Whether you recently got engaged, or you're already well into the wedding-planning process, there's one thing no bride-to-be should have to stress over: the dress!The only problem? New York City can overwhelm even the most low-maintenance of women, with its endless supply of bridal salons and boutiques — all promising they have the dress for you.
If you can’t make up your mind when it comes to where to shop for your perfect dress in the city, we've got you covered with these less-than-obvious options.
Ines Di Santo
It’s the teeny-tiny details that make Ines Di Santo dresses so special, like illusion sleeves giving way to embroidery on the wrists, or a piece of lace sensually concealing a plunging neck.
Ines Di Santo, multiple locations.
The Wedding Dresser
If you just can’t stomach the idea of spending four figures on a shiny new pile of taffeta, consider a trip to the Wedding Dresser. They will expertly alter, dye, restyle, refurbish, or otherwise change up a bridal gown, so you can rework the dress you got at a sample sale, or a vintage store, or… your mother’s giant ‘80s dress.
The Wedding Dresser, 45 Linden Boulevard (between Flatbush and Bedford avenues), Suite 4E, Brooklyn; 347-743-8493
Sarah Seven
The designer says that her customer is the woman who “loves love and drinks champagne with abandon," so you just know she will serve up some fun wedding dresses. Her incredibly delicate, draped gowns are ethereal without veering too fairy-tale cutesy.
Sarah Seven, 180 Lafayette Street (between Grand and Broome streets), 5th floor; 646-838-7089
Locke Bride
The team behind VEDA has launched their own, but completely separate, bridal collection. The philosophy behind Locke Bride is to get back to the basics, stripping down the wedding dress to just the essentials. They create beautiful, clean, minimal, and sleek dresses for the modern bride. They are currently available online only, and are made in their downtown NYC studio. Available to ship in 30 days or under!
Locke Bride; For Inquires Contact info@lockebride.com.
Shareen Bridal
The visionary behind Shareen Bridal, Shareen Mitchell, is no stranger to the fashion industry; she's worked for Vogue, Mademoiselle, and Elite Model Management. Advertised as "perfect for the non-traditional bride," the line offers up pieces from their own collection of gowns alongside a curated selection of vintage dresses in pristine condition.
Shareen, 13 West 17th Street (between Fifth and Sixth avenues), 2nd Floor; 212-206-1644.
Carol Hannah
It's fitting that Carol Hannah's flagship is still in the Garment District, because the designer and her coworkers make all their gowns by-hand. Only five-years-old, the line is certainly still a fledgling, which you can consider a perk: At Hannah's studio, you'll get star-treatment, and a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind dress.
Carol Hannah, 307 West 38th Street (between Eighth and Ninth avenues); 212-564-8014.
Lovely Bride
Are you an indecisive shopper? If so, you'll love Lovely Bride. The Tribeca outpost (they also have shops in L.A., Philadelphia, S.F., and Washington, D.C.) carries Theia, Rebecca Schoneveld, and so much more.
Lovely Bride, 128 Duane Street (between Greenwich and Houston streets); 212-924-2050.
VeKa Bridal
Owners and childhood friends Ksenia Kaliaguina and Jana Vendeland pride themselves on carrying dresses you won't find anywhere else. Originally a Nolita spot, VeKa relocated to its current Boreum Hill location in 2012, where it carries dresses designed by celeb-favorite Amanda Garrett alongside eco-conscious cuts by Toronto's Adele Wechsler.
VeKa Bridal, 412 Atlantic Avenue (between Nevins and Bond streets); 718-222-1178.
Stone Fox Bride
Creative Director Molly Guy feels your pain — your wedding is for letting loose, not Victorian-era stuffiness. That's why she founded Stone Fox Bride, a bridal line just as edgy as its name suggests. Samples of the collection are housed in the brand's tiny Noho showroom and are available for browsing during Friday walk-in hours (12 to 6 p.m.) or by appointment.
Stone Fox Bride, 611 Broadway (at West Houston Street); 212-260-8600.
Reformation
This L.A.-based brand found its way to the Lower East Side, and immediately changed the game. The store for the anti-bride, as it's been referred to, Reformation uses recycled fabrics and eco-friendly practices to create modern styles (no excess froufrou here). Plus, you’re sure to find a simple and sexy silhouette for under $700.
Reformation, 156 Ludlow Street (at Stanton Street); 646-448-4925.
Houghton
Designer Katharine Polk debuted Houghton's bridal line in fall 2012, and has been catering to brides looking for edge ever since. She specializes in distinctive, sexy, locally crafted gowns, and has earned accolades from fashion insiders and customers alike for her two-piece mix-and-match options. We'd love to get our hands on one of those bridal jumpsuits.
Houghton Atelier, 210 Eleventh Avenue (at West 25th Street), #503; 646-998-3994.
Theia Couture
Full skirts and crop tops were all the rage last season, and Theia designer Don O’Neill took note. His latest collection also includes long, sheer capes and glittering sequined gowns. In other words, he designs for the bride who isn't afraid to try something new.
Theia Couture, 1412 Broadway (at West 39th Street), Suite 1200; 212-354-4700.
Delphine Manivet
Paris meets New York in French designer Delphine Manivet's first Manhattan showroom. Brides-to-be will be pleased with her delicate combination of European elegance and ethereal styles.
Delphine Manivet, 24 East 64th Street (between Madison and Fifth avenues), 2nd Floor; 847-800-6312.
Daughters of Simone
San Francisco import Daughters of Simone has officially relocated to the East Village. Designer Brit Castaños offers '70s-inspired gowns for bohemian babes with non-traditional tastes: Think off-the-shoulder and backless styles in dreamy silks and crochet laces.
Daughters of Simone, by appointment only; call 347-562-7407 for more information.
Saja Wedding
Designer Yoo Lee creates bridal gowns with absolute simplicity. Best of all, her cutesy salon may be situated in Nolita, but you won't find any exorbitant downtown price tags.
Saja Wedding, 250 Elizabeth Street (between Prince and Houston streets); 212-226-7570.
Rebecca Schoneveld
Brooklyn-based Schoneveld's collections are well worth a trip to her studio. She designs for brides who are looking for vintage gowns, but don't feel like digging through the racks at thrift shop after thrift shop. Plus, the dresses are made of seriously luxe materials.
Rebecca Schoneveld, 516 Third Avenue (at 12th Street), Brooklyn; 718-788-3849.
Samantha Sleeper
Parsons alum Samantha Sleeper creates pieces fit for free-spirited, unique personalities. Not only are her gowns made locally and sustainably, by hand, they're also one-of-a-kind, so you won't have to fear sharing your special-day attire with any other bride.
Samantha Sleeper, 124 13th Street (between Third and Fourth avenues), 3rd Floor, Brooklyn; 646-209-4856.
Sareh Nouri
Nouri's designs are inspired by her Persian heritage, so she doesn’t hesitate when it comes to bells and whistles. Whether you're a princess bride, a glamazon, or a modern bombshell, she has a wedding dress for you.
Available at Kleinfeld Bridal, 110 West 20th Street (between Sixth and Seventh avenues); 646-633-4300.
Kelima K
This laid-back bridal shop is an inviting haven in the middle of Manhattan. Let designer Kelima K greet you with a warm cup of tea, as you sift through a variety of styles. She offers unique detailing, such as silk butterflies, feather trims, and pearl beading, and she encourages creativity by letting brides mix and match elements from different gowns.
Kelima K, 611 Broadway (at Houston Street), Suite 538; 212-334-6546.
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