Dress:
Priscilla of Boston: D
David's Bridal: B
I purchased a dress at Priscilla's of Boston, and loved it. When I went in for my second alterations appointment, I was devastated; the dress had been ruined. The back had a strange lump of fabric, the bodice top had a significant dip, the hem was uneven. The salon ended up sending me to the factory to get the dress fixed. Everyone was very helpful (particularly considering the announcement that Priscilla's was closing in December, which happened in the middle of all this), but I ended up making 4 additional trips to Boston to get the dress fixed. I loved the dress, but the stress of the botched alterations, as well as the extra time and expense, was a nightmare. For a time, I thought the dress wouldn't be fixed at all, so I ended up buying a backup dress, 4 weeks before the wedding, at David's Bridal. The experience was OK, I found a nice Vera Wang, and I was grateful to be able to take the dress with me that day. As it turned out, I wore both dresses-the Priscilla during the ceremony, and then the Vera Wang White at the reception. Because of the style, the VW dress was much more light and comfortable, and fit me better too. I was glad I had the VW to change into.
Alterations: Sewing Creations by Rose: A
I went to Rose with less than a month before the wedding, with the dress I purchased at the last minute from David's Bridal. I was more than a bit stressed, but she was so fantastic. Rose is such a warm, caring person, I felt immediately better in her shop. And her work was fantastic-the dress fit like a dream. Her prices are very reasonable, and if I ever need a formal gown altered again, I won't hesitate to go to her. She has a great reputation for a reason. I can't recommend her highly enough.