The groom usually wears more or less the same tuxedo uniform (often rented) and what he wore is quickly forgotten. But the bride's special dress is consulted about, agonized over, analyzed, re-fitted, and after the event, carefully put in storage in near-museum type conditions.

So go ahead, scan the magazines and Web sites. Argue with your mother and your mother-in-law. Scrape up the deposit from somewhere. These are part of your memories, too:

* Looking like something out of a baroque fairy tale, St. Pucchi's sweeping ballgown, redolent with lace and embroidery details, features long bell sleeves and cathedral train. Choose it in butterscotch, natural or ivory silk organza.

* A sleek A-line of silk and zibalene by Paula Varsalona has a detachable Alencon lace train which emerges from the backline.

* Varsalona also uses this silhouette in a silk zibalene strapless dress that has cording at the bustline and waistline.

* Inspired by both Greek classicism and modern sophistication, Amsale's silk crepe sheath is for the bride who can carry off drop-dead glamour. It has a scoop neckline, spaghetti straps, and at the deep backline there's a cowl drape that plays against a beaded and embroidered insert.

* More demure but still very sophisticated, a very full-skirted (eight yards in the skirt alone) duchess satin dress from Amsale has a cathedral train in the grand fashion. The dress has a high halter neckline, and flat staps form a V to reach a low-cut backline, where they are caught by a silk flower.

* People come in all sizes, and that includes brides. The Style Plus collection from David's Bridal offers dresses size 14w-26w, such as a strapless organza gown with beading on the bodice and skirt, or a short-sleeve A-line dress with caviar beaded bodice and hemline.

On the Web:

Amsale Bridal- http://www.amsale.com

David's Bridal - http://www.davidsbridal.com

St. Pucchi - http://www.stpucchi.com

Paula Varsalona for the Bride - http://www.paulavarsalona.com