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Weddings

About

Paula Varsalona provides personalized fashion statements to brides of all body shapes and sizes in New York City. Internationally recognized for designing bridal apparel, Paula Varsalona founded her own bridal fashion house in New York City in 1975. Since then, more than 70,000 brides have worn Varsalona gowns on their big day. Varsalona gowns have also graced the red carpet and made numerous appearances in the media. Paula Varsalona takes prides in her attention to detail, quality and craftsmanship, adorning gowns with distinctive touches, such as hand-rolled organdy flowers, and imported alencon lace.

Products Offered
Paula Varsalona specializes in providing custom bridal gowns for any bride. Products offered include:

  • Plus size dresses
  • Dresses for other members of your wedding party
  • Customization
  • Sample gowns
  • Veils
  • Accessories
  • Woman-owned
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Frequently asked questions

What are your price ranges for full-priced wedding gowns?

$500 - $999
$1,000 - $2,499
$2,500 - $3,999
$4,000 - $6,499
$6,500 - $7,999
$8,000+

How do you price dress alterations?

Flat Fee

Who do you provide services for?

Bride
Bridesmaids
Flower Girls
Groomsmen
Mother of the Bride
Mother of the Groom

Which of the following services do you provide?

Alterations
Appointments Only
Cleaning
Full Customization
Preservation
Sample Sales
Trunk Shows

Which of the following items do you offer?

Bridal Belts
Hair Accessories
Jewelry
Plus Size Gowns
Sample Gowns
Veils

What is the average turnaround time for a bridal gown?

Less than 6 months

How often do you receive new bridal gowns?

Monthly
Seasonally

What is your return policy?

Final Sales

Reviews of Paula Varsalona

This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

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Paula Varsalona’s Studio provided compassionate, professional service with attentive staff who went above and beyond to make an affordable custom gown. The customer was deeply moved by their generosity and found a beautiful dress that exceeded expectations. Overall, the experience was heartwarming and memorable.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Paula Varsalona’s Studio provided compassionate, professional service with attentive staff who went above and beyond to make an affordable custom gown. The customer was deeply moved by their generosity and found a beautiful dress that exceeded expectations. Overall, the experience was heartwarming and memorable.

E
Ellen Sent on 08/07/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Beautiful Dress, Beautiful Story

My experience at Paula Varsalona’s Studio was something to cherish. Paula was lovely, nice, very attentive and so professional. Sweet Susan was nothing short of as well and everyone amazingly friendly and smiling.

I came just to look at their sample sale showroom, hoping to find a long dress/gown at a bargain price as per Susan when I called, coz the asking price for a custom one is beyond my means. She said they have some samples of the color I’m looking for and can fix it as to how I want to wear it, having stated also that I do have standard to keep relating to my faith but I found nothing. I was teary eyed, couldn’t believe and was deeply moved and ever grateful, as Paula decided to make me a dress at the lowest price she can offer which was exactly what I have in my bag that I saved. I don’t know how Paula could have known? I couldn’t thank her enough. It truly made my day being desperate, not able to find a dress for months, for a very special occasion (long back story), after going from one store to another, googling here and there. Angels on earth really do exist.

My dress is beautiful. Definitely keeping it and one day pass it on within my family, as it is not only beautiful but the story, the people behind it, are far more beautiful.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you again Paula, Susan and to your team!

Much love, Ellen
B
Barbara Sent on 05/13/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Paula is wonderful to work with.

Paula has many beautiful designs. She knows what looks appropriate on each body. Loved working with her.
Amanda
Amanda Sent on 05/13/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Custom During Covid!

With so many businesses risking closure I was hesitant to buy a custom made dress at all! I searched online, on foot, and in person...none compared to the service and treatment I received at Paula Varsalona NYC! I was excited to learn this designer was truly unique as she teaches as the Fashion Institute of Technology AND 100% American Made, (everything is handmade in her studio), WOW! The Designer herself, Paula, agreed to meet with me via ZOOM, a service she offered on her website, which by the way was awesome - tons of photos of dresses to look at including her custom design work, check out her CUSTOM TRADITIONS COLLECTION (it really feels like no two gowns are alike, and I LOVED that!) We discussed the process of having a dress custom made to my specifications , we even discussed incorporating elements of my grandmothers dress into my gown, this wasn't a problem at all for Paula, in fact she loved the idea! I came in for an in person consultation, we designed the perfect look for me! The staff was kind and accommodating, they sketched a preliminary design and I am not gonna lie, its not cheap, but the craftmanship is like NOTHING I have ever experienced, its well worth the splurge. Paula made sure my dress was perfect and that I was happy. I even brought my Mother and Aunt and they both decided to have gowns made for my wedding here too! They were also happy, especially that they actually felt beautiful in their gowns and since they were so well made they lasted the entire day, nothing shifted or slipped down when we danced. In the end I would highly recommend Paula Varsalona NYC if you want something no one else has and trust me they will make you look amazing! Thank you to Paula, Susan, Gena & Staff for as you said, The Varsalona Experience! It was absolutely a positive experience and I encourage others to consider NYC's hidden gem in Bridal and Special Occasion!
C
Catherine Sent on 02/09/2020
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing Designer

Paula is a master at her craft. From the minute I met Paula she knew exactly what I wanted and how the gown should fall on my body-from design to color. Every fitting was a mastery of art. The details, the work the Paula put into making the dress is beyond words. I was the mother of the groom but I felt like the queen of the ball. Thank you Paula and a big shout out to Susan!!!
Susan
Susan Sent on 09/22/2019
5 out of 5 rating

A Piece of Wearable Art!

Paula and her team of extraordinary professionals created a magnificent piece of art for me to wear to my son's wedding. They applied their creativity and incredible skill to my vision and suffice it to say they exceeded my expectations in every way! Strangers stopped to admire the dress, (not me, LOL) with more than one exclaiming that it was one of the most beautiful dresses they had even seen! I recommend Paula, Susan, Gena and the rest of the amazing Varsalona team wholeheartedly, and without reservation.

Susan S
M
Melissa Sent on 11/08/2018
5 out of 5 rating

Wedding gown

Paula is amazing and creative I’ve had an amazing experience with her ! She has created a beautiful wedding gown for me I loved everything about it .
B
Barbara Sent on 11/02/2018
5 out of 5 rating

Paula Varsalona

The mother of the groom dress I purchased from Paula was a stunner!! Absolutely perfect.
S
Stephanie Sent on 08/15/2018
5 out of 5 rating
I could never thank Paula and her staff enough.. they made my DREAM dress everything I ever hoped it would be..
J
Jessica Sent on 06/25/2018
5 out of 5 rating
Why sweat and fight your way through racks of clothing and unpleasant dressing rooms with something you love not being ‘quite right’ in the fit when you can go to Paula’s salon and be taken care of in a personal setting, modify fabrics, lengths and conjure up the unique version of YOU... a fabulous experience. I felt like a Godess and the ladies at Paula Varsalona made sure I was treated like one.
A
Annemarie Sent on 03/07/2018
5 out of 5 rating
I am so pleased that I had Paul Varsalona and her team create the gown I wore for my son's wedding. She truly knows how to create for your figure, and has impeccable styling and workmanship. I not only recommend her, I will absolutely use her again. Her entire team is professional, approachable and truly caring. What a marvelous find!
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Awards

19
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner

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