Weddings Summer 2009 > Wedding Party

Lela Rose Bridesmaid

Lela Rose’s new collection of bridesmaids’ dresses incorporates elements like pleated cotton faille and extras like satin belts. Cocktail- or full-length crinkle-chiffon dresses come in a variety of hues. From $250 to $450. By appointment only.

Nicole Miller

Nicole Miller’s bridesmaids’ line favors rich, bold hues over traditional pastel tones. Miller’s versatile, print-driven cocktail styles ($290 to $490), in mix-and-match colors, are her forte. She also offers mother-of-the-bride gowns. By appointment only.

RK Bridal

Having been in the business for more than 50 years, this garment-district shop boasts affordable gowns. RK carries dozens of brands, including Watters & Watters, Dessy, After Six, Alfred Sung, Bill Levkoff, and Vivian Dessy Collection ($120 to $300). On-site alterations don’t run more than $65.

Saja

Los Angeles-based designer Yoo Lee creates just-sexy-enough dresses in chiffon and jersey (from $300). For smaller bridal parties, the shop often uses in-store inventory to outfit bridesmaids.

Simple Silhouettes

Designer Christina Dalle Pezze created her line with the idea that the bride can select the color and length of the dresses (from $265), while bridesmaids choose their own styles from six different silks.

Threaddesign.com

Known for classic bridesmaids’ dresses that come in more than 55 styles, seven fabrics, and 50-plus colors that can be mixed and matched to fit anyone, you’re practically guaranteed to find something to fit your style.

Two Birds

For brides who fear that they’ll never make their bridesmaids happy, this company offers a wrapable dress (in fifteen shades) that can be twisted approximately fifteen ways ($270 for short, $290 for long). For $100, they’ll send a fabric-tying specialist out on the big day.

Vera Wang Maids

The famed designer turns out bridesmaids’ dresses that are stylish and fairly affordable. This season, Wang offers glamorous frocks like a satin dress with an Empire waist, pleated bubble skirt, and flower detail ($280). Orders take eight to ten weeks to arrive.

Wedding Library by Claudia Hanlin and Jennifer Zabinski

This wedding one-stop shop has bright, chic dresses from Coren Moore ($250 to $350); formal evening wear from Amsale Bridesmaids (from $270); and unlimited options from Thread (from $270).

From the Winter 2008 New York Wedding Guide