Paisley Bridal
Middle Village
73-09 Metropolitan Ave.
Middle Village, NY 11379
718-326-5700
paisleybridal.com
Designers Include: Allure, Enzoani, Maggie Sottero, Stella York
Price Range: $1,000-$3,500
Appointment Needed? Yes. Evening and weekend appointments are available upon request.
Woman Getting Married Says: Brides say owner Nicole Vega is “first class” and “puts you instantly at ease.” This boutique in Queens provides a relaxed, city chic environment to shop for your wedding dress. Tip: We’ve heard you can often find wedding dresses seen on the rack of larger retailers here at a discounted price.
Kleinfeld Bridal
Chelsea
110 W. 20th St.
New York, NY 10011
646-633-4300
kleinfeldbridal.com
Designers Include: Dennis Basso, Alita Graham, Mark Zunino, Pnina Tornai
Price Range: Most dresses average $2,500 and up
Appointment Needed? Yes. Appointments run 1 1/2 hours. They recommend bringing pictures of gowns you love (and an open mind.)
Woman Getting Married Says: As the home of TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress, this is where many a bride come to (hopefully) say just that. With a “huge” selection you won’t have the most intimate experience, but brides say they “never felt rushed” and that the customer service is “a dream.”
Veka Bridal
Boerum Hill
412 Atlantic Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11217
718-222-1178
Designers Include: Amanda Garrett, Rembo Styling, Palazzo, Suzanne Ermann, Adele Wechsler
Price Range: $1,700-$3,000. Sample dresses also available for up to 50% off.
Appointment Needed? Yes
Woman Getting Married Says: At this small boutique you’ll find a selection that ranges from bohemian to modern. Brides loved the store’s “natural lighting” while trying on dresses, and owners Ksenia and Jana were also said to be “friendly and accommodating” and willing to make even the slightest changes to “ensure that it was perfect.” If you’re looking for a unique selection of dresses this may be the stop for you.
Lotus Bridal
Sheepshead Bay
1822 Ave U
Brooklyn, NY 11229
718-332-4385
Lotus Bridal
Designers: Allure Bridals, Justin Alexander, Wtoo Brides, Blush by Hayley Paige
Price Range: $1,000-$3,000 and up.
Appointment Needed? Recommended. You can always walk-in to browse the gowns, but you are not allowed to try them on without the help of a bridal consultant (and they cannot guarantee you’ll be seen by one without an appointment).
Woman Getting Married Says: This family-owned business carries a wide selection of designers at affordable prices. Brides note the “impeccable service” and love the “stress-free experience.” Their impressions selection of plus size gowns is also a plus!
Lovely Bride
Tribeca
182 Duane St.
New York, NY 10013
212-924-2050
lovelybride.com
Designers: Carol Hannah, Watters, Karen Willis Holmes, Anna Campbell, Elizabeth Dye, Hayley Paige
Price Range: $1,300-$7,000 and up
Appointment Needed? Yes. Walk-ins are not allowed and they are strict about keeping the appointments to one hour.
Woman Getting Married Says: This “Etsy meets vintage chic” store is the place to find gorgeously unique designer dresses. While the selection is extensive the price tags don’t dip below $1,300, so brides on a budget beware. Brides who’ve shopped here rave about the staff’s “friendly” and “helpful” customer service and “whimsical” setting. Don’t live in New York City? The store has several U.S. locations in cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Philadelphia, too.