Top 10 Most Emotional Say Yes to the Dress Moments
#10: Overcoming Insecurity
“Say Yes to the Dress” (2007-)
Rebekah Marine – dubbed the “Bionic Model” – was born without her right forearm. But that’s not going to stop her from finding the ideal wedding dress. Though she’s now embraced her disability, she’s extremely open about how hard it was to get to this point, and her vulnerability is inspiring. In fact, she never saw wedding bells in her future before, which makes watching her don the stunning gown she chooses extra special. As if that isn’t enough on its own, Randy then goes above and beyond to surprise her on her big day! How could anyone see such a sweet moment and not be moved?!
#9: An Important Deadline
“Say Yes to the Dress” (2007-)
In 2013, tragedy struck during the Boston Marathon. Rebekah Gregory, her fiancé, and son were all there. Thankfully, they survived, but they did sustain injuries. As a result, she comes to Kleinfeld a few months before she’s set to have her leg amputated. Hearing her describe what happened is harrowing, to say the least, and her resilience is striking. So we can all agree that she deserves a joyous day of wedding dress shopping. Even though her nuptials are in a mere month, the team does their best to help her find the right ensemble to get married in. You can tell that both she and her entourage are reveling in the much-needed moment, and we’re right there with them.
#8: The COVID-Era Bride
“Say Yes to the Dress: In Sickness and in Health” (2021)
During Zenzile’s Kleinfeld appointment, things look a little different than usual. That’s because she’s shopping in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic. She’s a kindergarten teacher, and her beau — whom she wed some time before — is an emergency department nurse who actually contracted the virus. In other words, they’ve felt the effects of the crisis on a major scale, and it’s abundantly clear that things haven’t been easy for them. That amplifies the stakes for everyone involved, viewers included. On top of that, Zenzile is worried about finding a dress that’ll complement her figure. So seeing her full of hope and excitement as she gets that special bridal moment people dream about? It’s beyond heartwarming.
#7: A Series of Poignant Surprises
“Say Yes to the Dress” (2007-)
Brides typically know when they’re going wedding dress shopping and who they’re bringing – but not Monica! As a thank you for everything she does, her friend and employer, actress Jenni Pulos, goes above and beyond to give her a beautiful day. Not only does she take her to Kleinfeld, but she reveals that she’ll be buying her dress for her! The bride’s reaction says it all. This might be hard to believe, but it gets even more emotional from there, as Pulos has flown Monica’s family to New York City so they could be there with her. Our heart swells with every surprise, and we’ll never get enough of the happy tears on display.
#6: Creating a Special Experience
“Say Yes to the Dress: Lancashire” (2020-)
This spin-off of “Say Yes to the Dress” takes us to the Ava Rose Hamilton bridal boutique in Lancashire, England. There, we meet Lucy, who’s visually impaired. While her condition makes shopping more challenging, fashion expert Gok does everything in his power to make her experience fulfilling. With the help of vivid descriptions, poetic imagery, and textural touches, he ensures that though she can’t actually see the dress, she can envision it. You can tell how much that means to the beautiful bride, and it’s impossible not to feel all the feelings alongside her. The level of care and consideration on display makes the appointment feel truly magical, and we’re awestruck.
#5: The Grieving Mother
“Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta” (2010-20)
They say that losing a child is the worst thing that can happen to a parent. Unfortunately, Anna has experienced that grief, as she lost her son to cancer. Understandably, wedding dress shopping took a back seat afterward. Now, her nuptials are 48 hours away. So it’s “Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta” to the rescue! Monte and Lori bring the shop to her house, giving her the chance to find a gown – free of charge. There’s a sense of catharsis throughout, because it’s about much more than just the garment. Anna herself interprets it as a sign from her late son, giving her permission to feel joy. If that doesn’t tug at your heartstrings, we don’t know what will.
#4: All About Dani
“Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta” (2010-20)
When we’re introduced to Dani Stafford at Bridals by Lori, she’s 2 and a half years into her leukaemia treatment, and has six months of chemotherapy left. It goes without saying, but she’s been through the ringer, so everyone wants to make her appointment as meaningful as possible. Emotions run high from the start, as Lori – a cancer survivor herself – announces that they’ll be gifting her her bridal gown. Talk about a deeply beautiful gesture! The cherry on top of the uplifting wedding cake is a special visit by Hillary Scott, of Lady A musical fame. They call it “Dani Day,” we call it “Help We Can’t Stop Crying” day!
#3: The Hospital Bridal Shop
“Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta” (2010-20)
Is there anything more moving than a thoughtful surprise? We’d say no, especially after seeing this segment about Alyssa, who hasn’t been able to hunt for her wedding gown due to health issues. Lori and Monte make their way to the hospital, bringing a stunning bridal boutique with them! As soon as Alyssa realizes what’s happening, a glimmer appears in her eye, and her happiness is contagious. Even better, her nearest and dearest arrive to help her choose a gown. The team truly allows Alyssa to step out of survival mode and let herself be pampered as she looks to the future. We can’t imagine anyone more deserving of such a transformative experience.
#2: An Otherworldly Gift
“Say Yes to the Dress: Ireland” (2016-)
Most people envision having the folks who raised them there by their side as they hit life’s major milestones. But sometimes, tragedy strikes and makes that impossible. Such is the case for bride Cora Anne, whose father has sadly passed away. The love with which she talks about him is enough to drive anyone to tears. But the waterworks really start coming after she picks her dress. Brace yourself, because in a shockingly poignant moment, her mom reveals that her late dad will be the one paying. Even though he’s not physically there with them, it feels as though he’s giving his daughter a hug from beyond. Needless to say, it’s overwhelmingly touching.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
A Powerful Gesture, “Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta” (2010-20)
Lori Helps a Bride Who’s Mourning Her Mother & Having Second Thoughts About a Gown She Ordered by Giving Her a New Dress for Free
A 3 Week Deadline, “Say Yes to the Dress: Benelux” (2016-)
This Wedding Is Just Around the Corner, & Cancer Survivor Suzanne Finds a Gorgeous Gown
Feeling Chosen, “Say Yes to the Dress: UK” (2016-)
Danielle Lives with Pseudoachondroplasia & Is Nervous About Shopping, but She Gets Her Princess Moment
The Perfect Pep Talk, “Say Yes to the Dress” (2007-)
This Bride’s Future Mother-In-Law Tells Her Exactly What She Needs to Hear
#1: Father-Daughter Love
“Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta” (2010-20)
The bond between a daughter and her father can be incredibly special. Bride Kelsey and her dad are proof of that. His terminal cancer diagnosis means that he doesn’t have much longer to live. But they’re determined to make the most out of every moment they have left, and it’s soul-stirring. His expression when he sees her wearing “the one”? It completely wrecks us! Not only does Kelsey find her dream dress, but she does it with her dad by her side. More powerful still, he officiates the wedding. You can’t put a price on a bonding experience like that. It’s a highly affecting sight, and we’re not ashamed to admit we used up the contents of an entire tissue box watching it play out.
