Weddings | The Manhattan Dress Adventure

Photo Courtesy of Monique Lhuillier 

Searching for ‘the dress’ prompted me to feel just about every emotion possible: nervous, scared, excited, anxious, happy, exhausted, indecisive, adventurous, shy, confused, energized, relieved and by the end, overjoyed. I loved every moment of the process.

Manhattan is a fashion design mecca and it makes it quite convenient that most bridal salons are often walking distance or just a couple of miles from one another. All you need to worry about is being able to hail a cab or keeping your phone charged so you can request your Uber. There is no public transportation allowed when you’re the princess finding your gown (I’m semi-serious).

Some basic information you need to establish before you head on your wedding dress adventure:

• Secure Appointments. Every well-known salon I’m aware of requires appointments either by phone and/or email. If you leverage a planner, he or she will more than likely help do this on your behalf.
• Dress Budget Range. This is the first question your sales consultant will ask you. Be honest and upfront so you’re not trying on dresses that are over your budget. Also, make sure you’re not booking appointments with designers that are too expensive for you. Just avoid the disappointment ahead of time.
• Wedding Date. This is crucial to confirm your dress will arrive in time and to plan out your alterations. I would recommend at least 8-9 months prior to your wedding date just to be safe.
• Wedding Venue. As discussed in my ‘Engaged and Confused’ post, you need to feel comfortable that your dress aligns with your venue and is realistic for your wedding day setting.
• Wedding Dress Style. Do some research to see what you envision yourself in. Always keep an open mind and be adventurous. After all, you will more than likely only be able to try on wedding dresses this time in your life.

Now, the fun stuff! I ventured to a few NYC bridal ateliers in this particular order back in early September 2013 over a 2-day period.

Day One (Friday):

Amsale Flagship Salon | 625 Madison Avenue | New York | 10022 

I adored the Amsale experience. The gowns are gorgeous, the service is perfection and the salon is crisp and clean. I fell in love with a particular dress that I later decided just didn’t have everything I dreamed of. Amsale’s price point is great as well! Instead, some of my bridesmaids rocked Amsale dresses which was a happy medium for me.

Break for lunch at Fred’s at Barney’s – which was PERFECT to calm my nerves over a yummy salad and a glass of champagne with my mom.

Bridal Salon at Bergdorf Goodman | 754 5th Avenue | New York | 10019

BG was my least favorite salon. I personally did not enjoy their selection as there wasn’t enough variety for me and it didn’t fit my bridal salon vision with the Art Deco vibe. I unfortunately don’t believe you’re missing anything special, unless they are carrying a specific designer you’re yearning for.

Mark Ingram Atelier | 110 East 55th Street, 8th Floor | New York | 10012

I thoroughly enjoyed my appointment at Mark Ingram. The sales consultants are very knowledgeable and they do a wonderful job observing your body type and style. The only negative was that you cannot sift through the dresses yourself as they are in the back of their salon. But, I wouldn’t let this stop you. My sales consultant pushed me to try on a light blush gown that ended up being ‘the dress.’

Day Two (Saturday):

Gabriella Bridal Salon | 155 Wooster Street, Unit 3W | New York | 10012

Absolutely love love love the raw and rustic feel of this beautiful bridal boutique. While I didn’t end up finding a dress that suited my specific vision, I was blown away by the variety of styles, the affordable dress prices and the warm and welcoming staff. I did end up returning in 2014 to work with a sales consultant to style my final bridal look with beautiful accessories. I would highly recommend Gabriella’s for all brides.

Monique Lhuillier | 19 East 71st Street | New York | 10021

Monique Lhuillier is my happy place. Monique’s first NYC flagship store opened in late 2012 and it’s just so damn glam. Even more, I really enjoyed working with my sales consultant, Jillian, who is very friendly, honest and well-informed about ML’s dresses and styles. And, Rita, the amazingly talented alterationist who can seriously make you feel beautiful! Side Note: We ended purchasing the ‘Forever’ Spanish tulle trumpet gown in light blush from the Spring 2013 line later that day and the rest is history. My gown was handmade in Los Angeles (which obviously was too great to be true for this Southern California girl). Even more, they stored my dress throughout all of the alterations until I needed to pick it up a few days before our wedding.

Vera Wang Bride | 991 Madison Avenue | New  York | 10075

While I love Vera’s high-fashion gowns for other brides, they just weren’t for me. The dresses that fit my vision were too structured and didn’t align with our garden tented wedding. The overall experience was positive, even though it was when Vera’s salon was in a temporary space near Madison Square Park. I do believe I could have fallen in love with one of her gowns if our wedding was in a different setting – possibly a ballroom in the city.

P.S. Below are basic wedding gown silhouettes for a quick review.

 Photo courtesy of BridalGuide.com – Wedding Gowns 101.

Happy dress shopping! Savor every moment on my behalf, please.