I am not a person who writes many reviews, but I had to spread the word about Reem of Memories Bridal in North Bergen. I live in the Hoboken area. When it came time to buy a wedding dress I just naturally assumed Manhattan was the place to go. I went to several high end, well known stores. I was so disappointed with the quality of dresses and cookie cutter selection for the prices you had to pay. I have a good paying job and could afford a 5 or 6 thousand dollar dress, but each time I put one on I just could not justify the price for the quality I was seeing.

So I started researching places on my side of the river, and happened one day into Memories Bridal. It was the best decision I ever made. Memories Bridal is old school. A small shop, with great quality dresses and great prices. Reem is lovely. She is friendly and always greets you with a smile. I could not get over the prices and the incredible quality of her dresses (and keep in mind, price was not what I was after. I was after quality and a creative selection). If you’re expecting caviar and champagne when you enter, you’re in the wrong place, that’s across the river, and you’ll pay for it. When you enter Reem’s shop you get great, friendly service and a beautiful selection of gowns. And on your wedding day all that really matters is the quality and beauty of your dress. The rest is all window dressing.

Reem’s alterations are included in the price of the dress, which impressed me, and her eye for what needs to be done is impeccable. We went through three alterations, not because there was anything wrong with the dress or my body shape changed dramatically, but because Reem saw things in the lace or the hem that did not meet her standards of perfection. She saw things I would never have noticed. She was not satisfied until the dress was perfect.

On my wedding day, people were raving about my dress. They assumed I paid thousands of dollars for it. My girlfriends could not believe how much it cost! They were dumbfounded. Many of them had gone to the big names and a few told me they wished they had known about Reem.

In my opinion, Memories Bridal is one of the best kept secrets “across the river.” Shop around. Try the big names. But before you buy that dress, take a trip to see Reem. I promise you, you will not be disappointed.

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