The Bridal Secret

Reading all the other reviews makes mine hard to write. I won’t deny that Judy is a bit rough around the edges. She expects you to respond to her appointment confirmations in a very quick time frame, if not you will lost your appointment. Also,
She can be a bit pushy. However, I was thrilled with the work she did and the time I which she did it.
I planned a destination wedding and found my dress just 2 months before we left. Judy exceeded my expectations by not only fixing my dress (taking in three layers of fabric, lifting the shoulders, hemming the length & sewing in cups) but also did it all within a 5 week time frame! No one in the bridal business ever seems to do this. I have friends who have had 9 months of fittings and were charged an arm and a leg. My total cost was $ 300.
I didn’t get warm and fuzzy with Judy and my family never came with me. Also, I bought my dress from JCrew so I didn’t shop in the store. But my experience was overall just what I needed.
Thanks Judy!

I didn’t get as far as actually visiting this place, but I did have an appointment set up. While I was busy at work during the day, Judy had apparently emailed me to confirm my appointment again. When I finally did see her emails, she had sent me a nasty «3RD Attempt» email stating because I didn’t respond in time, she had «re-​booked my appointment to another bride.» I would imagine most of us work during the day and may not notice personal emails for a few hours, so I was pretty taken aback by this. I would also expect that a business keeps a customer’s appointment on the books, unless the customer states otherwise. I’ve never experienced this kind of ruthless appointment policy from any other business I’ve dealt with in my 32 years… ha! Clearly she is a little TOO hungry for business. All I have to say is if this is how Judy conducts business via email without me having ever visited her store… I am really glad she canceled my appointment! How unprofessional.
UPDATE: I am posting the response that I received from Judy on this review. My only motive in doing this is to present a true, unedited account of how Judy conducts her business. I can see that so many other brides have been unknowingly subjected to her unprofessional manner, and I sympathize. I hope more brides can avoid dealing with this:
«Wow what a sense of entitlement you have Rene. Three attempts to confirm an appointment is more than most businesses would even put effort into. I’m sure you are not any more busy than the rest of the world and have access to the phone and email and no matter how important you must feel you are to keep a business waiting … you are not.
Hungry for business ?
No …but if I have a list of brides waiting to shop in my store it’s the opposite. Good luck to you, with your attitude I’m glad you will not be one of my customers and I’m sure your behavior will come back to you.
Best of luck with your wedding.»
Let me break this down: An appointment «confirmation» was not posted as a requirement (as it never is), and three «confirmation» attempts by a business within a 4-​hour period border on stalking. What the owner is saying here is:
1) It’s not possible that I could be working and in meetings all day, unable to access personal email for a few hours.
2) Because I did not respond to her within 4 hours, I am asserting that I’m «busier than the rest of the world» and I «feel important».
3) I have a «sense of entitlement» because I realized that this appointment confirmation policy is unreasonable, and decided to share with others on Unilocal.
If this is how Judy treats potential customers, which are her prospects for business, how must she treat actual customers who visit her store? I really have no patience for bad business owners, and neither should you.

I moved to Quincy about a year ago and search for Bridal stores in the area. I visited a local place that will remain name-​less for this moment. I was not please with the assistance or the dress selections. Let’s not even go there with the prices! I dios mio! I then continue my search and was in the middle of leaving a voicemail for The Bridal Secret! A woman name Judy picks up the phone and says did I hear you correct? Did you say you are getting married this Dec 2015? I said yes I am and by the way it was October of 2015 when I reached her. I made an appointment for the next day (lucky I could get out of work)! When I arrived I was welcomed with a big smile! I told Judy I wanted an A-​line dress and told her my price range. She helped me pull 4 – 5 dress and none of them worked for me! I wasn’t making that emotional connection I needed and wanted! Judy then pulled a mermaid strapless dress by David Tuttera! Did I mention it was on SALE! Once I saw myself in that dress (nearly a perfect fit) I had my moment and cried. Judy passed me some tissues and said «Arelis are you having your moment»? Her tone and funny sense of humor cracked me up! Its what I needed! I went in there having no real expectations and BOM she knew what would look good on me. I was able to leave a deposit, and pay off the balance quickly (I stayed under budget too)! The alterations were minimal, and had 3 dress fittings. The dress was ready Dec. 5^th 2015 and my wedding was in Florence, Italy on Dec. 22, 2015. Judy sent me reminders before the dress fittings and was always welcoming, and happy to see me and my guest! If you are looking for a straight forward, knowledgeable, funny, sarcastic and professional lady who cares about her customers. Then go to The Bridal Secret.

This was the first place I went to try on dresses. Boy do I regret it! The owner was rude to my mother and my MOH from the moment we walked in. She kept asking me over and over why I was nervous when really, I was just in awe of the fact that she started our appointment with such an unprofessional demeanor and arrogance. For example she demanded to know why my MOH took out a notebook. All she wanted to do was write down notes about a conversation she and my mother had earlier that day! A lot of the dresses were «blinged out» and when I told her I specifically wanted something plain, lace, without any sparkle, she kept bringing those kinds of dresses out and then asking me if I was sure I didn’t want to try on other dresses. I am reading these other reviews and totally agree with these ladies about feeling like she was pressuring me. She wouldn’t let my mother or cousin (MOH) help me look, or ask for their opinion — she made them feel like they shouldn’t be there. Now I know why she told us she had trouble finding help in the store. I’m really disappointed in the experience and will not go back or refer anyone to her.
UPDATE — I noticed that Renee from 4÷21÷16 had received a nasty email after she posted a Unilocal review and so I thought I should point out that the same thing happened to me after I posted mine.
Judy, instead of attacking your potential customers, why not take into consideration the multiple negative reviews on here and do something about it? I understand you do have loyal customers who had great experiences with you and that you’ve been in the Bridal Business for a long time, but imagine how much better you could be as a business woman and a person if you conducted yourself with a little more poise and professionalism.

Loved Judy! She asked me my price range and did the show me anything above it. I ended up getting a completely different looking dress then I thought I wanted. She knew within 2 dresses what I would look good in and should have tried on. She told me previous to the appointment that she only had a few for me to look at due to the size. and I was able to look at about 10. So she went beyond what I thought I was going to see!
Sure they might be off the rack and other women may have tried a few of them on but big woopy. This was a great place to go and trust me u can feel the difference between these gowns and david’s bridal cheapy gowns. Highly recommended! But if you are sensitive and can’t take feedback or a women who knows what she’s talking about then it’s not for you. Other then that I love everything about my dress!
Judy does have rules to her fittings and she explains that in the email. If you don’t like the rules don’t go and make an appointment. No drinks… dugh…is white dresses… no kids… dugh this isn’t about kids and running around its about the bride…2 other people can go with you to the appointment… you don’t need 87 opinions trust me it’s overwhelming enough.
Either way. Make an appointment you will love it!

I made an appointment at the Bridal Secret and was really looking forward to it! It was my first appointment to go dress shopping, let’s just say I left the appointment in tears (not happy ones). First of all, all of the dresses look alike, there is not a lot of variety at all. In addition, I felt SUPER pressure to pick a dress ASAP. The more dresses I looked at, the more frustrated the owner got, and she got a bit snippy with us. I kept saying I didn’t feel comfortable in ballgowns and she kept putting me in ballgowns! She told me that my dress did not need to coordinate with my venue when I told her that was something very important to me (no ballgowns at beach weddings in my opinion). She made me feel like I should be honored to be in the store rather than making me feel special or allowing me to enjoy the experience. Thankfully I ended up finding a dress and had a really positive experience somewhere else. No bride should ever leave a dress appointment in tears (unless they are happy!)

I am giving such a great review of this place because I did not have to go there! I am the maid of honor for a last minute wedding doing some preliminary research so that we can streamline her dress search and not waste what little time we have in stores that don’t carry what she’s looking for. Some places give an online catalog but many don’t, I took a chance and decided to contact them via email on what she is looking for. They got back to me within mere hours! While I am disappointed they don’t have what she was looking for (her price point is around $ 300 and it needs to be off the rack) I consider that top notch customer service.

I found this place in best of boston and after already visiting 5 or 6 different boutiques with really nothing I decided to drive all the way to the south shore.
I called to make an appointment the following weekend and they were booked, I was disappointed but that was a good sign right? I spoke to Judy who was very happy to have heard why we wanted to visit and she made it happen.
She made us an appointment for that Saturday. I have to admit I was a bit nervous from reading the more negative reviews, but everyone’s has to have a bad experience somewhere.
She called to let us know she had some rules before coming, limits of two people, no coffee, etc. But while shopping for a dress this was pretty standard. When we arrived she was still helping another bride and asked us to come back, which was a little odd but we did as she asked. Come to find out she was the only one there because her help called out and she was a little stressed out.
She called back within 5 minutes apologizing and told us to come back right away, which we did.
Ladies, Judy genuinely cares about finding a bride her perfect dress. She will make it happen. I can’t imagine finding a better dress than we found.

Judy was absolutely amazing ! I bought my wedding dress here December 2013 for my wedding this past November 1 and I have loved it ever since. Judy does all the alterations herself which makes it so awesome to just keep your dress with her. she even added extra bling to the top of my dress that looked absolutely stunning. I couldn’t have gotten more compliments on my dress, it fit perfectly all because of Judy and how hardworking she is. You can trust her with anything and I valued her opinion. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for an amazing wedding dress, the best prices and best of the all the best; Judy!

The negative reviews are spot on! I never even got a chance to get inside the store! I live over an hour away and just happened to walk by. Yes, If I found a good dress I would have bought it. It was a Saturday at 3:40pm and the door was locked! I saw there were people in. I believe the owner opened the door and said they close at 4 and I would need an appointment. I asked her if I can at least just take a look while they close shop and she said NO abruptly, gave me a card and told me to make an appointment.
I always try to go to small shops as I do know from first hand experience how hard it is to own a business but this person obviously does not care! Times are hard lady and you’re lucky that people are buying brand new wedding gowns with those prices for only 4 hours. Anyway, I was very disappointed.

This bridal boutique is the best-​kept secret! I recently accompanied my sister to try on bridal gowns for her wedding. We went to several stores, and she purchased her gown here. Recently engaged myself, I know I will be shopping here when the time comes.
The difference between the Bridal Secret and other salons is that you purchase your brand new gown off the rack. Judy stocks high-​end designer gowns in a wide range of sizes — and whether you fall in love with something your size or several sizes larger, Judy will alter it to fit the bride perfectly. The owner is also an expert seamstress and will tell you on the spot whether it will work. I’ve read a couple of reviewers say she is unfriendly or pushy, and we did not have that experience at all. On the contrary, Judy really zeroed in on what my sister was looking for and helped her pick the perfect gown with confidence.
As a craftsperson, I am very picky about the quality of fabrics and details, and I was disappointed with the cheaply made gowns (and the corresponding high price tags) I had seen at a couple of other stores. You could see and feel the difference of the beautiful lace and the quality of the fabrics in the gowns at the Bridal Secret. Judy is clearly selective with what she carries in her shop. And because you are buying off the rack, her prices are unbelievable.
If you’re in the Boston area and searching for your dream dress, GO HERE!

Went there with my friend (bride to be) and her mother. With her wedding less than 6 months away, she was determined to find a dress ASAP. This place was her first stop (1 of 3) and also her very first time shopping for a dress.
I was not aware of the restrictions of the establishment — sign on door:
Appointments Only
No Cameras
No Strollers
No Food
No Drink
Regardless, the store was nicely organized by dress sizes, bright and decent store size.
Just wished it was a different owner because she clearly does not know how to run a business or provide any good customer service.
The way the store works — all the dresses are for sale — as is (no special orders — ie if you see a dress you like but want it in another size — they wouldn’t be able to order it for you). The owner states the dresses are new — but can it still be consider new if they are to be tried on multiple times by different people and then sold as is?
She asked briefly what the bride was looking for and allowed us to choose 5 dresses at a time to try on (even though we’re the only appointment and ones in the store). Think she handles 1hr appointments at a time. The bride was looking for a lace wedding dress. After perusing the selections — we didn’t find much lace style dresses. We just grabbed the 5 we thought were decent.
During the dress changes — the owner was asking random questions to the bride-​to-​be — ie. how long has she been shopping for dresses, if she had any other appointments and where they were. I thought those questions were really none of her business. The owner should focus on what the bride-​to-​be is looking, focus on her feedback on the dresses and offer other lace dresses that we may have missed. Not even near the end of our appointment, the owner says to the bride-​to-​be «not to rush you but there is another appointment in 15mins». Seriously, I would be more understanding if the next appointment showed up early or she applies the same rules to all customers. When we arrived for our appointment, there was another bride-​to-​be still trying on a couple dresses (during our allotted appointment time) and there was no rushing of the other bride-​to-​be.
I do not recommend any bride-​to-​be to come here for there first shopping experience. Only come here if you exhausted all options, don’t care for customer service or okay with buying a sample dress (not new like the owner described).

Not the pleasant bridal experience my friend was expecting.
The owner was extremely rude and arrogant. She made it clear that we should feel privileged to be shopping in her store with such great prices. She was very pushy and hated the idea that the brides family was giving an opinion on the gowns our bride was trying on. When our bride wanted to show a picture of the gown to her mother who lives out of state, the owner actually said «well, what if she doesn’t like it». I wanted to leave at that moment but my friend fell in love with the gown and paid in full after the owner insist she buy it now or it might not be here for you when you get back.
When it came time to schedule the alterations, my friend got an email from the owner saying that she wouldn’t be able to fit her in after all and she needed to take the gown elsewhere.
Honestly, the owner was so rude to us, I thought I was on candid camera.

The dresses are nice but the owner is awful. I had a horrible experience. First she demanded that my maid of honor sit in the corner and be quiet because her opinion didn’t matter. Then she wouldn’t let me look around. Instead, she insisted I give her a price range and started picking out dresses SHE thought were best. She wouldn’t let me dress myself at all & barked at me «bra off — arms up!» like I was a little kid with chocolate on my fingers. As if that wasn’t bad enough, when I finally got through the dresses she insisted I try on & found one I really liked, she gave me a hard time about wanting to come back with my mom. She gave me an attitude about not wanting to buy it on the spot, so I just said forget about it & left. GIANT waste of time!

Judy is awesome and anyone who wrote a bad review just wasn’t following the «appointments only» policy! She clearly knows what she’s doing and this place is top notch! Also, we stopped in to chat and she’s the nicest, most down to earth lady running this kind of business. Highly recommend to any future bride!

This place should not be a Secret. Shout it from the rooftops– Judys secret is out.
Shopping for a wedding gown, that a girl has been dreaming about all her life– could be heartpounding, painful, stressfull, expensive. That discribes and olympic sport! But not at the Bridal Secret.
One on one appointments, dresses in multiple sizes and a professional, personable and character filled Judy to guide you. What’s your budget? First question. What is your dream dress? And she takes it from there, you can browse– but don’t bother. Judy can read your mind, your body and your heart.
Our one and only stop. Nine gowns in different styles and price ranges (all within the budget) and One perfect Dress. People are right when they say the wedding gown chooses you not the other way around. This Chantilly Lace confection from Spain was crafted for Amy.
Judy is a character– a one of a kind woman with a heart as big as her talent for making women feel beautiful.
Mommas– if you have a say– lead your daughters this way. Daughters– listen to your Mama. The Bridal Secret will make your wedding dress perfect and the road to the wedding smooth as glass.
Sally

Judy is amazing! I bought my dress at a store in Plymouth and did not like the people working there — once they sold you the dress, they felt their job was done. I was frantically trying to find someone to do the alterations and came across The Bridal Secret on The Knot. As soon as I walked in, I knew I was in good hands.
She is very confident in what she does and has every right to be. She is very honest and that is exactly what you need. She believes (and says) that when you walk down the aisle, her name is going with you. Once she said that, I knew she would do an amazing job.
I have seen so many dresses get busseled and look awful, that I was tempted to have a removable train to avoid the terrible look. Honestly, my dress looked better when it was bustled. Not only that, but she took the time to not only show my bridesmaids how to do the bustle, but watched them do it and made sure they were comfortable with it.
I would reccomend her to anyone without hesitation.

I would recommend Judy and The Bridal Secret without hesitation, unless you are a very sensitive person. Judy is very unique in that she will tell you how she feels in no uncertain terms. Thus, if she doesn’t think the dress you’re wearing looks good, she’s going to let you know! I absolutely loved that aspect of her personality, but if you are expecting to be told that every dress you try is perfect and The One, then you shouldn’t visit this store. I think we just all want to be told the truth about how we look, which she did with grace!
Judy picked out my dress within two minutes of me walking into the store. She didn’t let me see it at the time, and she let me pick out my first five dresses to try. But when I tried on the one she’d selected after trying on the first three that I’d picked, it became obvious that I could have tried on hers first and walked out of the store 15 minutes later with my dress! She just knows what will look good on people, and I couldn’t imagine wearing a different dress than the one she selected.
The Bridal Secret was the first and only store I went to (based on online reviews) and it was the best decision I’ve made so far in my wedding planning. I cannot recommend Judy highly enough… I urge everyone to stop by because you WILL find the perfect dress with Judy’s advice! Just listen to what she says and leave things to the expert… she will take care of you

I love the beautiful wedding dress I bought here, but I was unhappy with the pushy owner Judy and the cost of alterations. Judy won’t let you take a picture in the dresses. (She e-​mailed a few pictures of the dress after I purchased it, but I would have loved to have captured more, or had some feedback before buying it.) I’m glad I bought a friend because it seemed like the people working here loved all the dresses I tried on, even the ones that were hideous and clearly didn’t fit right.
I originally made an appointment for alterations, but lucky for me I had to cancel and it was really hard to reschedule. Instead I got my alterations done for ¹⁄₅ the price, with my dress returned to me within a week, and they were able to do the simple alteration that Judy wasn’t able to do.

After ordering my dress at Kleinfeld Bridal in NYC, I had a horror show of a time with alterations being that they were so ridiculously expensive. It was obvious that once you’ve purchased, they could care less about how you feel or look in your dress. I found The Bridal Secret in my local search and Judy, the owner, immediately rose to the occasion to help make my dress perfect.
After three fittings, (all conveniently arranged around my work schedule) she knew exactly what needed to be done and how to make me feel like a bride, especially her work with designing and sewing in my bustle. I was kicking myself for not purchasing a dress from her because they are gorgeous dresses at moderate prices.
After all of the alterations, pressing the dress prior to the wedding and then post wedding dry cleaning combined, still cost me about ¹⁄₃ of what other dress shops were charging in NY and Boston.
I recommend that any bride in any type situation visit the Bridal Secret!