Brides looking for a more homey-meets-romantic shopping experience should head to Lovely Bride in TriBeCa, where blush sofas, sheepskin hides, and the gold-flecked Calico walls are just as enchanting as the curation of gowns by designers such as Rue de Seine and Theia. Prices begin from $2,000. By appointment only. 

Looking to stray from a traditional stark white gown? Head to Spina in Chelsea, where you’ll find an edit of unique dresses from up-and-coming international designers from around the world including Australia’s Dan Jones, Budapest’s Daalarna Couture, Israel's Liz Martinez, London’s Luna Bea Bride, and many more. Prices start at $3,000. By appointment only. 

Sathya Balakumar and Heather Green design gowns with collection names such as ‘Nonlinear, The Grace, La Femme Noveau,’ which just like their names indicate are all about feminine and nontraditional silhouettes. From $3,000. 

Grace Loves Lace is all about helping brides-to-be find luxurious and *effortless* wedding gowns. As the name suggests, lace is the name of the game here, as all of their dresses are created with the finest European lace as well as hand-stitched in Australia. With that said, do yourself a favor and be sure to order at least 5 to 18 months in advance of your wedding date to make sure your Grace Loves Lace dress has time to travel the world before arriving to your doorstep. No appointment necessary!

Daughters of Simone dresses, headquartered in NYC, are all about romance and billowy sleeves, which means they are perfect if you consider yourself a Bohemian bride. Oh, and the best part? You can try on one of their buttery silk or antique lace-filled creations at home through the brand’s ‘Try it On’ program which allows you to ship a gown home for $100 per sample (+$40 shipping). To make it even easier, if you do happen to fall in love with the dress, the fee will then go towards the overall purchase. Win win. 

The Mews New York is lead by a mother and daughter team (Gail and Lauren) and focuses on stocking the world’s most sought-after Parisian designers. Come here for romantic creations from Rime Arodaky, Laure de Sagazan, Delphine Manivet, Donatelle Godart, Margaux Tardits and Isabella Boutin. By appointment only. 

This meticulously curated space in Brooklyn offers brides-to-be the opportunity for fashion-forward brides to test-drive a collection of dresses that range from Flora and Cortana to The Law Bridal. By appointment only.

If words such as local, sustainable, independent, and inclusive make your heart beat a little faster, then Rebecca Schoneveld’s shop is for you. Located in Brooklyn, Schone Bride specializes in completely customizable gowns by Rebecca as well as stocks an array of styles from lesser-known independent brands. By appointment only

This sprawling salon offers gowns by Eve of Milady, Stephen Yearick, David Tutera, Amalia Carrara, and more. Also noteworthy? Bridal Reflections is known for their incredible on-site tailoring. By appointment only.

Celebs and brides alike adore Reem Acra for her ability to evoke both a regal and ethereal quality with details such as lace bodices, organza ruffle skirts, jeweled bows, and more. Ready-to-wear designs start at $3,999 and custom gowns are available as well (price upon request).

Sarah Seven’s motto is to create ‘wedding dresses that look like something you would actually wear,’ so as you can imagine she steers clear of fairy-tale ball gowns in favor of of more modern designs. We love the daring necklines, intricate draping, and delicate details Sarah uses to create young, fresh, and unconventional bridal options. By appointment only

Feeling slightly indecisive about finding *the* dress? If so, Kleinfeld Bridal’s 35,000 square-foot salon (which just happens to be the largest luxury bridal retail space in the world) has you covered. The famous full-service shop, which you might recognize from the popular TV show Say Yes to the Dress, features the biggest names in bridal from everyone from Christian Siriano to Maggie Sottero. By appointment only.

We love Monique L’huillier gowns because they are always larger than life, whether it’s one of her v-neck tulle gowns with floral appliques or a sprinkled a rose-gold gowns with minuscule seed beading. The bottom line? This is your go-to designer if you’re looking for sense of grandeur. Price upon request. 

Yes, the OG of wedding gowns is still at it. Minimalist brides with maximalist budgets should head to Vera Wang’s Madison Avenue store for one of her sleek, simple, and streamlined gowns which begin at $3,500. By appointment only. 

We just love Gabriella New York’s motto, which is: ’high style and good vibes in the heart of Soho.’ Not to mention their gown selection, which includes dresses by everyone from Reem Acra and Lela Rose to Viktor and Rolf and Hushed Commotion.

Gowns at Designer Loft run from $1,600 and up, and include a huge variety of styles that will work for many body types, ages and wedding locations, whether it’s a design from Pronovias Collections, Matthew Christopher, Eddy K Collections, Robert Bullock, or one of their many international designers. They also have a large selection of modest gowns for those brides who are looking for more conservative options. By appointment only.