Though I worked in a bridal shop, I went to check out jj kellys with a friend whom was getting married. I told her she didnt have to find her perfect dress at my shop bc I know our shop didnt have something for everyone. My first impression of jj kellys was that it was very cold; the atmosphere and sales people. You practically cant look at the dresses without a salesperson nearby. Though it is or should be a rule that a bride should never have to try a wedding dress on without assistance, jj kellys helps you so you dont see the name of the dress designer. Reason being is, if you hate their service and decide to not do business with them, you will never know who made the dress you loved. Some people are willing to sacrifice the dress for quality customer service and will find another dress comparable to the one at jj kellys rather than deal with them. At the time my friend and I went in, pictures were not allowed. Basically, you have to purchase the dress to take the picture. And that means, if your parents live out of state and you love the dress, they will have to come all that way for you to try it on. The alterations are definitely overpriced because of the overhead they have---the seamstresses they have working in the backroom. The seamstresses have to get paid, you know! So, its cheaper for you to just go to an individual seamstress to have your dress altered bc jj kellys is making money off your alterations, too, on top of the heavy markup on your designer dress. Definitely shop around before paying such a heavy price financially and emotionally with jj kellys. Some people get along with them and love their service while others hate them and have the worst experience ever with them. But the same goes for the shop I worked for and every shop out there. Also, many customers find that people whom work in bridal shops are rude, snobby, snooty...etc. It can be true, particularly with the people whom have worked the bridal industry for a long time. Some sales assocs judge you by your appearance, the car you pulled up in, the people you are with, the price range you are looking for. And this is very unfortunate and belittling to customers. JJ Kellys works on a commission basis, possibly with an hrly wage, not sure, but take that into consideration when shopping with them. Being on commission can make a sales person pounce on you like a vulture bc that's how they get their paycheck. If you go in with a low budget, you may be told outright you are in the wrong store or you will try on a dress way out of your price range and you will leave with a broken heart. Hope this helps.
Pros: Designer dresses
Cons: poor customer service and overpriced mdse
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