This story is part of “I Do” Downtown, a series on all things weddings in Lower Manhattan. Find the series here.
There is truly nothing like wedding planning. The excitement of a new chapter, the creative freedom of defining yourselves as a couple and the outpouring of emotions from friends and family… all followed quickly, however, by the harrowing financial panic and decision fatigue that come with hammering out all the details of your big day. The good news is, Lower Manhattan boasts a wealth of talented businesses and individuals dedicated to wedding excellence. These downtown wedding vendors are ready to help you make your vision a reality, from dresses and florals to cakes and invitations. And for more wedding planning ideas, be sure to check out the Downtown Alliance’s Shop Dine Guide!
Invitations and Stationary
Bowne & Co. Gift Emporium
Housed in the historic South Street Seaport Museum, Bowne & Co. is one-of-a-kind for couples who want bespoke wedding stationery. Using turn-of-the-century printing presses, moveable type and old-school tools, the resident printers will collaborate with you to design and print custom invitations. Or, if you’re feeling particularly crafty, sign up for one of the seasonal workshops to learn how to design your own custom stationary. (211 Water St.)
Flowers
City Blossoms
Run by a mother-daughter duo with over 30 years of experience, City Blossoms is something of a Lower Manhattan institution. The shop offers full-service wedding floral design from bouquets to grandiose arches and venue centerpieces. Whether you’re planning a glamorous surprise proposal, an intimate gathering or a large banquet hall celebration, the team can execute every detail. (62 Trinity Pl.)
Remi Flower & Coffee
You already know you can visit Remi Flower & Coffee’s Lower Manhattan outpost for hand-tied flower bouquets and delicious specialty lattes, but did you also know you can book them for specialty events? Reach out to [email protected] to pass your event details along for a larger celebration, or stop by to pick up a day-of bouquet as you head to City Hall. (130 William St.)
VogueBloom
VogueBloom is for you if you’re looking to treat your wedding florals as an art installation. Billing itself as a “floral art boutique,” it specializes in luxury floral decor that make a bold statement for an upscale wedding. Think sculptural compositions, unusual blooms and out-of-the-box color palettes. (15 Broad St.)
Gardenia Boutique
If ease and simplicity are your priority, Gardenia Boutique delivers. A woman-owned business with two locations in the neighborhood, Gardenia offers à la carte wedding bouquets, arrangements and corsages selected day-of from seasonal, locally sourced flowers. It’s a great pick for those who want light, bright florals with a more casual vibe. (55 Fulton St., 15 William St.)
Dress, suit, tailor
Grace Loves Lace
Over the course of a decade, Australia–based Grace Loves Lace has grown from an e-commerce-only platform to a worldwide bridal salon with locations across the U.S. Brides can book two complimentary appointments at this chic Lower Manhattan showroom and try on up to five gowns. (51 Warren St.)
BHLDN
Anthropologie’s BHLDN wedding collection has something for every wedding style and budget, and the downtown outpost is no exception. You can book a complimentary shopping appointment either in store or online for everything from bachelorette ‘fits to wedding gowns to bridesmaids dresses and honeymoon styling. (195 Broadway)
Suitsupply
Dutch men’s suiting brand Suitsupply, which has an outpost at Brookfield Place, has made a name for itself for its snappy, stylish designs, which come in standard and custom sizes. In-store style experts and on-site tailors make the suit-shopping experience all the more special. (230 Vesey St.)
Wagner’s Tailoring & Alterations
Wagner’s Tailoring is a classic NYC “if you know, you know” spot located for Lower Manhattanites. Wagner’s customers praise the business for quick turnaround times and reasonable pricing, which is exactly what you want. (141 Fulton St., 4th Fl.)
Beauty
Hair Lounge NYC
Hair Lounge offers a little bit of everything for your hair in the lead-up to your big day, including blowouts, cut and color services, men’s grooming and even a quick bang trim for $15. Hair Lounge also offers a special wedding and bridal menu for day-of hair styling and makeup services. Contact the salon for more information to schedule your trial in advance. (24 Maiden Ln., 2nd Floor)
Skullfade Barbers
Those seeking a fresh fade or beard trim before their wedding day won’t be disappointed by Skullfade, a chic barbershop with a cult following. Treat yourself post-haircut with a variety of facial services, like a carbon peel to exfoliate and purify the skin or a combo facial featuring a gentle cleanser, scrub, mask and moisturizer. Plus, there are two downtown locations for your utmost convenience. (90 Water St. and 105 Nassau St.)
Venustella Nail Spa
This Chambers Street salon offers a wide selection of manicure and pedicure services, from classic and gel polish to SNS (dip powder) nails and special pedicure options like the “silky milk” spa pedicure. Its website makes booking amani/pedi package easy, even for larger wedding parties. (160 Chambers St.)
Aesthetics by Mirelle
Aesthetics by Mirelle specializes in facials and waxing, bridal or otherwise. You can book a deep cleansing, ultrasonic or plant stem cell facial to get your skin glowing ahead of your big event. (80 Nassau St., Ste. 2A)
Water Lounge NYC
The Water Lounge, located on the 23rd floor of the WSA Building, is more than just a spa. It’s an immersive space that pairs beauty services (body, face, hair, nails) with upscale amenities (sauna, steam room, hot tub, hammam). For wedding prep, it’s perfect if you want to relax pre-ceremony, get multiple services in one place or treat yourself and your bridal party to a spa day. (161 Water St.)
Cakes and desserts
Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery
Known for its luxurious, design-forward approach to pastry, Mah-Ze-Dahr in Brookfield Place creates wedding cakes that are as visually appealing as they are delicious. Its sculptural multi-tiered cakes are a perfect centerpiece for couples who want a show-stopping dessert (that also tastes amazing). (225 Liberty St.)
Takahachi Bakery
This local favorite brings Japanese precision and artistry to every creation. Executive patisserie of Takahachi Naoko Mabuchi says she “focuses on the creation of more delectable and healthier pastries,” in accordance with her fine culinary background. Takahachi’s cakes feature delicate sponge layers, light creams and fresh fruit. Their small size makes them ideal for more intimate celebrations. (25 Murray St.)
Ole & Steen
For another worldly option, check out famous Danish bakery Ole & Steen, known for its Scandinavian-style desserts. You’ll find rich flourless chocolate cakes, fresh fruit tarts and colorful cakes shaped like little gingerbread men. If you’re looking for an even more unique option, spring for a traditional Danish marzipan tower, the Kransekage, a perfect choice for the cool, understated couple. (100 Church St.)
Lady M
People love Lady M, which has an outpost at the World Trade Center, for its iconic mille crêpes cakes, composed of many delicate layers of paper-thin crêpes and pastry cream. Available in signature, green tea and chocolate, these cakes are ideal for couples with luxury tastes and budgets. Each unique three-tier wedding cake can serve up to 45 guests (but probably less if everyone wants seconds). (101 Liberty St.)
Lauren L’Amie is an NYC-based writer, editor and SEO content strategist. Her work has been featured in New York Magazine, the New York Times, the Infatuation, Cosmopolitan and more.
main image: Left, City Blossoms arrangement (@Tatianakphoto). Right, Grace Loves Lace.
