Wedding Blog

Wedding planning is fun but yet it’s a bitch and a half. The worst is when you see something you really really love and you find out how much it is and then you’re like FOCK! So for those of you who live in NY and are still looking for a wedding gown here’s a list that hopefully can help you out. If you know anymore just leave me a comment and i’ll add it to my list.

ADRIENNES
156 Orchard St.,
nr. Rivington St.
212-475-4206
Downtown brides come to Gina Pedone’s pink-ceilinged, green-walled salon for the one-on-one couture treatment. Pedone specializes in custom designs, like a silk-satin number with Empire waist and modified A-line skirt, or a silk crepe gown with a deep V-neck and halter tie - but “no dresses that require three bridesmaids to go to the bathroom” ($1,000-$3,500).

AMSALE
625 Madison Ave., nr. 58th St., 2nd fl.
212-583-1700
amsale.com
By appointment only
Amsale Aberra’s elegant bridal and evening gowns are favorites of celebrities and society-page regulars, who covet their clean lines and sophisticated, modern shapes. Kenneth Pool is Amsale’s new, even more upscale line. To-order and couture gowns range from $3,000 to $16,000.

ANN HAMILTON BRIDAL STUDIO
262 Mott St., nr. Prince St.
212-625-8622
ann.hamilton.home.att.net
By appointment only
If you love Mom’s sixties-era sleeves but are less fond of her dress, call Ann Hamilton, who restores, resizes, and restyles vintage and heirloom gowns for $600 to $2,000‘�r makes new ones from $2,000. She also does matching custom, handmade headpieces ($75-$300). Basic alterations start at $250.

ANN TAYLOR
Five New York Area Stores:
800-DIAL-ANN
anntaylor.com
Introducing Ann Taylor Celebrations, an exclusive boutique for weddings, showers and the truly special events of life. Featuring an exquisite selection of dresses, wraps, shoes and bags?all beautifully matched. Dresses range from $168 to $198.

BANICO
279 E. Houston St., nr. Clinton St.
212-254-0203
baniconewyork.com
If it weren’t for the beautiful billowy gown in the window, you would probably walk right by this otherwise nondescript little store. Inside, however, you’ll find custom wizards who•�l make anything in any color, style, or fabric you wish - like a copy of that Vera Wang you saw in Vogue, but in ivory, not cream - in three to four months ($1,200-$2,800). Custom-design prices upon request.

BARNEY’S NY
Madison Ave. at 61st St.
212-826-8900
barneys.com
By appointment only
You don’t need mounds of tulle and lace to have a white wedding. Barneys has romantic styles from eveningwear pros like Richard Tyler and Vera Wang Luxe, but also some daring stuff from Christian Lacroix, Emanuel Ungaro, and others.

BCBG MAX AZRIA
770 Madison Ave., at 66th St.
212-717-4225
120 Wooster St., nr. Prince St., No. 1B
212-625-2723
bcbg.com
If Snow White isn’t your look, and you want something you can actually wear again, opt for either the floor-length strapless satin dress with corset detailing, the Audrey Hepburnish tulle number, or the backless, draped column (from $340).

BERGDORF GOODMAN
754 Fifth Ave., nr. 57th St.
212-872-8957
By appointment only
The atmosphere in this department store’s bridal salon might resemble a tea party, but the women here are engaged in serious decision-making. Consultants will help with shoes, tiaras, and undergarments. Dresses are $3,500 to $40,000.

BIRNBAUM & BULLOCK
151 W. 25th St., nr. Seventh Ave., Ste. 2A
212-242-2914
birnbaumandbullock.com
By appointment only
Whimsical all-silk wedding dresses come in 30 sweet, feminine styles ($2,500-$6,000). The store offers two-piece ensembles, custom mother-of-the-bride dresses, eveningwear, and embroidered veils, too.

BLUE
137 Ave. A, nr. 9th St.
212-228-7744
Designer Christina Kara spins fashion-forward custom wares for hip brides from her tiny shop, offering a variety of fabrics (silk, duchess satin, lace) and styles (off-the-shoulder, mermaid, A-line) to the woman who wants to make a statement when she says “I do” ($1,000-$3,000).

BONAPARTE-NY
154 Spring St., nr. W. Broadway
212-206-9302
bonaparteny.com
By appointment only
In addition to satin and chiffon, designer Junko Yoshioka uses a variety of luxury silks to create an understated alternative to traditional bridal fashions. Custom-made dresses with no less than fifteen measurements run $2,000 to $7,000.

BRIDAL BUILDING
1385 Broadway, at 38th St.
212-764-5769
bridalbuilding.com
By appointment only, except Saturdays
Brides on a budget will find everything they need for their wedding-day wardrobes in this 24-story building featuring twenty different vendors. The designer showrooms here generally sell to the trade. They won•� reveal prices, but most will furnish private customers with dresses at deep discounts. You can also find photographers, florists, limo services, and videographers.

THE BRIDAL GARDEN / SHELTERING ARMS
54 W. 21st St., nr. Fifth Ave., Ste. 907
212-252-0661
By appointment only
The Bridal Garden is a nonprofit bridal boutique that offers designer gowns at drastically reduced prices. This charitable organization carries samples and “once worn” couture and designer gowns - from designers like Amsale, Paloma Blanca, Carolina Herrera, Ulla Miaja, and Vera Wang. Do-gooders can share their wedding joy with others, as all proceeds of purchased gowns are donated to Sheltering Arms Children•� Services ($395-$2,000 including discounts).

BRIDAL REFLECTIONS
3 Broadway, Massapequa, N.Y.
516-795-2222
80 Westbury Ave., Carle Place, N.Y.
516-742-7788
bridalreflections.com
By appointment only
Brides-to-be trek to Long Island to check out these massive shops• racks of gowns from designers like Ines De Santos, Rahmanian, St. Pucchi, Romona Keveza, and Tomasina ($1,000-$10,000).

THE BRIDAL SUITE OF MANHATTAN
286 Fifth Ave., nr. 30th St., 5th fl.
212-764-3040
bridalsuitenyc.com
By appointment only
Savvy brides are drawn to the Bridal Suite for its warehouselike selection of gowns, accessories, and footwear. But despite the huge inventory (it has more than ten designers in stock), this bridal superstore manages to replicate the feel of a boutique. Designers include well-known names such as Amy Kuschel, Atelier Elen Paumere Couture, and Pronovias. Gowns range from $1,000 to $8,000, and on-site alterations are always available.

CALVIN KLEIN
654 Madison Ave., at 60th St.
212-292-9000
Klein has become a classic for casual everyday wear or alternative looks for brides hooked on runway chic. Try walking down the aisle in his white crystal banded lambskin jacket and pencil skirt paired with a crystal silk-cotton voile shirt ($5,135).

CAROLINA HERRERA
954 Madison Ave., at 75th St.
212-249-6552
carolinaherrera.com
By appointment only
The queen of understated chic’s upstairs bridal salon draws women who want sleek, romantic gowns (from $4,000). Herrera also has a good selection of mother-of-the-bride ensembles, veils, and wraps.

CHANEL
15 E. 57th St., nr. Madison Ave.
212-355-5050
139 Spring St., at Wooster St
212-334-0055
For those not looking for a production and who don’t want to go through six weeks of fittings, classic clothing is your best option. While spring didn’t bring a bevy of white timeless suits from Lagerfeld, there is a white tweed suit dress ($4,820) appropriate for the occasion, as well as his usual tweeds in delectable pastels.

CLEA COLET
960 Madison Ave., nr. 75th St.
212-396-4608
cleacolet.com
By appointment only
This upscale boutique features Clea Colet’s entire collection of glamorous gowns ($2,500-$6,500), all of which she•�l customize to fit. The salon also has an in-house tailoring department.

CLIFFORD MICHAEL DESIGN
45 E. 60th St., nr. Madison Ave.
212-888-7665
cliffordmichael.com
By appointment only
This elegant two-floor salon has a good selection of dresses for any traditional bride (or her mother), including lots of A-line silhouettes. Sample-sale designers include Amy Kuschel, Catherine Regehr, Richard Glasgow, and Cynthia C. (from $500).

DAVID’S BRIDAL
3500 48th St., nr. Northern Blvd.,
Long Island City
718-238-1633
168 Glen Cove Rd., Carle Place, N.Y.
516-741-9898
davidsbridal.com
Appointments recommended
One of America’s biggest bridal retailers, David’s has clothes for everyone in your party. The gown selection includes hundreds of styles - all at affordable prices ($199 and up). Also check out its flower-girl, bridesmaid, and mother-of-the-bride dresses, coordinating accessories, and more - even wedding gifts.

DESIGNER LOFT
260 W. 39th St., nr. Eighth Ave., Ste. 1101
212-944-9013
designerloftnyc.com
By appointment only
A full-service bridal atelier, Designer Loft stocks a wide range of dress styles to suit all body types, including a few plus sizes. Selections come from an assortment of designers including Kirstie Kelly, Atelier Aimee, Adele Wechsler, and Manale. Silk gowns start at $1,500, and custom-fit gowns from $4,000. Designer Loft also carries bridesmaid•� dresses and accessories, and has an in-house event planner who•�l book everything from locations to photographers.

DOMINIQUE DANIELA STUDIO
347 W. 36th St., nr. Eighth Ave., Ste. 301
212-760-7291
dominiquedaniela.com
By appointment only
After honing her skills on the design teams for Shoshanna Lonstein, J.R. Morrisey (where she still collaborates), and Garfield & Marks, Dominique Daniela Pino-Santiago opened her own bridal salon last January. Pino-Santiago custom-designed each gown, and in her Victorian-themed atelier, she personally guides brides-to-be through the color, fabric, and design selection process. Gowns start at $1,000.

ELENI LAMBROS COUTURE
591 Broadway, nr. Houston St., loft F
917-692-0442
elenilambros.com
By appointment only
Lambros started off doing one-of-a-kinds, but when clients beckoned, she introduced ready-to-wear bridal gowns (from $2,800). The ethereal Stark White collection features billowy gowns with black, silver, and gray accents. Too much? She also offers your traditional ivory gowns and even styles in cool vintage-inspired colors.

GALLERY OF WEARABLE ART
34 E. 67th St., nr. Madison Ave.
212-425-5379
galleryofwearableart.com
The Design-a-Gown service here lets you customize to create the perfect gown. Prices are $2,500 to $6,000. Custom-made bridal and mother-of-the-bride dresses are a specialty. Appointments recommended.

THE GOWN COMPANY
333 E. 9th St., nr. First Ave.
212-979-9000
The East Village, home of the hottest names in bridal couture? It’s true. The Gown Company houses a huge selection of everything from sophisticated, streamlined Lazaros to fairy-tale gowns from Amy Michelson and dramatic pieces from Alvina - plus sample delights by Angel Sanchez and Alvina Valenta
($2,200-$5,000).

JANA STARR ANTIQUES & BRIDAL
236 E. 80th St., nr. Second Ave.
212-861-8256
janastarr.com
Starr’s vintage-gown collection includes turn-of-the-century handmade lace ($1,500-$2,800), groovy sixties and seventies styles ($800-$1,400), and anything from the decades in between. One-of-a-kind bridesmaid and mother-of-the-bride dresses and handmade lace veils complete the picture. Walk-ins are welcome, and after-hours appointments are available.

JANET NELSON KUMAR
245 Bennett Ave., nr. 192nd St., Ste. 2A
212-942-1161
janetnelsonkumar.com
Janet Nelson Kumar’s design studio provides one-on-one consultations to create beautiful custom gowns for brides-to-be. Each of Kumar’s collections is inspired by different things - the newest being old-school Hollywood glamour - yet her gowns have a modern, easy elegance. Dresses range from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on fabric and type of beading used.

JANE WILSON-MARQUIS
130 E. 82nd St., nr. Lexington Ave.
212-452-5335
bridalgowns.net
By appointment only
There isn’t a poufed sleeve or bouffant skirt to be found here. Marquis specializes in streamlined, elegant, custom-made fare ($750-$6,000).

J CREW
Call 800-562-0258
Visit jcrew.com for locations
J.Crew’s new wedding collection represents simple elegance and all-American style. Dresses come in materials like satin and silk tricotine, and are great for low-key affairs or beach weddings (from $260).

JUSSARA LEE
11 Little W. 12th St., nr. Washington St.
212-242-4128
jussaralee.com
By appointment only
Lee’s fans want something low-key and offbeat that’s very much their own. A chiffon-and-matte jersey gown (from $2,000) is a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary. Laid-back, beachy brides should try the sheer cotton-voile dress (from $900).

KLEINFELD
8202 Fifth Ave., at 82nd St., Bay Ridge, Brooklyn
718-765-8500
kleinfeldbridal.com
By appointment only
You haven’t really shopped for a wedding dress until you’ve checked out the 1,000 styles at this world-famous emporium. Designers include many big names like Amsale, Jim Hjelm, and Monique Lhuillier, plus more affordable mainstream fare. Gowns start at $1,000.

LARA HELENE BRIDAL ATELIER
13 E. 69th St., nr. Madison Ave.
212-452-3273
larahelene.com
By appointment only
An intimate bridal boutique that specializes in one-of-a-kind designs, Lara Helene features a rotating lineup of four international bridalwear designers. Founded by sisters Lara and Lisa Helene Meilands, Lara Helene caters to those looking for an original, fashion-forward dress. Bridal gowns run from $2,900 to $30,000 for a haute-couture creation.

LEBUS VETURE
135 W. 20th St., nr. Seventh Ave., Ste. 303
212-243-7822
lebusveture.com
Brides seeking a gown with a Continental edge flock to LeBus Veture, a full-service bridal salon that offers an array of gowns by European designers such as Maggie Sottero, Max Chaoul, and Toi Creazioni. Each dress can be modified to fit the bride•� own vision. Gowns start at a reasonable $500.

MACY’S BRIDAL SALON BY DEMETRIOS
151 W. 34th St., nr. Broadway, eighth fl.
212-494-3300
The venerable department store opened its huge new bridal suite last fall (complete with walkway/platform) but insists that even with all the space (5,600 square feet!), the service remains one-on-one. Macy•� carries the entire Demetrios collection of traditional gowns ($900-$2,000), clean, simple designs from Marisa ($1,200-$3,200), many of Maggie Sottero•� wrap-front/corset-back dresses ($700-$1,500), and much more.

MARCOS CARRAZANA
419 E. 74th St., nr. First Ave.
212-650-0014
marcoscarrazana.com
By appointment only
Personalized attention is the essence of Marcos Carrazana’s Upper East Side bridal boutique. His original silk wedding dresses vary in style from straight to traditional ball gown, and each bride-to-be may customize her dress by mixing and matching elements of the in-store samples. Carrazana then cuts a muslin-cotton copy of the dress for alteration purposes, and after adjusting the cotton copy, finally delivers the complete silk version. Dresses start at $1,800.

MARK INGRAM BRIDAL ATELIER
127 E. 56th St., nr. Lexington Ave., third fl.
212-319-6778
bridalatelier.com
By appointment only In this newly constructed townhouse, you can shop in peace for classic styles from the likes of Monique Lhuillier, Romaona Keveza, and Anne Barge ($2,850?�6,000). They•�e also got a great selection of mother-of-the-bride evening gowns. All alterations are done in-house.

MARY ADAMS THE DRESS
138 Ludlow St., nr. Stanton St.
212-473-0237
maryadamsthedress.com
By appointment only
Adams’s dresses ($2,000-$7,000) go against every wedding-day convention - but color-hungry brides love them. She works mostly in brilliant hues like lime green, deep blue, or white-lined tangerine. The style is loose and organic, with plenty of layers and bustles. Orders take three to six months.

MICHAEL’S, THE CONSIGNMENT SHOP FOR WOMEN
1041 Madison Ave., nr. 79th St., second fl.
212-737-7273
michaelsconsignment.com
Most bridal designers won’t accept returns- even if the big day is called off. And this is where many new or almost-new Vera Wang, Carolina Herrera, Priscilla, and Yumi Katsura creations end up - at far more modest prices than they commanded the first time ($350-$1,800).

MICHELLE ROTH DESIGN STUDIO
24 W. 57th St., nr. Fifth Ave., Ste. 203
212-245-3390
michelleroth.com
By appointment only (not guaranteed)
Sister-and-brother design team Michelle and Henry Roth come from a long line of bridalwear designers. Their parents own Henri Josef, one of the biggest bridal houses in Australia, where Michelle worked as the head designer for eight years. Now based in New York, Roth’s signature clean, sophisticated dresses, and appearances on Oprah, The View, Good Morning America, and more, have solidified her reputation as an acclaimed bridalwear designer. Roth’s gowns start at $4,000, and her one-on-one sessions and active design studio make for an unforgettable dress.

MIKA INATOME CUSTOM BRIDAL
11 Worth St., nr. Hudson St., Ste. 4B
212-966-7777
mikainatome.com
By appointment only
No fairy-tale gowns here. This airy loft is filled with more than 200 chic, modern dresses in floaty, romantic fabrics like silk, satin, crepe, and chiffon ($1,700-$10,000). Everything, including embroidery and beading, is done by hand.

MOM’S NIGHT OUT
147 E. 72nd St., nr. Lexington Ave., second fl.
212-744-MOMS
momsnightout.com
The elegant choice for pregnant brides-to-be, Mom’s Night Out carries an assortment of styles that are surprisingly sophisticated. Dresses range from $600 to $1,700, and there’s an in-house designer and seamstress in addition to a few samples from European collections. Beautiful maternitywear is hard to come by, but Mom’s Night Out will have you looking gorgeous on your wedding day.

MORGANE LE FAY
67 Wooster St., nr. Spring St.
212-219-7672
746 Madison Ave., nr. 64th St.
212-879-9700
By appointment only
Designer Liliana Casabal calls them ball gowns, but the spare, body-skimming ivory and white dresses here are ideal for modern weddings. Fabrics include ivory and white silk, duchess satin, organza, and chiffon ($1,100-$4,400). Pint-size versions are good for flower girls (from $900).

MYRJAN
235 St. Marks Ave., nr. Vanderbilt Ave., Park Slope, Brooklyn
718-623-3848
Brides-to-be with an artistic bent go to this friendly boutique to check out the ready-to-wear and custom-made designs from the Ashley Damore Collection - the stores own line. The simple sheath with minimal beading can be customized with color and detailing (from $1,500). Myrjan also carries Reva Mivasagar (from $2,200) and Morilee (from $450). Rentals are available from 20 percent of original prices.

ONE OF A KIND BRIDE DESIGNS BY CANDICE SOLOMON
20 W. 20th St., nr. Fifth Ave., Ste. 603
212-645-7123
oneofakindbride.com
By appointment only
Candice Solomon turns out classic contemporary gowns; think A-line, ball-gown, strapless, and halter dresses. very bride works one-on-one with the designer, but don’t procrastinate as her dresses require four to six months. The final, whaleboned product can literally stand on its own ($6,000 to about $20,000).

PAULA VARSALONA FOR THE BRIDE
762 Madison Ave., nr. 66th St., second fl.
212-570-9100
paulavarsalona.com
Tradition with a twist is the best way to describe the pretty, very feminine styles within these hand-painted walls. Choose from strapless numbers with cover-ups or A-line skirts with beautiful beading (from $2,000). Appointments recommended.

RALPH LAUREN
Visit polo.com or runway.polo.com for locations
Spring 2005 featured an array of sophisticated suiting perfect for brides who want to wear the traditional color, but in a nontraditional style. Expect to see flowy white pantsuits (around $3,000) and silky linen knee-length skirt suits ($3,000) that you can wear long after you’ve tied the knot.

REEM ACRA
14 E. 60th St., nr. Madison Ave.
212-308-8760
reemacra.com
By appointment only
Acra’s sharp, stylish home is chic enough to have been featured in Elle Decor, but her gowns have a decidedly old-world glamour. Sophisticated brides drool over the custom couture gowns that start at $20,000. Customized ready-to-wear versions start around $3,500.

RK BRIDAL
318 W. 39th St., nr. Eighth Ave.
212-947-1155 / 800-929-9512
rkbridal.com
This noisy, 11,000-square-foot superstore has great deals on wedding dresses ($300-$3,000) for brides willing to dig. Try on one of more than 1,000 sample gowns.

RM DESIGNS
10 W. 18th St., nr. Fifth Ave., fourth fl.
212-372-2804
revadesigns.com
By appointment only
Reva Mivasagar’s bridal designs combine edgy silhouettes with classic silk, blending modern shapes with traditional fabrics. His gowns, available at Bergdorf Goodman for the past four years, start at $2,550. The RM Designs showroom sells custom-made and couture creations, and its expert staff will guide a bride-to-be through fabric and color choices. Gowns top out at around $9,000.

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
611 Fifth Ave., at 49th St., eighth fl.
212-940-2269
saksfifthavenue.com
By appointment only
Brides fly in from all over the world to check out this posh salon•� ultraswank gowns from Badgley Mischka, Ron LoVece, Reem Acra, Amsale, Ulla Maija, Vera Wang, and others (from $3,000). Don’t be fooled by the bustling main floor - the bridal boutique is intimate, relaxing, and has fitting rooms the size of some studio apartments.

SALIA YANG
328 E. 9th St., nr. First Ave.
212-254-9073
seliayang.com
New York brides who dream of fairy-tale weddings flock here for layer upon layer of silk organza to achieve that perfect princess look. Made-to-order or custom gowns are $2,200 to $5,000, but samples start at a mere $500.

VALENTINO
767 Madison Ave., nr. 65th St.
212-772-6969
Though this fashion house doesn’t have a separate wedding line, the pret-a-porter collection offers stunning wedding-inspired gowns. Valentino’s signature delicate ruffles and flowing skirts grace the bridal-like pieces. We love the traditional pure white halter dress with ruffle skirt and beaded bodice. Dresses from $7,500.

VEKA
284 Mulberry St., nr. Houston St.
212-925-9044
vekacc.com
Fashion-forward brides come to Veka, an intimate boutique in the hip Nolita neighborhood. Owners Ksenia and Jana stock their shop with cutting-edge American and European designers. Gowns by Palazzo and Suzanne Ermann bring a touch of the avant-garde to the cozy boutique. Prices range from $2,000 to $4,500.

VERA WANG
991 Madison Ave., nr. 77th St.
212-628-3400
verawang.com
By appointment only
The grande dame offers gowns for every kind of bride (from $2,490). Silhouettes range from simple A-lines to showstoppers with layered, ruffled, and sweeping skirts (yes, sometimes all in one dress). Made-to-order dresses are also available.

VIVALDI
1388 Third Ave., nr. 79th St.
212-734-2805
vivaldiny.com
Top-notch service and an astounding selection of haute couture - Givenchy, Valentino, and Ungaro, among others - are what you’ll find in this Parisian-style salon.

THE WEDDING SALON OF MANHASSET
1681 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, N.Y.
516-869-8455
Long Island’s outpost of high-end bridalwear offers beautiful big-day dresses. Featuring designs by Reem Acra and Amsale, this is also the only place outside Manhattan to buy Vera Wang’s exquisite collection.

THE WEDDING STORE AT LIZ CLINTON
200 Main St., Andover, N.J.
973-786-5330
myweddingatlizclintons.com
With everything from lingerie to videography to limo drivers under a single roof, Liz Clinton aims for the ultimate one-stop wedding-shop experience. Of course, that includes myriad gown offerings, such as traditional designs from Henry Roth ($1,400-$2,800) and gowns from Marisa ($1,300-$2,900).