The Best Bridal Boutiques in New York City

For the Francophile bride, the French couture gowns at The Mews are sure to lend your special day a certain je ne sais quoi. Mother-and-daughter team Gail and Lauren specialize in “bridal, à la mode,” curating the most fashionable French designs from just four dress designers, handpicked for their individual styles. Parisian designers Rime Arodaky, Laure de Sagazan, and Margaux Tardits are all accounted for at The Mews, where “fashion meets bridal.”

A member of wedding expert The Knot’s “Hall of Fame,” Designer Loft is the bridal boutique to beat. At the home of one of the largest Rosa Clara selections in the country, gowns start at just $1,600, and everything from jackets to jewelry to dress alterations can be handled on-site. Befitting of its Garment District address, the Loft’s stock features top wedding dress designers, including Pronovias, Eddy K, and Aire Barcelona.

Even if you aren’t familiar with Kleinfeld Bridalfrom its hit TLC series Say Yes to the Dress, you’re bound to recognize the retailer’s designer selection from magazines and wedding blogs. At 35,000 square feet, the Chelsea salon is the world’s biggest luxury bridal retailer, stocking designers including Vivienne Westwood, Christian Siriano, and more.

If you prefer frills on your gown, not with your service, then meet your match with RK Bridal. What this salon lacks in formality, it more than makes up for in expertise—the third-generation family-owned business has served New York City brides since 1953. Browse through endless racks of dresses priced between $1,000 and $5,000, and if you find a better price elsewhere, RK Bridal will give you a 5% discount.

Billing itself as “the O.G. indie wedding dress boutique,” Lovely Bride is undoubtedly the preferred bridal shop for New York’s downtown crowd. The Brides-recommended boutique stocks designs from both emerging and established indie dressmakers, along with vintage-inspired headpieces for a big day ensemble that’s “as unique as you are.”

For the “anti-bridezilla,” there’s Stone Fox Bride. Founder and creative director Molly Guy’s collection of gowns, crowns, and engagement rings is designed with “stylish, mellow mamas” in mind—and nary a rhinestone in sight. Tip: Throughout winter 2018, you can try on the entire Stone Fox collection by appointment only at Brooklyn’s Schone Bride.

The Sarah Seven bride “loves love and drinks champagne with abandon.” Sound like you? Visit the designer’s New York City flagship salon (you can also shop Sarah Seven in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago) to find a dress as special as you. Styles range from “dreamy” and “romantic” to “sleek” and “modern.”

Take a cue from those who’ve been in your shoes (and have worn them down the aisle), and visit the salon that New York brides have rated as the city’s best shopping experience for four years running. The intimate Forever Amour Bridal Boutique feels “like shopping in your living room.” That is if your living room comes equipped with exclusive and custom options (including suits for same-sex couples) priced from just $3,600 to $4,000.