Say Yes to Your Dress!

Not too long ago I visited the fabulous Kleinfeld bridal salon located just several blocks from our BG offices. My friend Allison Sargent’s newly engaged daughter, Carly, had booked her first dress-shopping appointment there and they asked me to stop by if I had some time. I happily obliged and truly enjoyed the experience.

I’m sure many of you are fans who regularly watch TNT’s Say Yes to the Dress so you’re already familiar with this iconic salon and its team of savvy bridal consultants. I’ve known co-owners Mara Urshel and Ronnie Rothstein and Fashion Director, Randy Fenoli, for years and can honestly say that not only are they terrific people to know but they and the Kleinfeld staff are also devoted to making sure that every bride’s shopping experience is the best it can be.

As I walked into the salon, I was amazed at the level of activity and the buzz and excitement all around. There were brides, moms, grandmoms, dads, and assorted friends and relatives everywhere! A Monique L’huillier trunk show was taking place and just about every dressing room was filled. Consultants dashed about carrying a multitude of gowns and it was such fun to see so many beaming faces. Brides were trying on as many dresses as they could until they found “the one.” Carly’s sales consultant, Nora Eng, assisted by intern, Aurora Lopez, brought gorgeous gowns into the dressing room and Carly loved one of the first dresses she tried on. After modeling a number of other gowns—and with some helpful advice from Randy and Nora—she soon determined which was her favorite. Here’s a shot of lovely bride-to-be, Carly, in one of the gowns with (from left) Randy Fenoli, her grandmother and mom, Nora and Aurora. Will this be the one she wears on the wedding day? I’ll never tell!

And here are a few tips to keep in mind when you dress shop:

1. Book your appointment well in advance and expect to spend several hours trying on a variety of dresses. And listen to your sales consultants. They have worked with hundreds of brides and know instinctively what styles flatter different figure types.
2. Wear the right undergarments for a better fit. Although many salons have shoes you can use, you might want to bring a pair with the heel height you intend to wear on the wedding day.
3. Don’t bring an entourage. You know what they say, “Too many cooks, etc.” Take your mom, grandmother and a friend or two whose opinion your truly trust.
4. Don’t feel pressured. This is an important decision and you don’t want to rush through your appointment and then later regret that you chose a gown that may not be right. On the other hand, don’t run yourself ragged and keep the number of salons you visit to a minimum.
5. Stay within your budget. It may be tempting to go for that $15,000 dollar gown that takes your breath away but think about how the cost might set you back. There are plenty of beautiful dresses to choose from within every price range.