New York wedding vendors

Frank Sinatra sang about it, even Jay Z’s rapped about it. Yes, the big apple is so fabulous they had to name it twice! There are many reasons why I think all brides-to-be deserve a trip to NYC prior to their wedding day. Here’s just a few:

For the perfect wedding dress:

Marcia Cross in Reem Acra

Head to Reem Acra’s flagship boutique on 60th Street. Often acknowledged as wedding designer to the stars, Acra is eminently known for ‘adding everything by hand’ from intricate gold bullion needlework to Swarovski crystals and tiny seed pearls. With such attention to detail, her ‘red-carpet’ silhouette gowns will make any bride swoon.

My NYC tip: If you prefer a traditional classic look with a modern twist, then visit the Vera Wang Madison Avenue flagship store. Her dresses may come with a hefty price tag, but fortunately, the store hosts sample sale days selling their gowns at a fraction of the original price. There are at least two sales in a year, (in 2009 it was April and November) but the dates vary, so check out the events page on their website.

For bridesmaids’ dresses:

Marchesa

Don’t fall into the trap of only looking into bridal boutiques when you take your bridesmaids shopping. Remember that any gown can be a bridesmaid’s gown and I particularly love the dreamy spring dresses from Marchesa which should blend nicely into any bridal theme.

Two Birds

My NYC tip: Wouldn’t it be great if your bridesmaid had one dress, but could wear it over fifteen ways? At Two Birds, not only are their collections ‘Grecian Goddess’ but each dress has at least fifteen different styles of wrapping. This way, your bridesmaids get to wear the dress again and again and again! For brides out there who aren’t making a stop to the big apple, there are stores in Australia and London or simply contact Two Birds to purchase online.

To-die-for wedding stationery:

Ceci

For brides that are still searching for the perfect wedding invite, a visit to Ceci New York is a must. Winner of the 2009 Best Invitation Design Bridal Award, this elite stationer will tease out your creative flair and help you create, design and personalise your wedding stationery.

Kate’s Paperie

My NYC tip: If you are short of time for ‘couture’ stationery, then drop into Kate’s Paperie. Here you can stock up on everything from save-the-date cards to guestbooks to vintage ribbons.

For everything else:

Bergdorf Goodman

No trip to NYC is complete without a visit to Bergdorf Goodman. Aptly called not simply a store but a fashion institution, BG houses everything a bride needs, from after-party cocktail dresses to personalised blend of lipstick. And when your feet gets weary, do stop by their restaurant for afternoon tea with a delightful view of Central Park.

My NYC tip: If you are looking for round-the-year designer bargains, then head to Woodbury Common Premium Outlet. Just an hour north of NYC, you can snap up discounted DVF dresses for your honeymoon wardrobe and Frette linen for your marital bed; plus hubby will still be pleased at that discounted price tag.

Last Words:

Here are just a few of the many, many reasons why brides deserve a trip to NYC. Most importantly, enjoy yourself on those streets of flashing lights and neon nights. This is not only a city that never sleeps, it will make you fall in love all over again.

Dedicated to my travel buddy who shared my first ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s moment.