Photo: Courtesy of Lovely Bride
Finding the right wedding dress may be trial-and-error, but finding a bridal salon shouldn’t be. Our editors polled more than 1,500 brides to discover the places with the prettiest dresses (from the designers like Carolina Herrera, Mira Zwillinger, and Houghton, just to name a few!), nicest consultants, and chicest spaces from coast to coast. Every single shop on this list is a true standout in style, service, and atmosphere whether it’s the white dress mecca in your state or a gem in the middle of nowhere (we didn’t judge!). Get ready for our curated, tested, and fully endorsed list of The Best Bridal Salons in America. Here, our editors narrow down the best bridal salons in the Northeast. Happy shopping!
A Little Something White, Darien, Conn.
If you’re the sentimental type, make an appointment with Ashley Krauss, who adds a personal touch to each gown — like sewing in your married initials as your “something blue” or adding lace from your mom’s veil — to yours.
Everthine, Madison, Conn.
Here, dresses are ruled out by sudden death: “You’re allowed two at a time, and you have to choose between them before you can see another. It sounds restrictive, but it works,” says one bride.
Ceremony, Boston
You get this industrial-chic loft in Beacon Hill to yourself, so go ahead and blast the Beyoncé while playing dress-up in romantic, easy-to-wear looks from cool designers like Rose & Delilah and Rue De Seine.
L’élite Bridal, Boston
Fashion types head straight to this Newbury Street salon for the latest looks from Monique Lhuillier and Amsale. Bonus: The consultants are rock stars. “I tried on my dress at the designer’s boutiques in NYC and L.A. but ended up buying here because I knew they would guide me through the entire process,” says one devotee.
Elizabeth Johns, Morristown, N.J., and Ardmore, PA.
You don’t have to hit Manhattan to find familiar names (Reem, Lela). Beyond the labels, brides dig the pristine samples and in-the-know stylists who’ve worked for our sister mag Vogue.
Bridal Reflections, New York
Want a “Big Salon Experience?” This Fifth Avenue mecca has endless options and an actual red carpet for the reveal — plus an out-of-this-world seamstress, Zizi. “She knows her stuff,” says one reviewer. “Even when you think you know better, you don’t.”
Gabriella New York Bridal Salon, New York
At this SoHo hot spot, the honest, genuine stylists feel like true partners in the selection process. And heads up: They’re known to crack a good joke or two, so don’t forget to bring your sense of humor.
Mark Ingram Atelier, New York
Ladies fly in from across the country to shop industry heavy Mark Ingram’s collection of right-off-the-runway designs from the biggest first names in bridal (Vera, Carolina, Oscar).
Wedding Atelier, New York
This intimate boutique near Madison Square Park is for city brides who want to get their zen on while shopping. Yes, that is possible even in NYC. One smitten client says, “They had the most exceptional customer service I’ve ever experienced, and I work in the customer-service industry!”
Lovely Bride, Philadelphia
Most reviewers discovered this gem on Instagram and were glad they did; it has a mix of nontraditional and classic styles at a wide range of price points, plus amazing accessories, like Twigs & Honey headpieces.
Glitter & Grit, Pittsburgh
Erin Szymanski’s Lawrenceville shop is filled with gowns that are romantic and sparkly but slightly less traditional. (She calls it a balance of glitter and grit.) If that’s your style, book a one-on-one with the boss, who reviewers describe as “inviting and relaxing, just like her salon.”
Andria Bird Bride, Newport, R.I.
Tons of Rhody brides tie the knot in Newport, but even those who don’t make a beeline for this seaside shop selling only made-in-America gowns. After you find yours (from up-and-coming designers like Rebecca Schoneveld of Brooklyn and Lindee Daniel of Santa Monica), owner Andi Sperl will custom make any silk flower crown you dream up to wear with it.
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See More: 50 Things to Know About Finding Your Dream Wedding Dress