Weddings Summer 2009 > Brides

Jana Starr Antiques and Bridal

The one-on-one service here is top-notch. Starr’s vintage lace gowns are instant heirlooms; they evoke the Victorian and Edwardian eras with yards upon yards of 100-year-old handmade Belgian lace, Irish lace, and embroidered English net. Starr also offers nineteenth-century handmade veils. From $2,000.

Jane Wilson-Marquis

This boutique carries a variety of styles and specializes in elegant custom-made gowns ($3,000 to $6,000). The Simply Jane line lets brides choose from a series of five basic dress designs (from $550) that can be embellished with couture details like lace, flowers, ruffles, beading, and gathered chiffon. Alterations are $175.

Janet Nelson Kumar

Janet Nelson Kumar’s line of romantic dresses includes a scoop-neck, two-tiered duchesse-silk ball gown, and a girlish georgette dress with charmeuse ruffles. She incorporates French lace, sweetheart necklines, and trumpet skirts. From $2,000.

J.Crew

J.Crew’s online-only gown collection (from $225) has many beautiful options for both low-key affairs and formal weddings. The designs come in materials like satin and silk tricotine with a half-inch seam allowance (which can be let out slightly). Brides worried about sizing can order extra yardage at no charge. Alterations not included.

Junko Yoshioka

Junko Yoshioka’s streamlined gowns are designed, made, and sold in this Soho atelier. Whether brides choose from the couture-quality collection (with elegant spaghetti-strapped sheaths and dramatic one-shoulder mermaid gowns) or have a gown custom-designed, their big-day dress will be tailored to their measurements. Dresses from the collection start at $2,750; custom-gown prices upon request.

Jussara Lee

Brides-to-be come to Lee for her ability to create garments that fit just right. Her discreet designs, like plain silk halter-neck gowns and chic organza strapless dresses (from $3,000), abound; she can also custom-design white tuxedos. By appointment only.

Kathryn Conover Bridal

Kathryn Conover spent a decade designing high-end evening gowns, and now she’s moved on to bridal ware with a talented network of seamsters, pattern-cutters, and beaders who create virtually anything a bride can dream up-ditto for bridesmaids (from $1,200). Off-the-rack alteration fees are $30 per hour. By appointment only.

Kleinfeld

This plush salon has more than 1,000 different styles, ranging from modern to bohemian to vintage inspired-perfect for a bride who needs endless options. Designers include big names like Melissa Sweet and Monique Lhuillier, plus more affordable wares.

Lara Hélène Bridal Atelier

This couture shop is known for hand-stitched garments and great variety: sleek sheaths, sexy beaded trumpet dresses, and lavishly embroidered ball gowns with fifteen-foot trains (from $2,500). Appointments are one-on-one.

LeBus Vêture

Brides seeking slimming silhouettes flock to LeBus Vêture for custom-made gowns. Designer Emily Darj meets with clients to determine a style, and uses their ideas to fashion the look. She loves using lace, embroidery, and beading. From $3,000. Alterations not included. By appointment only.

Lela Rose

Lela Rose’s gowns are known for their modern shapes and slender silhouettes in muslin and laundered duchesse satin. This season, floral motifs abound. Fine embroidery and attention to detail make these gowns very fine, but not too flashy. Customized dresses are available ($3,995 to $10,500). Rose’s gowns can be found at Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier.

Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier

This lovely space has an intimate atmosphere in which brides can try on some notable labels in bridal couture: Monique Lhuillier, Alberta Ferretti, Angel Sanchez, Oscar de la Renta, Elizabeth Fillmore, and more (from $3,200). His newest location, Mark Ingram Atelier2 (108 W. 39th St., nr. Sixth Ave., Ste. 903; 212-221-8223), is specifically for moms, with formal offerings from designers like Monique Lhuillier and Liancarlo. Alterations not included. By appointment only.

From the Winter 2008 New York Wedding Guide