For more than 70 years, thousands of brides have traveled to Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City to find their wedding day looks. From the moment you walk through the doors, you’ll feel the magic of Kleinfeld. Not only does Kleinfeld have 30,000 square feet filled with the largest selection of wedding dresses in the world, it also has the greatest professional staff of over 200 employees who are dedicated to finding and perfecting your bridal look.
Congrats! You’ve booked your very first bridal appointment to find your wedding dress. Considering this is the most significant outfit you’ll ever wear (no pressure), it’s important to be prepared for your wedding dress shopping experience. Besides doing a little homework on discovering your bridal style, knowing what to bring, and how to prepare, having some insight on helpful questions to ask your bridal stylist is a great place to start.
Whether you’re visiting a luxury bridal salon, like Kleinfeld, or one of the smaller local bridal shops, these top 7 questions we’ve curated will help you make the most out of your wedding dress consultation.
What is the bridal appointment process and timeline?
Understanding the trajectory and duration of the appointment will allow you to set yourself up with realistic expectations and maximize your time. Inquire about how long the bridal appointment is, how many dresses you’ll be able to try on, as well as how much the initial deposit is after you say “yes!”
What is your bridal salon’s price range?
Before falling in love with any gown, ensure it aligns with your budget. Inquire about the store’s full price range and where within that range their average gown falls. Luxury wedding dress shops often carry high-end bridal designers, so being open and honest about your budget helps your bridal consultant select appropriate options.
What designers do you carry that align with my bridal style?
After showing your personal bridal stylist your Instagram saves, Pinterest board, or inspiration photos, ask the consultant about any particular bridal designers who specifically cater to the style and aesthetic of the gowns you’re gravitating towards. This will allow you to become more knowledgeable about the store’s assortment, and ultimately, guide you towards the perfect dress.
How far in advance should I order my wedding dress?
Timing is crucial as it determines the assortment you’ll have to select from as well as how much you’ll spend on your dress. As a general rule of thumb, it is best to order your wedding dress about 9-12 months prior to your wedding day. This allows proper time for your gown to be produced by the designer, arrive in store, and be altered. Be mindful that some bridal designers require more time than others. Generally, the less time you have, the greater chance you’ll be faced with limited options or you’ll be charged with rush fees.
Do you offer bridal accessory appointments?
While many brides find it beneficial to select their veil and accessories at the time of their bridal appointment, sometimes the allotted appointment time doesn’t allow or a bride may want to limit her decision making to just the dress on the day of her bridal appointment. In these cases, inquire about whether or not the salon offers a bridal accessory appointment or any complete styling services. Guess what! Kleinfeld certainly does. Plus, we have an incredible team of expert stylists who are solely dedicated to accessories.
What happens once my gown arrives?
Once you’ve said “yes!” and your dress eventually arrives in store, inquire about the pick-up options and potential shipping services. Is there a certain timeline after your gown arrives in which you are required to pick it up? What time or days of the week can you pick up your dress? If you’re unable to pick it up in store, can you ship your dress? If so, do you pay the state sales tax of the state you’re shipping it to?
Do you offer alterations or gown preservation services?
Inquire about the store’s alterations and preservation services in order to gain a better understanding of long-term steps and timeline. Does the bridal salon offer alterations? If so, is it on or off site? Are alterations services offered as a flat fee or is the fee dependent on the degree of labor that needs to be completed? If the bridal shop does not offer alterations or gown preservation services, do they offer off-site resources that they recommend?
Being prepared with these questions as well as clear communication with your personal bridal stylist will ensure a successful wedding dress appointment! Whether you’ve scheduled a standard bridal appointment or selected a VIP experience, remember to book your bridal appointment well in advance, especially at popular wedding dress shops (like Kleinfeld!), to ensure you have plenty of time for special ordering and alterations.
Of course, we’re always here to offer guidance and support. If you’d like additional insight on any of these questions prior to your bridal appointment, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Client Services team by emailing us at info@kleinfeldbridal.com.
We can’t wait to welcome you through our showroom doors and have you join the Kleinfeld family!