Television Review: Say Yes to the Dress

By Emily Ashby

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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that the brides-to-be in this reality show sometimes come across as selfish, spoiled, and materialistic. They're often shopping on an unrestricted budget, so frugal viewers may be turned off by the brides' nonchalant attitude about hefty price tags. Staff members describe the sales process from their point of view, talking about their tactics for steering customers toward a particular dress or making a sale official. Brides-to-be may enjoy this series -- and might possibly spot their own dream gown onscreen -- but it's a sleeper for just about anyone else.

Families can talk about how we make decisions as consumers. How are our desires shaped by what society views as stylish? How are these opinions communicated to us? Why are brand names and designer labels so desirable? How do brand names affect price? What's the media's role in all of this?

SAY YES TO THE DRESS chronicles the sometimes-intense, often-overwhelming, and always-emotional journey of finding the "perfect" wedding gown. Filmed at New York's famed Kleinfeld Bridal store, the reality series follows the entire dress selecting process. Cameras hover as consultants learn about the brides' preferences and budgets and help them model dresses for their entourage of friends and family. Everyone involved in the process gets individual camera time. From confused brides to domineering moms to overly opinionated bridesmaids, everyone airs their feelings about the pivotal dress quest. Kleinfeld staffers even discuss the process from their own perspective, describing how they tailor their care to the needs of each customer.

may turn into must-see TV for brides-to-be in the midst of their own gown search, but it's not likely to entertain too many other people. And even matrimony-minded viewers may be turned off by the often materialistic, self-absorbed brides -- or the consultants' comments about how they secure sales. (And if you're planning a wedding on a budget, be prepared for sticker shock when you see the price tags on these designer gowns, some of which ring up at nearly five figures.)

True to reality TV form, Say Yes to the Dress also underscores emotional conflicts that arise between brides, their family members, and the consultants -- so if you do tune in with tweens, you may want to remind them that much of what they're seeing has been edited for effect.