Photo credit: http://www.kleinfeldbridal.com/index.cfm?pid=8

Kleinfeld Bridal was the seventh stop on my dress search, which I considered the “the last resort.” I was under the impression that there was something special about a boutique and besides, wasn’t Kleinfeld an enormous bridal factory? I imagined finding my dream dress in an intimate setting free from the drama that I often watch on episodes of Say Yes To The Dress.

Just as I have set the scene, on the day of my appointment, I truly was a bridezilla in the making. I pouted in the waiting room amongst other anxious brides, some of whom brought their entire bridal party to the consultation (big mistake). Throughout my month long bridal search, I stuck with my mother as a dress consultant and cheerleader (best decision).

Here’s why Kleinfeld Bridal stole my heart…

Personal Attention with Passion.

I was greeted in the waiting room by a cheerful bridal consultant and an equally enthusiastic intern. Before we had even met, the team of two knew the mission. I was going to leave with the perfect dress, which would exceed my expectations. I was led into a private dressing room and given a purple silk robe to wear in between gowns. My team of personal stylists listened as I described every detail of the dress I desired, yet had never actually seen.

I’m sure brides-to-be can recognize the self-inflicted drama of demanding a dress that may not actually exist.

Below are the conditions I handed the Kleinfeld team upon meeting, hopeful that this exact gown would waltz into the fitting room:

• Absolutely mermaid (if it’s not tight fitting at the bottom, forget it)
• Three-quarter delicate lace sleeves (sleeves are a must)
• Lightweight fabric (the simplicity of a slip dress is stunning)
• Subtle embellishments (no heavy, intricate beading)
• Perhaps pearls? (actually, definitely pearls)

Although the dress I ended up buying shares no similarities to Carolyn Kennedy’s, I still believe she was the most beautiful bride.

https://brownpaperpackagestiedupwithstrings.wordpress.com/2010/07/23/wedding-dresses-i-love/

While the bridal team took note of my checklist, I believe they knew I would leave the store with a very different dress. Months later, I look back at my fairytale description and laugh at my stubborn mentality.

Although I’m hesitant to reveal too much, my dress is hardly simple, has no sleeves, and isn’t even in the mermaid family. Ultimately, the team at Kleinfeld Bridal knew the dress I wanted better than I did. 

Kleinfeld will Never say “Never.”

By the time I walked into Kleinfeld Bridal, I was discouraged and willing to settle for a dress I had tried on one week earlier in a small boutique. I remember telling myself that I could fall in love with this particular dress over time.

Stay hopeful brides-to-be: love at first sight is a real feeling for wedding gowns!

The other bridal consultants discouraged me from certain styles. I was convinced that a bride with a larger bust requires support and cannot wear a backless dress. When I expressed my concern to the team at Kleinfeld, they proved the finest bridal boutiques in New York City very wrong. With the possibility to add in bones and work with a personal tailor, my dream dress would be built for my body.

You know you’ve found the dress when you struggle to part ways with the floor sample.

On July 8, 2014, I said “YES TO THE DRESS!”

One of my favorite moments as a bride-to-be with the most supportive MOTB.

The rumors are true: there’s no shortage of dresses at Kleinfeld. They are a bridal “factory” in the best way possible. Day after day they absorb crazy rules set by clueless brides-to-be like myself, and work to select gowns that “wow” rather than simply meet expectations.

I am counting down the months until I fly home for my first fitting this April. The exceptional service continues long after your dress is purchased. Arranging appointments for fittings has been a breeze. I love that Kleinfeld brides are welcome to pop back in and try on the floor sample for family or bridesmaids at any point before the big day. Sometimes, when I am in the midst of a stressful day with wedding planning, I take out the hidden picture of my dress and imagine walking down the aisle toward my groom.

Sometimes brides-to-be can be crazy. For now, I’m just krazy for Kleinfeld!