Weddings Summer 2009 > Wedding Party

Adriennes

This well-established house of bridal wear carries quasi-affordable names like Alvina Valenta, Badgley Mischka, and Jim Hjelm ($150 to $350). They also have their own in-house line. Alterations cost $75. By appointment only.

Ann Taylor Celebrations

The generally affordable line for bridesmaids proffers a great selection of polished looks at prices that won’t break the bank. The dresses ($189 to $229) are uniformly simple and come in hues like light green.

Calypso Christiane Celle

The five floors of Calypso Christiane Celle offer versatile apparel that bridesmaids can wear for years. Most pieces-including bustiers, balloon-sleeved Vista wrap tops ($150), Katia bustle skirts, and long wrap Julia ($295) dresses-can be special-ordered in silk; expect them in ten weeks.

Ciarla.com

If you want a vintage feel to your bridesmaids’ dresses, Ciarla Bride offers a simple-and lovely-solution: One dress with a cinch waist and a circle skirt that comes in five different necklines, seven color options, and six polka-dot prints.

Clifford Michael Designs

The focus at Clifford Michael is on giving customers (especially a mother-of-the-bride or -groom) a gown that really fits, whether it’s through a custom order or alterations. Elegant long gowns start at $2,500, and shorter dresses appropriate for bridesmaids start at $1,500. Appointments are recommended.

Here Comes the Bridesmaid

This small boutique has amassed more than 400 styles of dresses for bridesmaids alone. Frocks range from the familiar (Jim Hjelm, Watters & Watters) to the unusual (Siri) and cost $150 to $360. The knowledgeable staff likes to work one-on-one with clients, so they recommend calling ahead for an appointment.

J.Crew

Color schemes are easy to execute with the store’s tasteful options for bridesmaids. Current keepers include the vampy cotton-halter Lydia ($250) and the silk-taffeta Lorelei ($215), which sticks to simplicity with solid results.

Jenny Yoo Collection

Jenny Yoo’s creations are feminine (light layers of chiffon and silk charmeuse) and ultrabright (canary yellows and pomegranate reds). Styles are simple, like the Elizabeth, an A-line dress with a bateau neckline, and the Anastasia, a spaghetti-strap Empire-waist ball gown. From $290.

Kathlin Argiro

Kathlin Argiro creates made-to-order dresses in fabrics like cotton sateen and faille, and in Lilly Pulitzer-esque color combos. Bridesmaids can choose from a range of silhouettes, and then pick a fabric and a "trim" to tie around the waist. From $200 to $300.

From the Winter 2008 New York Wedding Guide