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.
Photo Credit: Brian Leahy
Gearing up to come in for an appointment, or just starting the wedding planning process? We’ve laid out what to expect when purchasing your dream wedding dress from us at Kleinfeld! Read along to become a total wedding dress shopping pro, below.
Establish a budget prior.
We always recommend that brides have an established budget before they start shopping for a wedding dress. This budget should include a wedding dress, accessories (like a veil, headpiece, or jewelry), alterations, and shoes. This budget will help your consultant lead you towards your dream wedding look.
Consider any changes you might want to make.
Thinking about adding a cap sleeve, ordering the dress in a different color or lengthening your train to totally wow your guests? These changes should also be considered in your budget. Every wedding dress designer is different in what sorts of changes they can offer and the costs, so definitely keep an open mind! Your consultant will walk you through every step of the way.
Factor in alterations.
After you’ve said “yes!” to your dream wedding dress (yay!), your consultant will take three measurements—your bust, waist, and hip—and we’ll order a wedding dress to your largest measurement. Since your dress will be ordered to your largest size, you’ll need to have alterations and fittings done. You will be quoted an alterations fee that will vary depending on your wedding date and specific dress needs. If you have alterations done at Kleinfeld, your dress will be put in the hands of experts as our fitters and sewers have over 250 years of combined experience. An alterations package will also include a hem and bustle as well as pressing and packing, so your dress will be ready to be worn down the aisle! Learn more about our alterations packages here.
While we highly recommend altering your dress with us, we completely understand if making the trip back to Kleinfeld for alterations may not be feasible for you. Sometimes we may be able to recommend a trusted seamstress in your area! With that, still make sure to factor alterations into your budget no matter where you choose to alter your dress.
Be prepared to pay a deposit.
After you’ve said yes to your dream dress, taken countless photos, gotten measured by a bridal manager— its time to order and pay for your dress! In order to put your dress into production, you’ll need to put down a 60% deposit on your dress and any changes you made. You will also be subject to New York State sales tax.
The balance on your dress is due before alterations begin.
Once your finished dress has arrived in store (time to celebrate!), you’ll be notified to make your first alterations appointment. At this time, the remainder of your balance is due on your dress. If you plan on altering your dress elsewhere and would like to either pick it up or have it shipped, your balance will need to be paid in full before doing so. Learn more about shipping your dress, here.
Feeling prepared and ready to shop? Make an appointment.
Need more bridal advice? Read our blog.
Looking for inspiration? Check out our newest dresses!