Get ready to hear the bridezillas roar. At least in New York City, where it's now officially gown-shopping season. Here in their natural habitat, you'll find voracious brides waiting to pounce on their tulle and taffeta prey.
Lucky for them, there's more to salivate over than ever thanks to new detail — and budget-conscious designer collaborations. Coming to stores are lines like Vera Wang for David's Bridal, Bliss from Monique Lhuillier and Isaac Mizrahi's newest collaboration with style site TheAisleNewYork.com. There are even vintage-inspired options from the team behind Urban Outfitters.
"The main thing is that there's something for everyone in the bridal market," says Darcy Miller, editorial director at Martha Stewart Weddings. "Today you can get top designer dresses for a very affordable price. And the quality is amazing."
According to Miller, April is the wedding gown season, when brides-to-be scour the town for that perfect dress. "Since most people become engaged during the holidays and summer is the most popular season for weddings, these brides start looking around this time."
They surely won't be disappointed. Mizrahi, the "king of collaborations," launched his new exclusive line with members-only website The Aisle on Tuesday. The gowns range from $2,200 to $4,500 and include six styles, such as a silk mini with an oversize flower, an ivory peplum gown and a one-shouldered tulle number. Sizes range from 0 to 14, can be customized with 10 exact measurements, and arrive at your doorstep two weeks later.
Vera Wang, queen of wedding dresses, launched her new line for David's Bridal in February. The collection includes 12 gowns (one, for example, is a frothy tulle balloon dress) from $600-$1,400.
Celebrity design darling Monique Lhuillier, known for her dreamy gowns, has a collection called Bliss, ranging from $2,300 to $3,500. The line maintains the designer's signature touches, such as delicate embellishments and silk fabrications.
Rounding out the gowns this season are mall favorites like J. Crew, Ann Taylor and White House Black Market. Even URBN, the company behind Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie, is getting in the game with its first bridal line, BHLDN.
Pronounced "beholden," the line boasts nontraditional wedding wear in the vintage-inspired esthetic familiar to Urban Outfitters fans. Gowns run in a higher price range — from $1,000 to $4,000 — and are expected in stand-alone BHLDN boutiques later this year. And can you say nontraditional? One gown uses a stunning red-orange floral print. Others have a gothic twist, with skintight bodices made of cream tulle and laced sleeves.