15 most memorable wedding gowns from 2012

Here they are: The most jaw-dropping, head-turning, unforgettable wedding dresses of the year!

Sheer genius

A sheer-bodice gown isn’t something any wedding guests are likely to forget. Yet somehow this dress isn’t overly sexy -- it still has a sweet side.

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1 of 17 Photo: Kurt Wilberding / The Knot

Dramatic cape

This gown is a stunner by itself (how chic are the star embellishments?), but the flowy cape just adds that extra wow factor.

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2 of 17 Photo: Courtesy of the Manufacturer / The Knot

Voluminous skirt

You don’t need to be dripping in glitzy crystals to make a big statement; sometimes all it takes is a full skirt made of big, bold ruffles.

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3 of 17 Photo: Courtesy of the Manufacturer / The Knot

Blushing pink

The perfect shade of pale pink can be pretty unforgettable.

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4 of 17 Photo: Courtesy of the Manufacturer / The Knot

Multi-tiered skirt

Hundreds of layers of organza are not only extremely couture, but they’re also incredibly eye-catching.

5 of 17 Photo: Gown by Vera Wang

Fancy feathers

Want to make a serious impression? Wearing fashion-forward purple feathers on your skirt is definitely one way of doing it.

6 of 17 Photo: Kurt Wilberding / The Knot

Floral embellishments

The trendy sheer overlay just got even more glamorous with mini floral embellishments.

7 of 17 Photo: Kurt Wilberding / The Knot

Pretty peplum

Sure, peplum was everywhere in 2012, but this beaded and embroidered number was one of the loveliest we’d seen.

8 of 17 Photo: Kurt Wilberding / The Knot

Glamorous neckline

This stunning gown gives you the best of all worlds: You can wear a halter, V-neck and cap sleeves all at the same time.

9 of 17 Photo: Courtesy of the Manufacturer / The Knot

Hints of blue

Instead of hiding your “something blue,” wear it proudly on your gown. The best thing about this particular dress? The pale blue hue still feels very bridal.

10 of 17 Photo: Allan Zepeda / The Knot

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7Comments

Best

Dec 30, 2012 12:00PM

Oh, yeah. Most of them are gorgeous - IF you're built like a runway model...! I wish someday a designer would come along who'd create dresses and gowns that REAL women can look good in. Believe it or not, most of us are NOT six feet tall and 105 pounds.

Previous replies

puppcry

Dec 30, 2012 1:08PM

I agree with the other comments here; they are lovely dresses. They are also correct when they say that they are gorgeous if you're built like a runway model. The real problem with a number of full figured brides is they see a dress like this and think, "I want that dress-I'll just get it in my size." when the style is not at all flattering to their figure. Ladies, be open minded when the sales person at a bridal shop suggests that you try on a variety of styles in order to find one that's the most flattering to your figure. Even tiny girls will pick a dress from a picture that just doesn't look good on them because it looked great on a runway model or in a picture. Well of course it did--they have professional stylists who match the gown to a model's body type. As a former sales person I beg you to try on several gowns in a variety of styles!!