Barneys New York
660 Madison Ave., at 61st St.212-826-8900; barneys.com
Even though Barneys has phased out its bridal department, adventurous types who tend toward avant-garde styles love this chic alternative to typical wedding salons. Bridesmaids can try on designers like Lanvin, Givenchy, Collette Dinnigan, and Derek Lam. Shoes from Manolo Blahnik, Maison Martin Margiela, and Christian Louboutin are on the fourth floor. For guys, Barneys offers a wide selection of trendy tuxedos by designers like Zegna and Armani, as well as Etro ties in limitless colors. Barneys doesn’t carry prong-set rings, but those looking for statement engagement rings should check out chic designs by Linda Lee Johnson, Lucifer Vir Honestus, and Cathy Waterman. In addition to Barneys’ signature collection of cuff links, the store is well stocked with lines by Suzanne Felsen and Paul Smith.
Bergdorf Goodman
754 Fifth Ave., at 58th St.212-753-7300; bergdorfgoodman.com
At Bergdorf’s Art Deco wedding salon, someone is always ready to assist. Brides should take a look at gowns by Ines Di Santo, Elizabeth Fillmore, and Oscar de la Renta. Tia Mazza’s stylish veils and tiaras warrant a trip of their own, as does the wedding-friendly eveningwear from Carolina Herrera and Marchesa. René Caovilla and other upmarket European footwear lines are laid out on level two; midpriced lines like Kors by Michael Kors are on five. On the seventh floor, couples will find high-end everyday goods like stationery from well-known calligrapher Bernard Maisner. Grooms can appreciate designers such as Brioni and Dolce & Gabbana across the street; Bergdorf also has a full line of tuxes and great accessories.
Bloomingdale’s
1000 Third Ave., at 59th St.212-705-2000; bloomingdales.com
Though Bloomingdale’s doesn’t carry wedding gowns, the second-floor shoe department is stocked with affordable styles from Marc by Marc Jacobs and Kors by Michael Kors. The smaller designer department on the fourth floor carries white and silver shoes from Stuart Weitzman. Grooms and their buddies can pick up tuxedos by Hugo Boss or Armani, along with designer accessories like checked cuff links from Burberry ($165). The children’s department offers reliable options for both flower girls and ring bearers. Bloomingdale’s carries more than 30 lines of high-end stationery, including Dauphine Press, Smock, and C’est Papier.
Lord & Taylor
424 Fifth Ave., nr. 39th St.212-391-3344; lordandtaylor.com
The stately Fifth Avenue mainstay isn’t as glitzy as some of the other one-stop shops, but brides are likely to keep within their budget here. For bridesmaids, it’s a good place to source inexpensive alternatives and traditional apparel, including everything from streamlined BCBG dresses to elegant gowns by Nicole Miller. The small collection of suits—including Jack Victor, Joseph Abboud, and even a few tuxedos—makes the trip worth the husband-to-be’s time as well. DIY-makeup types should stop by the beauty department for wallet-friendly products (ask about promotions); they can also request a complimentary consultation for wedding-day tips.
Macy’s
151 W. 34th St., nr. Seventh Ave.212-695-4400; macys.com
The venerable department store opened its huge bridal salon in 2005—complete with a mirror-lined runway—and the service is still one-on-one. Brides will find gowns from the Demetrios wedding collection, bridesmaid dresses from classic labels like Bill Levkoff and After Six, and mother-of-the-bride attire. Ask about trunk shows, which include discounts. The lingerie department is great for basics—bras, girdles, and the like. All the mainstays are represented, from Warner’s and Felina to Calvin Klein. On the way to the basement (for registry goods), brides should stop by the two-level shoe department. Macy’s also has one of the best suit selections in town; guys can find tuxedos from Lauren by Ralph Lauren and Hugo Boss.
Saks Fifth Avenue
611 Fifth Ave., nr. 49th St.212-753-4000; saksfifthave.com
This posh bridal salon (by appointment only) boasts swank labels like Amsale, Carolina Herrera, and Vera Wang. Bridesmaids will be happy to forgo an unflattering frock in favor of a red, one-shoulder silk gown from Notte by Marchesa or a beaded jacquard number by Carmen Marc Valvo. Gucci, Prada, Christian Louboutin, and Jimmy Choo can all be found in the eighth-floor shoe department. In lingerie, Natori and Chantelle hang alongside Donna Karan and La Perla. Have the groom try on suits by Hugo Boss and Dior. If he’s after something special, stop by Domenico Spano’s Custom Shop for a bespoke fit.
The Wedding Library by Claudia Hanlin and Jennifer Zabinski
43 E. 78th St., nr. Madison Ave.212-327-0100; theweddinglibrarystore.com
The largest full-service wedding-planning firm in NYC and responsible for countless celebrity nuptials, the Wedding Library is also a go-to spot for bridesmaid dresses and stationery. Brides can outfit their parties in one of more than 200 styles from the likes of Amsale Bridesmaids, Thread Designs, Badgley Mischka, and Lela Rose ($240-$500), then hit up the stationery collection to take care of invites, RSVP cards, and save-the-dates. Perennial favorites like Mr. Boddington’s Studio and Dauphine Press (from $800) are among the 50-plus lines represented.