Weddings Summer 2009 > Brides

Mary Adams the Dress

From her Murray Hill atelier, Adams creates dresses (from $2,000 to $7,000) that go against every wedding-day convention. Brides who eschew basic white are fans-she works in hues like lime green and tangerine. Orders take three to six months. Off-the-rack alterations not included. By appointment only.

Michael's, The Consignment Shop for Women

Most bridal designers won’t accept returns-even if the big day is called off. This shop is where many new or almost-new Vera Wang, Priscilla, and Badgley Mischka creations end up at far more modest prices than they commanded the first time around ($395 to $2,800).

Michelle New York Brides

Michelle Field’s gowns are romantic and understated ($1,600 to $5,000). For the rest of the bridal party, Field does custom bridesmaids’ and flower-girl dresses (from $250).

Mika Inatome Custom Bridal

After 24 years in business, Inatome has honed her specialty: slender mermaid gowns. This airy, 3,000-square-foot loft is filled with more than 300 chic, modern dresses in floaty, fine textiles-silk, satin, crepe, and chiffon ($1,700 to $5,000). Everything, including embroidery and beading, is done by hand. By appointment only.

Momsnightout.com

If you’re pregnant, momsnightout.com has a wide range of bridal styles and fabrics that will make you look fabulous, not frumpy-no matter which trimester you’re in. mini directory

Morgane Le Fay

Liliana Casabal’s collection ($1,100 to $4,400) features light, ethereal fabrics that play with opaque and transparent materials like ivory silk, taffeta, duchesse satin, and chiffon. Alterations not included for the prêt-à-porter collection.

Nicole Miller

Miller’s understated and sleek gowns appeal to the free-spirited bride. The bridal salon prides itself on a quick turnaround and shorter lead time. Base prices run from $595 to $3,000. Alterations not included. Tailoring is done off-site.

Oncewed.com

Find your dream dress at this easy-to-navigate website that offers thousands of listings for pre-owned (new and worn) wedding gowns at a fraction of the retail price. Check out their surprisingly informative blog too.

Oscar de la Renta

Oscar de la Renta’s well-rounded 2009 bridal collection (from $3,300) appeals to anyone with couture sensibilities. This ever-classic bridal collection is available at Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier. Alterations vary by location.

Paula Varsalona for the Bride

Paula Varsalona adorns her dresses with hand-rolled organdy flowers and imported lace. The V collection is more formal, with some strapless gowns with sculpted bodices (from $1,500); the Madison collection showcases elaborate embroidery, ornately draped fabric, and beading along with pleated ruffles (from $2,000). Alterations not included.

Priscilla of Boston

The elegant cuts of the Priscilla of Boston gowns make them good for New York weddings ($3,000 to $15,000); Melissa Sweet gowns are more romantic and work well for destination weddings ($3,000 to $8,000); the Platinum collection, with lots of lace and sparkle, is perfect for those who need more glamour ($4,500 to $9,000). They also carry bridesmaids’ dresses ($200 to $400) that come in a variety of colors and styles-from basic cocktail to more elegant floor-length gowns.

Pronovias

This Barcelona-based bridal behemoth recently opened a dazzling five-floor New York flagship store with some of the nicest fitting rooms in Manhattan. Its 2009 collection of gowns ($1,000 to $16,000) is defined by subtle lace and delicate ruffles.

Reem Acra

Acra’s designs, known for their detailed beadwork and embroidery, have a decidedly old-world glamour and pared-down sophistication. Brides adore both the custom couture (from $20,000) and ready-to-wear gowns (from $3,000). Alterations not included.

RK Bridal

This bustling, 11,000-square-foot store has great prices for those willing to search through 1,300 styles ($300 to $3,000). The staff will even lower a gown’s price to match the cost of the same dress offered elsewhere for less. Alterations cost up to $350.

From the Winter 2008 New York Wedding Guide