This silk taffeta dress at left from designer Ines Di Santo is pure perfection with its form-fitted draping, and lots of glitz.  If you can’t afford a Di Santo, consider the elements of the dress you would look for in an affordable, similar style.

If the ball gown is your thing, this ultra girly gown by Monique Lhuillier called “Petal” is a show-stopper.

A left, a flowing,  vintage-feel, silk charmause dress from Johanna Ho.

Below a silk faille and Chantilly lace dress from Oscar de la Renta worn with a matching bolero jacket.

Below, an understated tiered lace dress from ivyandaster.com

At left, a lovely sheat dress from

57grand.com

I love this modern take on the ball gown from dressmefancy.com

Watters & Watters serves up a sweet confection for brides who want sleeves, watters.com

At left, Lusan Mandongus, shows off a real head turner in this unique but uncomplicated ball gown lusanmandongus.com

Left, an elegant, satin ball gown from Kenneth Pool kennethpool.com

Below, for super affordable, billowy dresses, Light In The Box has plenty of great styles to choose from.

At left, love this tea-length dress from the Maggie Sottero Destinations Collection.  The look is cool and breezy while still being bridal.  Below, a catch-the-breeze look from the Destinations collection.

Below, a short dress from J. Crew makes a statement in silk taffeta.

Above, Two stunning dress from Liancarlo.

Below, from the Spring 2011 Reem Acra collection.

At left, from the Carolina Herrera Spring 2011 collection.

Below, a simple and elegant gown from the fall 2011 Angel collection, by Angel Sanchez.

Below, a fabulous ballgown from the Enzoani, Fall 2011 collection.

Above, Kate Middleton’s dress is absolutely perfect for a Royal Wedding…a great mix of modern, youthful and classic.  Designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.

At left, Kate’s equally stunning reception dress.

Left, as wacky hats and outragoeus fascinators go, this trio is at least interesting and a little more toned down.

At left, Kate wears the Cartier “Halo” tiara loaned by Queen Elizabeth.  Her diamond earrings were designed byRobinson Pelham and include the Middleton family coat-of-arms.

Above, Leather Upper Wedge Sandals from Lucky Brand.  Available at Bloomingdales.

Below, from Juicy Couture, their nautical look “Sea” wedge sandals.  Also at Bloomingdales.

Below, get noticed in these Theodor and Callum linen sandals.  Available at Net-A-Porter.com

Above, stunning floral sandals from Steve Madden will dress up any outfit.  Available at SteveMadden.com.

Below, a beautiful organza strapless gown from Allure Bridal.

At left, a lovely ball gown with pickups from TheBridalGowns.com.

At left, a stylish A-line gown available at Dressgate.com.

This adorable one-shouldered dress from Laundry by Shelli Segal is available at Bloomingdales.

At left a brocade stunner by Sherri Hill, available at Bella Boutique.

Sleek and sexy defines this Sex and The City inspired gown.  Available at Tiffany Couture.

At left a demure fluff of a dress available at promgirl.net.  Below, the same dress in white.

This trendy new style is also available through promgirl.net.

Love this stunning Blush prom dress with the rose detailing at hem.  Available through promdressshop.com.

At left, another over-the-top and fabulous dress by Blush Prom also at promdresshop.com.

The dress at left,  from the Flirt collection by Maggie Sottero, offers up something completely different.  Available at promgirl.com.

A nicely detailed satin dress from Blondie Nites is also at promgirl.com.

At left, a pale pink gown with rose covered bolero.

Below, a cotton embroidered neckline and drapped tulle.

Left, ivory lace bodice and sleeves above a chiffon swirl skirt with jeweled waist.

Below, braided silk and tulle ribbon in champaign create this beautiful gown.

All from Claire Pettibone Couture Bridal.