by Guest Blogger, winner of the WPIC Blog Contest, Jennifer Borgh
Jennifer Borgh and Lindsay Mogford with Randy Fenoli
In March, my friend and colleague Lindsay Mogford and I flew to New York to attend a party hosted by celebrity wedding planner Preston Bailey. The room was filled wall to wall with familiar faces from wedding professionals to celebrities and we were lucky enough to meet Kleinfeld Bridal’s creative director, Randy Fenoli. Randy invited us on a private tour of Kleinfeld Bridal that we were thrilled to take advantage of the following day. With so many brides interested in going to Kleinfeld to buy their wedding dress, it was a great opportunity to meet with the staff and see the entire store.
For over 60 years, brides have trusted the amazing staff at Kleinfeld Bridal to fit them with the perfect wedding gown. Today, they are known for having the largest and finest selection of designer wedding gowns in the world. Brides fly from all over the world to buy their dream bridal gown. We met a bride who was doing her final fitting who had flown from France, which is a testament to their selection and customer service since Europe is home to top fashion designers. Now featured on “Say Yes to the Dress” on TLC, Kleinfeld is more popular then ever. Their website even features a link for brides who want to try and sign up to be on the show.
When we entered the store, we were greeted with the friendliest staff including the owner, Mara Urshel who was walking around the store greeting brides and helping out. Her assistant gave us a private tour of the store and behind the scenes answering our many questions. A large sign on the entrance informs anyone entering the store that Say Yes to the Dress might be taping. The TV show seems to attract some brides who hope they are going to be featured on the show but these parts are cast ahead of time so the most a bride shopping around could hope for is to be seen in a background shot.
Kleinfeld staffs nearly 200 dedicated professionals, including on-site stylists and bridal consultants, custom fitters, sewers, beaders, embroiderers and pressers. Our behind the scenes tour showed many levels and rooms each housing part of the process. Hardworking specialists in each area have worked with Kleinfeld for generations and you could see the amount of pride that was being put into each dress.
Dresses run from $1500 USD+ alterations to $50,000USD. Canadian brides shouldn’t forget to include the duty and shipping charges that may apply into their budget as well as on-site fittings that might need to be done in person. Call or email Kleinfeld to book an appointment and bring some photos of styles that you are leaning towards. Plus-sizing and petite-sizing is available and with alterations on-site some changes to the style are possible at an additional charge.
Inside Kleinfeld
Adding beads to dress
Jewelry Collection at Kleinfeld
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