Modern Wedding Dresses

We scouted out the Big Apple's most wedding-worthy landmarks and found bridal looks to match.

Here, a ball gown with sparkly straps and a billowing silk skirt has the force to stop traffic even at the busy intersection of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street.

The Details: Jim Hjelm Blush by Hayley Paige "Maple" ball gown; Sara Gabriel "Quinn" veil; McTeigue & McClelland "Flora Forare" earrings; Ralph Lauren Collection "Stingray" pumps.

Architectural pleating, light-reflecting sequins, a sleek fishtail train -- skyscrapers have nothing on this statuesque gown. Exchange vows at Rockefeller Center or atop your city's version of 30 Rock.

The Details: Angel Sanchez gown (Mark Ingram Atelier, 212-319-6778); H. Stern "Cobblestone" earrings and "Ancient America" bracelet.

This dress has a spellbinding secret: Beneath its gathered silk overskirt lies a fitted lace mini that practically demands a spotlit pas de deux across a grand stage. Wear it to wed at this performing-arts mecca or at a cultural center closer to home.

The Details: Cocoe Voci "Calista" minidress and gathered overskirt; Sidney Garber "Dreamsicle Drops" earrings; Giuseppe Zanotti Design pumps.

That cascading silk train? Completely fanciful. But it's the heirloom-quality embroidery stitched across this gown's sheer tulle back that is truly exhibition-worthy. Many museums here and across the country make exquisite knot-tying venues.

The Details: Lela Rose "Tompkins Square Park" gown (Mark Ingram Atelier, 212-319-6778). Sidney Garber "Waterfall" earrings; Blue Nile "Petite Pave" ring.

Home of the New York Public Library (a longtime-favorite venue for Manhattanites' I do's), marrying here calls for a sweetly layered strapless frock with hidden pockets and a cropped jacket.

The Details: Rosa Clara "Bahamas" ball gown and jacket; Mikimoto "Milano Collection" earrings; Cartier ring and "Maillon Panthere" bracelet.

An intimate brunch reception at the Pierre requires plenty of mimosas, plus a brocade minidress and jacket in a celebratory shade of champagne.

The Details: Erin by Erin Fetherston dress and jacket; Camille K "Julia" necklace; Tiffany & Co. ring; Elizabeth and James "Stela" pumps.

A gown with flouncy sleeves, floral embroidery, and a skirt that flutters in the breeze is ideal for an outdoor fete, whether on a private lawn, in a public garden, or on one of this legendary green space's 843 acres (centralpark.com).

The Details: Christos "Meadow" gown; Giuseppe Zanotti Design heels; Paul Morelli earrings.

A tulle-and-feather skirt and gauzy blouson top? This look has "downtown girl" written all over it. To turn up the volume at your loft reception, lose the blouse and work the slinky sequin shell underneath.

The Details: Manuel Mota for Pronovias "Vals" skirt, shell, and top. H. Stern "Stars" earrings; Faberge "Nomade" bracelet (646-559-8848).

Famous for being the epicenter of 1960s progressive culture, this enclave is also peppered with gems such as 632 on Hudson, an 1847 brownstone you can rent for nuptials (632onhudson.com). A dress that is at once old-fashioned and future-focused -- with vintage-y "lace" that's actually laser-cut satin -- honors both heritages.

The Details: Elizabeth Fillmore "Evie" dress (Mark Ingram Atelier, 212-319-6778). Maja DuBrul earrings; Menbur heels.

A location for many New York Fashion Week events, here is where tomorrow's fashion stars are born. This twinkling chiffon number with metallic paillettes will win rave reviews.

The Details: Bibhu Mohapatra gown (Bergdorf Goodman, 888-774-2424). Solange Azagury-Partridge "Supernova" earrings (212-879-9100); McTeigue & McClelland ring; Ralph Lauren Collection sandals.

There are more than 500 galleries on this island, with the most conceptual work found in former garages and warehouses between Tenth and Eleventh avenues in the West 20s. The avant-garde vibe of this knee-length knockout makes it ready for a Gallery Row debut.

The Details: Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti dress (310-652-9000). Maja DuBrul earrings; Faberge Solyanka "Vera" ring (646-559-8848). Tiffany & Co. "Sabrina" clutch; Christian Louboutin "Epoca" pumps.

All business? Not quite. For a City Hall ceremony, don this tailored silk suit -- nothing that calls to mind the jacket Bianca Jagger wore when she married Mick can be labeled "stuffy."

The Details: Carolina Herrera blazer and pants; Roberto Coin "Primavera" necklace (800-853-5958). H. Stern "Oscar Niemeyer" cuff; Blue Nile ring; Giuseppe Zanotti Design clutch; VC Signature "Prue" pumps.

Talk about a second act: Formerly "Skid Row," this area (running from just past Canal up to East 4th Street) is now a hot property. An affair at a trendy address here (such as The Bowery Hotel's second-floor event space) or anywhere calls for a bouncy party frock, a jumble of necklaces, a sparkly clutch, and heeled booties.

The Details: Lanvin dress, petal necklace, and pearl-and-tulle necklace. Sidney Garber white pearl necklaces; Mish New York multi-colored necklace (212-734- 3500). Gerard Yosca earrings (metoperashop.org); Marchesa "Marisol" clutch; Donna Karan booties.