Barneys New York
660 Madison Ave., at 61st St.; 212-826-8900; barneys.com
Barneys phased out its bridal department last year, but for the adventurous type who trends toward the funky side of fashion, it’s still a great alternative to the typical bridal-salon approach. Scout the store for your own personal inventory. Choose a sleek black Costume National dress for your bridesmaids, and show off your style cred by adding a hip Christian Louboutin platform or Giuseppe Zanotti strappy sandal. If you’re opting for a casual ceremony, buy your guy Suzanne Felsen cuff links and an Etro tie to coordinate, which, unlike your dress, are often wearable long after the event. Barneys’ high-end registry includes items like Uliska ceramics, Alessi cocktail shakers, and beautiful Iriana ice buckets.
Bergdorf Goodman
754 Fifth Ave., at 59th St.; 212-753-7300; bergdorfgoodman.com
Bergdorf’s Art Deco wedding salon employs a team of wedding specialists who’ll tag along on your shopping trip and help with everything from undergarments to jewelry to shoes. To really stand out on your day, try one of the exclusive-for-Bergdorf dresses by Ines Di Santo or Reva Mivasagar. Bridesmaids dresses aren’t sold in the salon, but Bergdorf brides head to the sixth floor for evening dresses from Valentino, Carolina Herrera, and Marchesa. For an edgier look, give the trend sanctuary 5F a shot; dresses by Nanette Lepore and Rebecca Taylor are a cute alternative to a black-tie bridal party. Bergdorf’s gift registry carries one-of-a-kind items from Anna Weatherly and Buccellati, and the ninth-floor John Barrett salon has a staff of super-coiffeurs whose updos, cuts, and blowouts have earned the salon a clientele of thousands.
Bloomingdale’s
1000 Third Ave., at 59th St.; 212-705-2000; bloomingdales.com
Cut your hassle factor in half with Bloomingdale’s ultimate bridal services, which provides wedding consultants to help with the big day. Bloomie’s doesn’t carry wedding gowns, but the city-block of a megastore carries entire collections from wedding stars like Vera Wang, Badgley Mischka, and Amsale. Head to the second-floor shoe department for affordable options (or the fourth floor for designer picks), and choose from styles by Marc by Marc Jacobs, Stuart Weitzman, and Michael Kors. Register for an assortment of high-end and affordable items from the gift registry, like an Anne Glass serving tray or a Nambé water pitcher. Wedding invitations are in-house too, courtesy of Judy Paulen Designs, which stocks invites by C’est Papier and others. And don’t forget to mention your men—the consultants are happy to help with ties, cuff links, and accents to fit your wedding.
Lord & Taylor
424 Fifth Ave, nr. 39th St.; 212-391-3344; lordandtaylor.com
Lord & Taylor’s stately Fifth Avenue store isn’t as glitzy as other one-stop shops, but you’re more likely to stay within budget here. For bridesmaids, Calvin Klein classic cuts and floor-skimming ABS gowns are among the carefully selected, classic collection of dresses. Silk Caparros and embellished Nina strappies are the perfect inexpensive shoe choice to accompany the gown of your choice. A large selection of suits—including Ted Baker and Joseph Abboud—and even a few tuxedos make the trip worth your husband-to-be’s time as well. If you’ve had your makeup consultation already, stop by the beauty department and pick up some of the recommendations or a few wedding-day musts—there are often sales and deals to make the products more wallet-friendly.
Macy’s
151 W. 34th St., nr. Seventh Ave.; 212-695-4400; macys.com
Where better to get all your wedding needs than the “World’s Biggest Store,” as the landmark building’s 1924 plaque proudly declares? Ride the escalators to the eighth-floor Bridal Salon, where you’ll find Macy’s wedding epicenter. The popular department store carries literally everything you’ll need: Gowns from their exclusive Demetrios wedding collection and bridesmaids dresses from classic labels like Bill Levkoff and After Six. Let a Macy’s wedding specialist to roll up her sleeves—scour the dresses, analyze their fits, comb for the right sizes—while you do the fun stuff: try them on. Have a friend come with you and help with the registry while you wait; the Bridal Salon carries an expansive collection of Wedgwood China, Kate Spade vases, and Lenox silver. On your way down to the basement (for kitchenware and appliances), stop by Macy’s large shoe department. Finally, browse the headpieces, specialized undergarments, and an easy-to-navigate men’s section after your gown fitting.
Saks Fifth Avenue
611 Fifth Ave., nr. 49th St.; 212-753-4000; saksfifthavenue.com
Saks’ newest addition is a satellite office of uptown bridal mainstay, The Wedding Library by Claudia Hanlin and Jennifer Zabinski. Their in-store office helps brides-to-be with everything from gowns to shoes to registering. The bridal salon boasts modern and traditional gowns by designers like Vera Wang, Ulla-Maija, and Reem Acra. Bridesmaid dresses run the fashion gamut: BCBG Max Azria, Badgley Mischka, Nicole Miller, and more. Be sure to bring your groom along to pick out registry items, including Oscar de la Renta serving bowls, L’Objet napkin rings, and Waterford glasses. Send him off with a Fifth Avenue Club personal shopper to put together his look, whether he wants a dapper tuxedo or an elegant suit. Finally, shed wedding-prep stress with a “Signature Stress Melter” massage at the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon & Spa; prepare for your bridal glow with a classic facial; and turn over your wedding-day look to their staff of makeup and hair experts.