Weddings Winter 2009 > Brides

Adriennes

Downtown brides come to Gina DeSilva’s salon for one-on-one couture service. Adriennes specializes in custom designs, like lacy sheath gowns based on vintage designs ($2,000 to $5,000). They also carry wares from Carolina Herrera, Vera Wang, and Rivini. Alterations are additional. By appointment only.

Amsale

Amsale Aberra’s elegant gowns are favorites of women who prefer clean lines and crisp shapes. Made-to-order and couture gowns range from $3,000 to $20,000. For a less expensive option, brides can check out the Little White Dress line (from $990). Alterations are yours for a flat fee of $575.

Angelo Lambrou

Brides in search of a simple gown with a slight edge will love this East Village boutique. Unfussy silhouettes are embellished with delicate beading, bias cuts, and Lambrou’s signature wrapping and weaving. There are 100 different shades of silk for brides in search of an unusual gown color, or for those who just want to add an accent to traditional white. Brides can select a dress from the collection (from $1,700) or have one custom made (from $3,000).

Ann Hamilton Bridal Studio

For brides who love Mom’s sixties-era sleeves but are less fond of her frumpy dress, Ann Hamilton restores, resizes, and restyles vintage and heirloom gowns ($600 to $2,000). She also designs modern dresses and veils. Alterations start at $250.

Annique Couture Bridal

Annique custom designs gowns for women who prefer austere, well-cut styles without over-the-top details. She uses her artist’s eye to turn each bride’s vision into reality and places special emphasis on the fit. All-silk dresses start at $2,000, not including alterations.

Atelier Aimée

These veteran bridal designers found success in Italy (Gianni Versace was a fan) before setting up a glitzy salon in New York two years ago. The styles are meticulously shaped and very romantic. Their newest collection features traditional white gowns, as well as lavenders and floral prints. From $3,500.

Birnbaum & Bullock

Brides seeking personalized attention should visit this intimate atelier. These classic wedding dresses come in about 45 feminine styles, with collections broken into three divisions: the less expensive Robert Bullock Brides ($1,350 to $1,750), the midrange Steven Birnbaum Collection ($700 to $2,300), and the Birnbaum & Bullock Collection’s high-end custom-made creations in 100 percent silk ($2,800 to $7,000). They also have a great selection of lace boleros and cover-ups. By appointment only.

Blue

Designer Christina Kara is showing off her modern twists on the traditional gown in a bigger space. Along with the new store comes a fresh collection: twenty silhouettes that brides can customize as they see fit ($1,000 to $3,000). Kara offers a wide variety of styles (mermaid, sheath, and updated ball gowns) along with her signature tea-length and short dresses. Dresses can be made in six months.

The Bridal Garden/Sheltering Arms

This nonprofit boutique offers designer gowns at up to 75 percent off retail. Designers and boutiques donate samples and brand-new gowns from big names like Ulla-Maija, Angel Sanchez, and Vera Wang ($495 to $2,895), and proceeds from the reduced-price sales benefit the Brooklyn Charter School in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Alterations not included. By appointment only.

Bridal Reflections

This bustling boutique, which has been on the scene for over 35 successful years, offers unhurried, one-on-one appointments during which brides can try on gowns by designers such as Ines Di Santo, St. Pucchi Couture, and Stephen Yearick (from about $2,000 to upward of $10,000). A recent renovation nearly doubled the size of the store’s size and stock. By appointment only.

From the Winter 2009 New York Wedding Guide