Additional Coverage:
- I tried on 3 wedding dresses at Kleinfeld, the bridal shop from ‘Say Yes to the Dress,’ and fell in love with the cheapest one (businessinsider.com)
Our Reporter Says “Yes” to the Dress — And a Surprising Price Tag — at Iconic Kleinfeld
For anyone who’s ever binged an episode of “Say Yes to the Dress,” the name Kleinfeld Bridal conjures images of sparkling gowns, emotional “bridal moments,” and the high-stakes world of wedding dress shopping. Our very own reporter recently got a chance to step into that iconic New York City salon, not as a real bride-to-be, but for a mock bridal appointment that proved to be just as enchanting — and surprising — as anything seen on TV.
Reporter Samantha Pettyjohn embarked on a faux bridal journey, trying on three gowns ranging from just over $2,000 to a dazzling $7,000. And much to her astonishment, the dress that stole her heart wasn’t the most elaborate or expensive, but the most affordable and understated.
Kleinfeld, renowned for its exclusive selection, boasts dresses starting around $2,000 and soaring into the tens of thousands, with a Pnina Tornai design once hitting a jaw-dropping $80,000. Pettyjohn, a long-time fan of the show and a wedding reporter herself, jumped at the chance to experience the magic firsthand, eager to try on gowns she might otherwise only dream of.
Her journey began with a behind-the-scenes tour, which led to a full bridal appointment with a genuine Kleinfeld consultant, Briar Moroschak. Though Moroschak knew Pettyjohn wasn’t buying a dress that day, she treated her with the same care and attention as any real bride, making the experience truly authentic.
The Kleinfeld Welcome: From Hallways to Hushed Conversations
Stepping into the familiar dressing room hallways, Pettyjohn felt like she’d walked right onto the set of “Say Yes to the Dress.” These standard fitting rooms, just off the main floor where “entourages” gather, are where the magic begins.
Consultant Briar Moroschak kicked off the appointment not by pulling dresses, but by getting to know her “bride.” “I just want to talk to you first,” Moroschak explained, emphasizing the importance of understanding a bride’s personality, venue, and wedding vision.
“Your wedding dress is a reflection of who you are at the end of the day.” After a comfortable chat and even a peek at Pinterest boards, it was finally time to try on gowns.
To get a well-rounded experience, they selected three distinct silhouettes and embellishments.
Dress #1: The Unexpected Favorite – Sleek & Chic
First up was the Anne Barge “Naomi” gown, the most affordable of the trio at $2,410. This sleek, fit-and-flare crepe gown featured a structured bodice, elegant off-the-shoulder sleeves, subtle ruching, and a short train adorned with pearl buttons. Pettyjohn, who typically favors lacy A-line styles, was initially skeptical, finding its simplicity and form-fitting nature intimidating on the hanger.
But once it was on? “I felt stunning,” she gushed.
The structured bodice felt incredibly secure, and the gown hugged her curves perfectly without feeling restrictive. The train and delicate pearl buttons added a touch of elegance.
She realized a simple gown allowed for bold accessories, and with a pearl-embellished veil and a two-carat, pear-shaped rose gold Zales lab-grown engagement ring, she truly felt like a bride. Modeling it in the showroom, amidst other excited brides and their cheering entourages, was “intoxicating,” cementing the special feeling of the Kleinfeld experience.
Dress #2: The Dream That Wasn’t – A-Line Lace
Next was a Martina Liana A-line gown, priced at $3,658 – the style Pettyjohn had always envisioned for herself. With a square neckline, floral lace bodice, low back, and a full, layered tulle skirt pooling into a train, it seemed like “the one.”
However, the reality was a surprise. While beautiful, the dress made her feel less confident than the first.
The bodice cut off high, making her feel shorter, and the full skirt seemed to swallow her waist, putting the dress center stage instead of her. Plus, its sheer weight, from the embroidered bodice to the layers of tulle, was a revelation.
Walking and dancing in such a substantial gown seemed cumbersome. An adult version of dress-up ensued as Moroschak paired it with a $590 Eden Luxe Bridal tiara and a sparkling $6,669 toi-et-moi ring, but the comfort of the Anne Barge gown still called to her.
Dress #3: Living the Princess Fantasy – A Pnina Tornai Ball Gown
To round out the experience, Pettyjohn slipped into a dramatic Pnina Tornai ball gown from the designer’s Love Collection, retailing for $7,000. Pnina Tornai, described by Kleinfeld’s EVP Marissa Rubinetti as their “most important designer,” has an exclusive relationship with the store, making her gowns truly one-of-a-kind finds.
This intricate gown, reminiscent of “The Princess Diaries,” featured a scooped strapless neckline, a semi-sheer lace-adorned bodice, and a voluminous skirt with layers of fabric, lace, and a three-dimensional flower at the waist, all cinched with a corset back. To amplify the drama, it was paired with an ornate lace veil, a $489 Swarovski Crystal Calista tiara, and a 2.5-carat oval-shaped Zales ring.
Surprisingly, the corset bodice provided excellent support, dispelling fears of a strapless gown slipping down. Yet, the sheer grandeur made her ponder what kind of grand wedding would truly suit such a magnificent dress.
The Verdict: A Love for Understated Elegance
After trying on all three, the Anne Barge dress remained the clear favorite. The understated elegance, comfortable fit, and light fabric were a winning combination.
“I could easily picture myself dancing and celebrating in a dress like that,” Pettyjohn reflected. While the other gowns offered beautiful elements and opened her mind to new possibilities, the first dress truly surprised and delighted her.
The entire experience reaffirmed Kleinfeld’s legendary status. From Moroschak’s expert guidance to the supportive energy of the showroom, where consultants celebrated alongside beaming brides, the magic of “Say Yes to the Dress” was palpable.
“This is such an iconic place to work… I thought it was going to be not as magical or not the same as the show,” Moroschak shared, “but the reality was even better… it feels like a small business, but it’s a household name.”
Even without a real wedding on the horizon, our reporter left Kleinfeld with a newfound appreciation for bridal fashion and a definite “yes” to the unforgettable experience of being a Kleinfeld bride.