If there’s something we can confidently say we’re experts on, it’s wedding dresses. We’ve poured over every collection for years and years and regularly partner with the incredible designers themselves. Shopping for your wedding dress should be a sacred experience. You want to invite the women in your life who you love and trust and you want it to feel as fun and stress-free as possible (also: champagne, but not so much that you’ll pick the wrong gown). There are SO many bridal salons out there that we know it can seem daunting when beginning your journey to Say Yes to the Dress. Luckily, our very own Editor in Chief Kunbi lives in the capital of the U.S. fashion world, New York City, and is here with your guide to the top shops in the big apple:
1.) Bridal Reflections
Why we love it: Bridal Reflections on 5th avenue has got amazing customer service and they carry some of our top designers, AKA best of both worlds. They’ve always been family owned and operated, so they have a very special connection to the shop and pride themselves on their attention to detail. Their mission is for every bride to feel comfortable and unhurried, which is so key when making such a big decision.
Designers in stock: Galia Lahav, Rosa Clara, Maggie Sottero, Allure, Hayley Paige, Watters
Location: 437 5th Ave, New York, NY
2.) Designer Loft
Why we love it: Quite a few #PerfeteBrides have said yes to gowns from Designer Loft. What we love about this shop is their unique collection of designer gowns, many of which are exclusive to the salon. They also have one of the largest Rosa Clara selections in the U.S., so if you’re a Rosa Clara bride look no further. Dresses run $1,600 and up, so there is something for most budgets here.
Designers in stock: Pronovias, Aire Barcelona, Rosa Clara, Eliza Jane Howell, Anna Georgina
Location: 226 W 37th St, Second Floor, New York, NY
3.) Kleinfeld
Why we love it: Obviously we have to recommend THE Kleinfeld behind “Say Yes to the Dress.” We’ve watched pretty much every episode (hey, it’s part of the job!) and even met Randy himself at NYBFW few years ago. He was amazing and taught us a few selfie moves. Bonus, they have a nice range of pricing and tons of designers to choose from.
Designers in stock: Pnina Tornai (but you knew that), Randy Fenoli, Hayley Paige, Pronovias, Reem Acra, Maggie Sottero
Location: 110 W 20th St, New York, NY
4.) Mark Ingram Bridal
Why we love it: Kunbi said YES to her second dress at Mark Ingram Bridal and will always say YES to shopping for a gown at their store. This salon carries very high end designers if you’re looking to have a serious princess moment. Luxury wedding dresses and quality service. Need we say more?
Designers in stock: Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, Anne Barge, Inbal Dror, Ines Di Santo, Marchesa, Reem Acra, Sachin + Babi, Viktor & Rolf
Location: 110 E 55th St, New York, NY
5.) Gabriella
Why we love it: The staff at Gabriella will always make you feel comfortable and well catered to. Their vibe is low-key, relaxed and never stressed. The setting in their Soho loft is perfect for the chill bride. Prior to opening the salon 10 years ago, Gabriella spent a decade working as a buyer for many high end houses, so don’t let the relaxed approach fool you – they know their stuff here.
Designers in stock: Jenny Packham, Kelly Faetanini, Marchesa, Lihi Hod, Rose + Williams
Location: 155 Wooster St #3W, New York, NY
6.) Spina Bride
Why we love it: Spina Bride carries many international designers and ensures you are pampered from the minute step in the salon, starting with slippers and ending with champagne. This is a more intimate, boutique salon where they will curate an experience perfect just for you.
Designers in stock: Liz Martinez, Amandina, Louden Love, Luna Bea Bride, A La Robe
Location: 132 10th Ave, New York, NY
7.) Lovely Bride
Why we love it: Lovely Bride is a real gem. I would describe them, but honestly they do it better themselves: As the OG indie bridal shop, Lovely redefined the wedding dress shopping experience by straying from the norm of traditional bridal retail. “We believe in inclusion and individuality. We empower our brides to celebrate their authentic selves. We promote body positivity and self love. We are a sisterhood, #ourlovelies.”
Designers in stock: Chosen by One Day, Jenny Yoo, Marchesa Notte, Sarah Seven, Watters, Francesca Miranda
Location: 82 Duane St, New York, NY
8.) Pronovias
Why we love it: One of our favorite bridal salons period. You definitely feel like a bride when you visit Pronovias and the prices won’t make you faint. TBH this was my dream wedding gown but it didn’t work out. Fingers crossed for my 5 year reunion. Their values literally include “making dreams come true” and they honestly live up to the expectation.
Designers in stock: Pronovias, obvi.
Location: 4 E 52nd St, New York, NY
9.) David’s Bridal Salon
Why we love it: We love us some David’s Bridal! I was actually a David’s Bridal bride. My Oleg Cassini was the second dress I tried on. The store is very chic-ly laid out and of course affordable. No reason to break the bank if you don’t have to! Also so easy to do the whole kit and caboodle here. They make what feels like millions of bridesmaid options in every color imaginable at prices that won’t make your girls start a group chat about you. Win win.
Designers in stock: Vera Wang, Oleg Cassini, Galina, Zac Posen, Melissa Sweet
Location: 45 W 25th St, New York, NY
10.) Pantora Bridal:
Why we love it: Located minutes from NYC in Brooklyn, NY, Pantora Bridal is the discerning bride’s dream with custom options for the curvy bride! As a WOC-run business, this bridal designer brings us all the joy with her black girl magic and one of a kind designs. Definitely a must visit!
Designers in stock: Pantora, Pantora Mini
Location: 410 Nostrand, Brooklyn, NY 11216
11.) Saks Fifth Avenue
Why we love it: Rounding out our list is Saks Fifth Avenue – chic, classic, timeless. If you’re looking for Berta (I mean, why wouldn’t you be 🙂 ) then this is your spot! Their service is absolutely top notch and their selection of designer dresses is incredible. They are also known for their impeccable tailoring, ensuring your dress fits like a dream as you walk down the aisle.
Designers in stock: Berta, Jenny Packham, Marchesa, Monique Lhuillier, Oscar de la Renta, honestly you name it
Location: 611 5th Ave, New York, NY
