Weddings Summer 2009 > Brides

Adriennes

Downtown brides come to Gina deSilva’s salon for one-on-one couture service. Adriennes specializes in custom designs, like lacy sheath gowns based on vintage gowns ($2,000 to $5,000). They also carry wares from Carolina Herrera, Vera Wang, and Rivini. Brides can also check out their trunk shows. Alterations are additional. By appointment only.

Amsale

Amsale Aberra’s elegant gowns are favorites of women who like clean lines and sophisticated shapes. Made-to-order and couture gowns range from $3,000 to $20,000. For a less expensive option, brides can check out the Little White Dress line (from $990). Alterations ($575 flat fee) not included. Wedding Library carries their sophisticated and colorful line of bridesmaids’ dresses ($280 to $390). They come in long or short cocktail options, and in chiffon, taffeta, and jersey.

Angelo Lambrou

Brides in search of a chic and simple gown will love Angelo Lambrou. Elegant silhouettes are embellished with delicate beading, bias cuts, and Lambrou’s signature wrapping and weaving. There are 100 different shades of silk for brides in search of an unusual gown color, or for those who want to add an accent to traditional white. Brides can select a dress from the collection (from $1,700) or have a gown custom-made (from $3,000).

Ann Hamilton Bridal Studio

For brides who love Mom’s sixties-era sleeves (but are less fond of her dress), Ann Hamilton restores, resizes, and restyles vintage and heirloom gowns ($600 to $2,000). She also does modern dresses and veils. Alterations start at $250.

Annique Couture Bridal

Annique custom-designs gowns for discerning women. She uses her artist’s eye to turn each bride’s vision into reality and places special emphasis on the fit. All-silk dresses start at $2,000, not including alterations.

Atelier Aimée

These veteran bridal designers found success in Italy (Gianni Versace was a fan) before setting up a glitzy salon in New York two years ago. Their styles are meticulously shaped and very romantic. The newest collection features traditional white gowns, as well as lavenders and floral prints. From $3,500.

Birnbaum & Bullock

Brides seeking personalized attention should visit this intimate atelier. These classic wedding dresses come in about 45 feminine styles, with collections broken into three divisions: the less expensive Robert Bullock Brides ($350 to $1,600), the midrange Steven Birnbaum Collection ($700 to $2,300), and the Birnbaum & Bullock collection’s high-end custom-made gowns in 100-percent silk ($2,800 to $7,000). They also have a great selection of lace boleros and cover-ups, perfect for cool evening nights.

Blue

Designer Christina Kara is showing off her modern twists on the traditional gown in a bigger space. Along with the new store comes a fresh collection: Twenty silhouettes that brides can customize as they see fit ($1,000 to $3,000). Kara offers a wide variety of styles (mermaid, sheath, and updated ball gowns) along with her signature tea-length and short dresses. Dresses can be made in six months.

The Bridal Garden/Sheltering Arms

This nonprofit boutique offers designer gowns at up to 75 percent off retail. Designers and boutiques donate samples and brand-new gowns from big names like Ulla-Maija, Angel Sanchez, and Vera Wang ($495 to $2,895). Proceeds benefit the Brooklyn Charter School in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Alterations not included. By appointment only.

Bridal Reflections

This full-service boutique offers one-on-one appointments where brides can try on gowns by designers such as Ines Di Santo, St. Pucchi Couture, and Stephen Yearick (from about $2,000 to upwards of $10,000). Alterations not included. Brides who want personalized attention should check out one of the many trunk shows this store hosts. By appointment only.

From the Winter 2008 New York Wedding Guide