The New York City Wedding Dress Shopping Guide

Go to New York City to find the dress. The city where options feel endless and the energy, electric. A city where the most renown designers from across the globe gather, where hidden ateliers sit behind unassuming facades, and boutiques house the pieces we’ve long adored.

We’ve mapped out our version of the city, from heritage labels uptown to the downtown gems. The places we go, the boutiques that hold a curated mix of our most-loved designers, and the ones you may not yet know but should. Alongside, where we stop for coffee between fittings, where we linger over long lunches, and the restaurants we return to each time we’re in town. Where we stay and where we enjoy having dinner.

Consider this your guide to finding your wedding dress in New York.

Madga Butrym Pop Up

Bringing her signature Slavic romance and modernism to bridal, Magda Butrym first New York City pop-up, in the heart of SoHo, is open until Jun 30th. A dreamy interior showcasing the artistry of handmade lace and chic decor, that you’ll want to check out regardless. Shop here for your bridal wardrobe – think modern bridal accented with her iconic rose appliqués, sculptural minis and fashion-forward bridesmaid looks and swimwear for your honeymoon.

140 Wooster St, New York, NY 10012

www.magdabutrym.com

Where to Get Coffee

Grab coffee around the corner at Two Hands, an Australian boutique coffee shop (and we might be biased, but Aussies really do coffee best).

Where to Stay

Stay nearby at 11 Howard – a boutique hotel with modern Danish interiors, perfectly placed for shopping nearby. We love The Blond, a relaxed space to retreat to and work from during the day that transforms into a chic cocktail lounge in the evenings for happy hour.

Where to Dine

We love Le Coucou – 11 Howard’s French Michelin star restaurant for languid lunches and dinners or an exquisite cocktail. The romantic atmosphere is beautifully refined without feeling too formal.

Vera Wang

We love Vera Wang for her unapologetically modern take on bridal. Think cascading and ethereal layers of sheer organza or tulle, asymmetrical silhouettes and architectural folds. Her rebellious spirit is a whole different level of modern romance. If you’re in New York don’t miss her flagship store. Gowns feels like a piece of art: deconstructed, daring, yet undeniably elegant.

991 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10075​

www.verawang.com

Where to Get Coffee

If you’re beginning your day definitely stop at Ralph’s Coffee. At only a 6 minute walk from Vera Wang, enjoy an extension of the Ralph Lauren lifestyle. Think green-and-white, old-school café interiors, and a refined yet cozy feel.

Where to Stay

Our favorite is The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel. A classic in the Upper East Side, it’s been a symbol of discreet, but ultimate luxury — plush interiors, Art Deco details, white-glove service, and that unmistakable old-school New York charm we can’t get enough of.

Where to Dine

Housed in The Carlyle is one of the most legendary cocktail bars in the city, Bemelmans Bar.  It’s named after Ludwig Bemelmans, the illustrator of the Madeline children’s books, who would paint the murals on the walls in exchange for staying at the hotel. It’s a nostalgic, cinematic space that feels straight out of another era. Other options in the area are Sant Ambroeus, Via Quadronno and Caravaggio.

Monique Lhuillier

We love Monique Lhuillier for the way she masterfully blends femininity and romance with floral appliqués and delicate lace. Whether it’s a cinched waist, a plunging neckline, or a dramatic train her gowns feel wearable while still being traditional and timeless. At just one block from Central Park you must visit their showroom.

818 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10065

www.moniquelhuillier.com

Where to Lunch

At only a 9 minute walk have lunch at Casa Tua. “Casa Tua” means “your house” in Italian – and that’s exactly the feeling it evokes. Another option we love is Casa Cruz, a new American restaurant housed in a beaux-arts townhouse.

Where to Drink

Go to Le Bar Penelope, an 11 minute walk south. We love this lounge style bar, that transports you to old-world Europe.

Bergdorf Goodman

A classic but the place to find the most exclusive designer collections – from Chanel, Dior, and Valentino to emerging designers and ultra-luxury labels you won’t find anywhere else.

754 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10019

www.bergdorfgoodman.com

Where to Brunch

For an iconic brunch spot, go to Sarabeth’s. From fluffy lemon ricotta pancakes and velvety scrambled eggs to smoked salmon benedicts and fresh-baked muffins, it’s elegant, yet unpretentious. They also have the most decadent Bloody Mary.

Where to Shop

Tucked inside The Plaza is a hidden gem not many know about. An intimate Assouline book boutique. Lined with artful coffee table books and their complete collection, it’s our go-to for a beautiful gift.

Mark Ingram Atelier

The Mark Ingram Atelier has become a go-to destination for brides seeking couture-level gowns in NYC. Their atelier is known for carrying an exclusive, high-end edit of designers like Oscar de la Renta, Vera Wang, Zuhair Murad, Ines Di Santo, amongst others.

110 East 55th Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10022​

www.markingramatelier.com

Where to Get Coffee

At only a 4 minute walk, stop in at Devoción for a midday iced latte.

Where to Drink

For a cinematic New York moment, go to The Polo Bar. Dimly lit, polished wood. You’ll be lucky to run into the fashion crowd. Then there’s Monkey Bar. Think storied murals that feel chic. They do one of the best martinis in the city.

Where to Dine

For something wildly classic head to Bobby Van’s. It’s the kind of spot, you’ll only find locals at. Smith & Wollensky is also pure New York tradition and always delicious.

Bridal Reflections

With over 50 years of experience, Bridal Reflection is perfect for brides looking for luxury, fashion-forward gowns housing designers we love like Galia Lahav, Pronovias, and Milla Nova.

437 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016

www.bridalreflections.com

Where to Lunch

Go to Cipriani at Grand Central. A stunning venue in Midtown. It’s located inside the historic Grand Central Terminal, and it’s also one of the most iconic spots for upscale events in the city. Don’t forget to order their famous bellini.

Wedding Atelier

Only a block away fromm Madison Square Park, we love the Wedding Atelier for their  intimate and luxury boutique feel, a contrast to the sometimes overwhelming mega salons. You’ll find designers like Vera Wang, Inbal Dror and Pronovias.

72 Madison Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016

www.weddingatelier.com

Where to Dine

Slide into a seat at KazuNori for the best hand rolls in the city. For something a little more dressed up, Café Carmellini is a great option. LamaLo is where to go for Middle Eastern dishes. For those who love the food dining scene, Eleven Madison Park is definitely something to try. Chef Daniel Humm is rewriting the rules with his vegan cuisine.

Kleinfeld

Don’t skip Kleinfeld in Chelsea. They carry hundreds of dresses, from classic to couture, by renowned designers like Pnina Tornai, Vera Wang, and Tony Ward. They aslo have an in-house alterations department that’s legendary.

110 W 20th Street, New York, NY 10011​

www.kleinfeldbridal.com

Where to Lunch

Our Editor’s Favorites

Now, in the heart of downtown, the city softens and everything feels just a little more cinematic. Stay at The Standard—above the High Line with sweeping views and one of the city’s most iconic bars. Its proximity to the West Village is reason enough. Our mornings start at Fellini, Terremoto, or Café Lune. Evenings end with dinner at Saint Theo’s or the always-classic Waverly Inn—both loved by locals, both worth returning to.

Happy Isles

Happy Isles specializes in vintage bridal and occasion wear, featuring pieces from the 1930s to the early 2000s. Their collection includes designs from iconic labels like Dior, Galliano, and Vera Wang, as well as unique, no-label treasures.

105 Bond Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217​

www.thehappyisles.com

Where to Brunch

At just a 5 minute walk don’t miss Sadelle’s for nostalgic deli classics. Beyond brunch, Sadelle’s offers an all-day menu that includes delicious chopped salads.

Where to Dine

Raoul’s, a French-American gem, still lingers in our minds. We love their burger and steak.

The White Gown

One of the few boutiques that carries Amsale, a designer we love, visit The White Gown in Soho.

62 Grand Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10013

www.thewhitegown.com

Where to Get Coffee

Cafe Lyria is a must!

Where to Dine

We love Le Coucou, a French restaurant in the middle of Soho. At just a 8 minute walk from The White Gown their tomato butter is delicious.

Where to Shop

Go to The Webster, a high-end luxury boutique with a beautiful edit of rare fashion and lifestyle items.

Jaxon James

For couture bridal Jaxon James, collaborates with luxury designers from around the world. Designers featured include, Pallas Couture, Margot, and Lee Petra Grebenau,

166 Elizabeth Street, New York, NY 10012

www.jaxonjamescouture.com

Where to Brunch

At just an 8 minute walk, go to Bubby’s for exceptional and renown pancakes.

See our full edit of Bridal Designers on The Lane Directory.