Wedding Planner for the NY Bride

by Melanie Berliet - Citysearch Editor - 98 Reviews - 52 Lists

Updated: March 31, 2009

After the joy of the engagement comes the reality of wedding planning--at which point that rock on your ring finger might seem just a little less sparkly. The dress, the hair, the cake, the hotel? The decisions to be made are endless. And in a city like New York, which presents so many choices, it doesn't always feel so glamorous to be the bride. Let us make your big day a little easier with great ideas for your wedding celebration, whether you and your future hubby have money to burn or you're pinching every penny.

On this page:For Spendthrifts, For the Thrifty.

For Spendthrifts

  1. 1 4 Star Rating: Recommended Tiffany & Co
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    727 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022 (map)

    THE RING: There's no shade of blue more identifiable than that of the legendary jeweler's gift boxes. When the very container is a status symbol, expect that what's inside will make any bride-to-be cry--tears of joy, of course. At the flagship store, an entire floor devoted to engagement rings provides plenty of selection. If you're feeling especially generous, this is also a great place to pick out bridesmaid and groomsman gifts.

  2. 2 2.5 Star Rating: Below Average Vera Wang Bridal House
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    991 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10021 (map)

    THE DRESS: When it comes to gowns, Wang is a seamstress in serious demand by future brides with deep pockets. Arrange an appointment to browse the chicest options--whether you want traditional, virginal white or something slightly edgier--in the designer's signature minimalist styles. Sans lace and over-the-top froth, the looks are as classic as they are coveted. If your close friends are willing to splurge, this is also a good spot to select the maids' dresses.

  3. 3 4 Star Rating: Recommended Stephen Knoll Salon
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    625 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022 (map)

    HAIR: He may tend to the tresses of several celebs at his 3,000-square-foot Madison Avenue salon, but Knoll is also a personable stylist known for treating all customers on an equal level. Manage to book him, and, along with his services, expect a special 'do for the big day. Rest assured knowing his work is seen regularly in magazines (both fashion and bridal) as well as on models walking the runways.

  4. 4 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Veniero's Pastry Shop
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    342 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003 (map)

    CAKE: Trust this bakery to create the perfect finale to dinner--thanks, in part to its 100-plus years of expertise--but it's the moist confections that will have people talking. The most popular is strawberry shortcake, but don't commit before trying every option. Schedule a tasting before 1:30pm and indulge in a parade of desserts--before resuming your pre-wedding day diet regimen.

  5. 5 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended The Plaza
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    768 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019 (map)

    HOTEL: If it's good enough for Eloise, the fabled young girl who resides here in the popular book series, it's good enough for you and your guests. Book the Grand Ballroom far in advance and consider every aspect of your wedding day fantasy guaranteed. Out-of-town visitors will appreciate the hotel's central location for touristy adventures--in between their time spent fawning all over you, of course.

For the Thrifty

  1. 6 4 Star Rating: Recommended New York Hilton
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    1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019 (map)

    HOTEL: It may share its name with an overexposed, tacky celebutante, but this behemoth of a hotel is an ideal place for your guests to stay and for you to host a ceremony. The colossus occupies an entire city block and can accommodate your party, large or small, in one of its three ballrooms. Plus, there are appealing extras like theater ticketing services and bars and restaurants right on the premises.

  2. 7 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Dessert Delivery
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    360 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022 (map)

    CAKE: Cut costs and get a smaller tiered cake alongside enough sheet cakes to feed the gang. The bakers here specialize in catering all party sizes. Consider the most popular kind for your wedding: chocolate cake, smothered in vanilla butter cream frosting, with no shortage of decorative flowers.

  3. 8 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Robert Stuart Salon
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    510 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024 (map)

    HAIR: Stuart defected from more attitudinal salons to found this spot that specializes in high-quality cuts and styling at fair prices. On par with any glamor-puss place, here you and your bridesmaids can expect down-to-earth service. As an added bonus, if your bridal party goes together (and includes more than four people) you'll get a discount on the bill.

  4. 9 David's Bridal
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    260 W 39TH St, New York, NY 10018 (map)

    THE DRESS(ES): If you can do without an onslaught of personal attention and sleek surroundings while sifting through potential wedding wear, you can find big bargains here for you and your bridesmaids. Beaded satin A-lines and lace sheaths are David's specialties, along with price tags that typically hover around the $500 mark. Take the cash you save and apply it to that dream vacation fit to be called your honeymoon.

  5. 10 4 Star Rating: Recommended Clay Pot
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    162 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215 (map)

    THE RING: Cross the bridge and head to this gem of an eclectic jewelry store in Park Slope to find a ring at an affordable price. A back counter showcases an assortment of handcrafted pieces suitable for just about anyone--progressive types about to wed a member of the same sex as well as traditionalists--with one common goal: a deal on finger ornaments.