Where to buy a chic, on-trend Bridal gown

I thought boho was the trend? I was going to say BHLDN, but maybe that's not what you're looking for.

BHLDN does have some chic, crepe dresses that are more modern and less boho, and some are super reasonably priced. I'd check out what they have - including the bridesmaids dresses, because those tend to be affordable and have sleek modern silhouettes.

I should have specified, no to BHLDN!

I'm hoping someone else feels this way and can help... I hate almost everything I see in the "bridal" offerings, from BHLDN to my local bridal salons.

Isn't there anything else out there?

Maybe you can be more specific about what you are looking for? You want designer bridal but not stuff you can find in a bridal salon, and you are based in NYC where there are probably more clothing and designer options than just about anywhere else. I looked up both Emilia Wickstead and Brock Collection. The ready to wear Emilia Wickstead dresses look awfully similar to some of the simple crepe dresses that BHLDN carries by designers like Jill Stuart and Katie May. Specifically those Emilia Wickstead dresses remind me of the Katie May Noel & Jean Collection, which is discontinued but you can still find brand new dresses on Poshmark, Tradesy, Mercari, and similar sites. The Brock Collection stuff is a bit more avante garde, but again didn't strike me as being wholly different from what you can find from other vendors. Maybe I just don't get high fashion.

I would consider looking on pre-owned dress websites like StillWhite if you want something that's different or haute couture designer while avoiding the price tag. Or perhaps a site like The Real Real which is specifically higher-end designer consignment.

If brand new is important to you, and you don't like traditional bridal looks, then leave the terms bridal and wedding out of your web search and stick to looking at designers you like or just white or ivory dresses or gowns. You could also look on Etsy, as there might be some reasonably priced non-traditional styles on there. Good luck!

Thank you!! I appreciate your thoughtful response.

I have considered the Real Real and have lots of alerts set up, brand new is not mandatory for me!

To be honest, I'm not totally sure what I'm looking for, I'm just starting the process and finding that I feel like there's a potential whitespace for the look I'm hoping to achieve. I don't like most of what is deemed "bridal" and I've tried searching for white dresses from brands and sites that I love, but struggling a bit there too.

Just hoping to hear from someone who felt the same way when looking for her bridal looks! I am definitely fashion-obsessed and so far, the bridal world is falling really short for me.

I do have an appointment at Bergdorfs! How did you find that experience? Were you able to try on "non-bridal" white designer gowns and expand the confinements of "bridal" a bit? Did you find they had a good selection?

I think there are so many great white/ivory dress options that aren't strictly bridal! I definitely had a more typical wedding dress but got it off StillWhite and paid a fraction of what I would have if I bought it new (I wouldn't have been able to afford it new at all). StillWhite does have some really high end dresses and unique designers and the search feature is pretty amazing (you can search by fabric, neckline, silhouette, street size, etc) so I would definitely at least give it a look if you are open to a pre-owned dress (there are also plenty of unworn dresses on there from brides who changed their mind, so it's possible you could find a brand new dress there too). Could be a really good way to save on a designer you love.

Have you checked out Berta dresses? The bridal options tend to be more traditional wedding looking dresses but they also have evening dresses that are super pretty and some really chic white options that are not your everyday wedding dress. I'm unsure of the price point (I do think they are pretty expensive) but some of the looks are just gorgeous. I looked them up and they have Berta at L'Fay Bridal in NYC (which another person suggested), so maybe check out there!

What is the look you're hoping to achieve? There are wedding dresses out there to suit pretty much any taste.

Megan, check out the designer Sarah Seven. I'm not sure if that is the type of dress you are looking for but her gowns are GORGEOUS and definitely more chic/modern and less boho.

Try RK BRIDAL in Manhattan

Beautiful!! I love some of her designs, thank you!

My suggestion would be to look for trunk sales for any particular brands you like and shops that hold those brands. that's what i did when i was looking for my stella york dress (which was really hard to find in the NY vicinity) , if you can drive somewhere, i'd recommend Burton's Bridal in Melville, NY Carole and her team have been a treat to work with.