It’s almost hard to imagine Germany’s version of “Say Yes to the Dress” television series without Meike Buschening-Kaffenberger, owner of “Der Brautladen” in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. She is direct, engaging and humorous, and doesn’t only just advise her brides in front of the camera. The 47-year-old had to get used to her place in the limelight. In the exclusive interview she shares with Bridal Times what challenges she had to master and why she no longer wants to miss out on the program today.
“I carry my heart on my tongue. I am a positive and present person and I take criticism to heart.” says Meike Buschening-Kaffenberger. With her honesty, she has captured the hearts of the audience. She never wants to miss any of the shooting days of the series. “It’s always so impressive. The show is about real emotions and brides.” says Buschening-Kaffenberger. It was not until the fall of 2018 that she opened her bridal shop doors to the television series to give views a look behind the scenes. “Nothing works according to the script. Even the camera is about honest advice.”
And sincerity is especially important to this entrepreneur. “I’m not interested in just selling a dress in my shops in Frankfurt and Egelsbach. It is important to present every bride as she would like to see herself. She has to be happy. Anything else does not make sense. After all, the bride also represents my shop.”
A good deal of empathy and passion makes a good sales consultant out of her. “You have to feel it. The goal must be to brighten the brides’ face.”, explains Buschening-Kaffenberger. The sale of a dress is still so moving even today, I get goose bumps every time the dress and the bride find each other.”
Buschening-Kaffenberger has been successful in the bridal fashion industry for 14 years now even though she had a completely different life path in mind. Originally she worked in the luxury hotel industry and planned her wedding during that time. When she found her dream dress in 2004 after a long search, she just bought the shop right away. “It just so happened. Now I have been studying bridal psychology for 28 semesters!” she laughs.
When asked about the coming season she shares: “The heavy materials come back.” Even German brides weren’t immune to the fabulous royal weddings in 2018!
For further information in German, visit “Der Brautladen“