The bridal gown represents all sorts of things—fairy tale romance, love, celebration, family, to name a few. But bridal is also a major fashion category, one that provided the launching pad for many CFDA Members from Vera Wang to Monique Lhuillier.

Many members unveiled their fall 2016 bridal collections in the past few days at New York Fashion Week: Bridal, which took place in venues around the City. There were many highlights.

“A bride should be certain she has found a dress that makes her feel confident and above all else, beautiful,” said Carolina Herrera of her beautiful collection of 10 gowns, which embraced “calm elegance, evoking sensuality through transparency and illusion.” Some numbers had V necklines, and layers of hand-painted tulle had a subtly ombre effect.

Monique Lhuillier’s lovely show was inspired by “a romantic and opulent garden” and featured “ultra-feminine gowns with beading and layers upon layers of tulle” to “create an ethereal dream.”

Marchesa’s Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig showed a lovely lineup that worked into the house ethos via “an allure of feather-light elements coming together  to embody the collection’s ethereal essence,” according to press notes.

For Mark Badgley and James Mischka, the Badgley Mischka bride wears Chantilly Lace, tulle and beading. One gown came in organza Lurex and pearlized printed lace with grosgrain ribbon.

Reem Acra went for “that one magic moment” using signature embroidery teamed with lace, tulle, organza and crepe and subtle lingerie hints. The crystal-bedecked headphones each model – and Acra herself – wore added to the magic.

Lela Rose focused “on texture by using nontraditional materials, unique craftsmanship, modern embroideries and constructed lace.” Think waxed thread embroidery in two scalesd on tulle, hand-cut floral appliques, and metallic fil couple for extra romance.

Each collection was dreamy in its own right, even in the absence of a groom. Continue to check here for updates on NYFW: Bridal.