Since 2002, this well-curated bridal salon in the heart of Manhattan has offered sophisticated brides the most stylish wedding gowns available in bridal couture. The Mark Ingram Atelier is an intimate bridal salon known for its luxurious environment, beautiful selection of gowns and accessories, and exceptional customer service. But, of course, it would be when the owner began his fashion career at the legendary Fifth Avenue specialty stores, Bonwit Teller and Bergdorf Goodman.

A true tastemaker of epic proportions, Mark’s interest in fashion dates back to his childhood. As a youngster barely out of the stroller, Mark was introduced to fashionable Fifth Avenue shops by his grandparents, who were avid shoppers and style setters. Since those early years, Mark has always had a fascination with brides and a true passion for weddings. Over the years, his sophisticated taste level, elegance and eye for fashion quickly made him a sought-after bridal consultant for weddings and bridal styling.

With over 25 years experience and as one of the bridal industry’s iconic arbiter’s of style, we thought who better than the sensational Mark Ingram could offer our brides a peak behind-the-scenes at his bridal atelier? {not to mention plenty of useful guidance on selecting your wedding gown!}

{THE BRIDAL CIRCLE}:  WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS YOU TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION WHEN SELECTING WHAT BRIDAL DESIGNERS TO CARRY IN YOUR STORES?

{MARK INGRAM}:  There are so many factors I consider when choosing a designer to feature in my Atelier.  First, I ask myself is this designer different?  Each designer in my store needs to have a definitive point of view and vision for their collections.  Second, I examine how well made the gowns are and if they will be produced in an efficient, timely manner.  Every gown in my store is a luxury item and must be constructed to the highest standards of quality.  The fit and fabrication of each gown needs to be consistently flawless.   I also look at the branding and marketing of each designer.  Are they recognizable by my brides?  Will brides come in asking for them?  This is not essential to me featuring a designer, but it certainly may influence how deeply I invest in a collection.

{TBC}:  NAME YOUR THREE FAVORITE BRIDAL DESIGNERS, AND WHY?

{MARK}:  Every designer I choose for my Atelier is a favorite!  It is nearly impossible for me to choose a top three, especially as it changes every season with new collections.  If I had to name three today, I would say Monique Lhuillier, J. Mendel and Tara LaTour.  Monique Lhuillier has always been a top seller in the Atelier.  She is such a consistently, strong designer that is always one step ahead of the others while remain classic and elegant.  Her collections are so versatile; there is truly a gown in each of them for every bride.  J. Mendel is a new addition to the Atelier.  It is pure, over the top luxury!  Each gown is an elegant work of art that drips with glamour and sophistication.  I also love some of his fur shrugs that can be paired with the gowns.

Tara LaTour is a new designer on the scene and is hitting it out of the park!  I have not received my first order yet and am so excited for it to arrive.  Anytime I meet someone new to the market that can bring a fresh point of view I get excited.  Her gowns are organic and earthy, yet have amazing couture details.

{TBC}:  HOW DO YOU HANDLE A BRIDE, WHO HAS NO IDEA WHAT SHE WANTS IN A WEDDING DRESS?

{MARK}:  This happens more than you would think!  When a bride comes to the Atelier she is paired with a consultant who interviews her on the details of her wedding, such as the season and the venue, and what her personal style is.  My Atelier does not feature much inventory on the selling floor so it is truly the job of the consultant to find what gowns would work best for each bride.  Once they get a good idea of her style, her body type and how formal her wedding will be they can make very educated choices for gowns for her to try on.  Then based on her reactions to different styles, they can continue to work with the bride to find the gown that is perfect for her.  Typically, even when she comes in not knowing what she wants, she will have a much clearer vision after her appointment whether or not she found a dress to purchase on that day.

{TBC}:  WHAT SHOULD A BRIDE LOOK FOR WHEN SELECTING A BRIDAL BOUTIQUE TO WORK WITH?

{MARK}:  Choosing wear to shop is an important step in finding the right gown.  First, look for a reputable salon.  Ask your friends who have recently been married what their experiences were at the salons they visited.  Second, only look at salons that carry gowns in your budget.  This is so important!  It may sound like fun to go try on some dream gowns, but you may end up feeling disappointment in the gown you end up purchasing if you feel it doesn’t compare.  When calling salon ask them their price ranges and remember to add in alteration costs, accessories and taxes to your budget.  Thirdly, research wich designers you like in bridal magazines and websites and see what store in your area carry these gowns.  If you only like Vera Wang’s in the bridal books, make sure you visit a salon that carries her.

{TBC}:  WHAT HAPPENS IF A BRIDE ASKS FOR A PARTICULAR DESIGNER THAT YOU DON’T CARRY IN YOUR BOUTIQUE?

{MARK}:  We always explain that although we do not carry that particular designer we can try and find something along the same aesthetic if possible.  We ask her what it is she likes about that particular designer and to describe the styles she had in mind.  If we can not help her find something else, we always let her know where that particular designer is available in our area.

{TBC}:  WHAT IS YOUR EMERGENCY PLAN FOR A WEDDING DRESS THAT COMES IN WRONG, OR ARRIVES LATE?

{MARK}:  As much as we strive for perfection, mistakes sometimes happen.  My staff is vigilant in making sure that in the rare occasions this occurs, every thing humanly possible is done to make sure the bride will be walking down the aisle in a perfect gown on her wedding day.  There is no set emergency plan as each situation is unique.  What I can say is we take these instances very seriously and they are personally handled by me and my operations manager.

{TBC}:  WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON TRENDS?

{MARK}:  Ten years ago I would have told you that trends did not play an important part in the bridal gown market.  Today, things are very different and we definitely see of a cycle of trends that moves in and out of the market.  The ready to wear and designer market has a much greater influence than ever before.  This is partly because so many more ready to wear designers are now producing bridal collections and also because the internet has changed how and when brides first see the new bridal collections.  Prior to the internet, brides saw the new gowns when they arrived in stores or were featured in bridal magazines six to eight months after they were originally presented.  With the instant sharing on blogs and social media, real brides are viewing the new gowns as they walk down the runway!  This has caused a shorter retail lifespan for each gown and has also created a savvier and more fashion forward consumer.

{TBC}:  WHAT TRENDS CAN BRIDES EXPECT TO SEE IN 2013?

{MARK}:  2013 will be known as the year of the non-strapless dress!  The past two markets designers have shown us wonderful non-strapless options.  I call this the Kate effect.  For years, designers pushed non-strapless options but the brides resisted.  With Kate Middleton showing the world that sleeves could be fashionable, designers and brides are all reacting positively.  Sleeves are now sheer and sexy, not poufy or constricting.  Sheer lace was a huge trend as well.  It was used not only on sleeves, but covering bare backs or necklines.  One of my favorite trends was the removable tulle overskirt.  Many designers showed an a-line or full tulle sheer skirt with a narrow sheath underneath.  My brides love the option of two gowns in one!

{TBC}:   WHO SHOULD A BRIDE BRING WITH HER WHEN SHE COMES TO THE MARK INGRAM ATELIER?

{MARK}:  A bride should only bring one or two trusted friends or family members with them on their first appointment.  Save the gaggle of bridesmaids for your fitting.  This is an important decision and you don’t need too many opinions being offered to confuse you.  Bring the one or two people whose opinions you trust the most.  Bring your inspiration, tear sheets from bridal books or online printouts.  Many girls show inspiration boards they have created online on their iPads or tablets.  Brides should come prepared in the proper undergarments.  Your consultant will be in your room with you to help you in the gowns, this is not the time for your sexiest lingerie or your sportsbra.  Most importantly, bring an open mind.  Trust your consultant; she knows how the dresses fit and what works on each body type.  She may suggest a style you may normally not have considered.  Be open minded and give it a try, you may be very pleasantly surprised!

{TBC}:  WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A NEWLY ENGAGED BRIDE ABOUT HOW TO BEGIN HER GOWN SELECTION JOURNEY?

{MARK}:  Newly engaged brides are often so excited to begin dress shopping, that they forget many important details to consider before they shop.  We try and discourage any brides making an appointment before they have set a date and booked a venue.  Where and when your wedding will be truly sets the tone and style for the whole day, especially the style of dress.  The gown perfect for an evening at The Plaza is not the gown to get married in on a beach or on a ranch out west.  Also, don’t try and reinvent yourself before your wedding.  Everyone gets nervous about the attention and the pictures, but remember to stay true to who you are.  Try to be the best version of your true self on your wedding day.  After advising those technical details, I try to remind my brides to relax and try to enjoy the process.   Don’t get bogged down in the details.  Your vendors are here to help you every step of the way, so trust and rely on us.  Most important, remember why you said “yes” and focus on saying “I do.”

We invite you to visit the Mark Ingram Atelier website for more information on store events, trunk shows and scheduling your appointment. You can also consult our Calendar for updates on trunk shows happening at the Mark Ingram Atelier, such as J. Mendel taking place January 24, 2013.