillier, with silk forget-me-nots and sable-colored silk sash.

Melissa Sweet Spring 2011

Ivory silk taffeta gown with pink silk organza bodice and silk roses by Saison Blanche.

So when it comes to your wedding gown, taking a look back in time is a good place to start. Are you a fun-loving flapper from the 20′s or an elegant lady of the 50′s? Take a look at these gowns, each one reminiscent of one of America’s iconic fashion eras (thank you, Martha Stewart) and be ready to be blown away!

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Rococo 1700′s: Big hoops. Big drama.

Victorian 1800′s: Aristocratic. Ladylike. Fascinating.

Roaring 20′s: Audacious. Glitzy. Glamorous.

Art Deco 20′s & 30′s: Simple. Elegant. Functional.

1950′s: Crisp. Tailored. Polished.

Swinging 60′s: Relaxed. Revolutionary. Real.

Disco 70′s:  Captivating. Groovy. Dance til you drop.

Punk 80′s: Audacious. Flirty. Sexy.

21st Century: Dramatic. Unique. Contemporary.

More gown inspiration: Martha Stewart: From the Runway