Memories Bridal by Reem — Local services in Ridgefield

Reem is so warm and welcoming, you'll feel right at home in her privately owned Ridgefield storefront! When I visited her last January with my family in tow, she took one look at me and said, "Wait here. I'll be right back!" and came back with three dresses. Honestly, all three of them looked lovely on me, but the second was absolutely perfect. She's like a bridal genie... you don't have to tell her what you are looking for; she just knows! When I put on the second dress and it was love at first sight, she replied, "I knew it!" I didn't understand at first, but then she went on to explain that she took one look at me and knew the dress would look be right because I'm so tall and only a tall girl could pull off that shape. She had been waiting for the right person to come in and purchase that dress for a while. Little did I know, after purchasing the dress and returning home that evening, I realized that the dress was one that I had pinned on Pinterest nearly 6 months earlier, before I was even engaged. It was like we were on the same page the entire time and she knew exactly what I needed before I had an opportunity to ask. Additionally, Reem's team that handled my alterations (which are included in your price unless you have additional work done on the dress) were amazing. I had some very sharp beading that could not be moved or it would alter the design of the dress, so rather than disrupt the integrity of the garment, they added soft chiffon around the arms and back to line the beading and create a protective barrier against my skin. I didn't even know they could do that on an illusion neckline! You never noticed a thing! I also had an Australia flag sewn in under my dress as my "something borrowed" and, in order to protect the sentimental value of my item, Reem chose to add a layer to my dress and hand-stitch it rather than cut and machine sew it to the tulle. This was an additional cost, as well as the bustling because I had a respectable sized train, but at $250 for both, it was well worth it. When I lifted my dress during the Maid of Honor speech, jaws dropped to see that I had a dark blue and red flag under a white dress and you couldn't see a single drop of color through it. I believe that this speaks highly of her work and not the dress because the material the flag was sewn onto was the ideal weight and positioning (facing my legs) for optimal optical illusion. I could not have been happier! Do not be jarred that she does not have a website like many other retailers who only provide links to suppliers; Reem has an entire arsenal of dresses, veils, jewelry, and headpieces, and if you want something you can't find, just ask and she will order it. This is a family-friendly environment where you receive individualized attention (1 appointment at a time what I saw the 4 times I was there, all at different times of the day) and you are free to bring your ladies to look on. If you want a shop where you call and speak directly to the owner, AND when they are there every time you visit to dress you and fit you themselves, then stay out of the big-name shops and look no further! Reem will be your last...

Brides please beware. This store will not tell you the designer or the style number of your bridal gown until you order it. I tried on several dresses and they would not tell me the designer I was trying on. Not only would they not tell me the designer, they have gone so far as to remove the designers’ tags on the dresses and replace them with their own tags, their own identification numbers, and their own prices.

What really rubbed me the wrong way is that the woman who helped me in the dressing room told me it was no problem for her to tell me designers I was trying on. She told me it was “no secret,” she just had to look it up and she would call me the next day with the information. As I was leaving the shop the owner told me something completely different - that they couldn’t tell me the designers because these were their “private” designers. I called the next day for clarification and the owner told me they have this policy to protect their business. They carry some dresses by the designers listed on their website and some are by private designers that only make dresses for them. I asked her how a bride could possibly buy a dress when she has no idea who the designer is and she told me "Does the designer really matter? If you like the dress and it’s in your budget why do you need to know the designer?” Really? A bridal salon owner is telling me the designer of my dress shouldn’t matter to me? I'm supposed to pay over $2000 for a dress without a designer? Second of all, if you have a private designer that is only making dresses for your shop then you should be happy to tell me that one of the dresses I like is by that private designer because that would mean I won’t be able to find it anywhere else.

I’m left feeling that this store is up to something shady. Completely removing the designer's tags from a dress just isn’t right. I have been to many other bridal salons for myself and for my sisters and I have never seen the designer of a dress be kept a secret. I’ve done research online and this is not a common or accepted practice. By hiding the designer/style number from me I’m left to think one of two things: they must be ripping me off on the price or they’re selling me a knock off/no name brand. This is an absolutely terrible way to do business and to protect your business. If you’re knowledgable, friendly, and good at what you do then there is no need to play...

Reem and everyone at the Bridal Shop are the sweetest & the most caring people I have ever met!!

The first time I called last year to get a price on the dress Ive been eyeing on, Reem had . hands down . the BEST PRICE out of 8 bridal shops I have compared with. I havent visited her shop and only talked to her on the phone in the beginning. But something kept telling me to go with this place and since the first call, then multiple calls (nervous bride right here), many visits, EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I was welcomed with mama Reem's open arms and her sweetness and felt so comfortable. She has been in the business for over 30 years and she knows right away what the issue is and the additional work she did on my dress were.... beautiful. My friends and family were stunned by Reem's very detailed work. I am very excited to wear this dress that is made just for me!

I have to say my wedding preparation was not the smoothest or easiest compared to avg bride and my wedding almost got cancelled. When I was going through a very difficult time with my family issues and my health, Reem gave me comfort and strength that I have never got before. Her heart is pot of gold and I have gained another mom who genuinely wishes me the best with my health and my future.

TRUST ME AND JUST GO WITH REEM. You will not regret if you choose to go to place. I know it sounds crazy but.. I have to say I couldnt have had this wedding without Reem's support and kind but real words that helped me get through the tough times.

Reem is not just a vendor but someone who really cares about the customer and their special day. You can definitely tell that She prioritizes customer service and great detailed work over making money. She values customer relationship and you can def feel it as soon as you walk into her shop.

Reem, I cannot thank you enough for everything you have done for me (dress, veil, jacket, being my mama and many more) I am so glad and grateful I have met you and I will be coming back stronger when I get better and make sure everyone around me knows about this super fantastic lady at Memories Bridal by...