Has anyone had luck exchanging a dress at La Belle Elaine's?

jodyplustwinsx2

I can't call them until I get out of class at 11, so I'm turning to you guys! Long story short, I paid for my dress in full when I ordered it (I think it was ordered about 1-1.5 mo ago, not scheduled to come in until February) but I really don't think it's the dress that I want. I tried on another dress, Paloma Blanca 4006, and really loved the simplicity of it and it REALLY suits the whole vibe we're going for now. But, at the time, my MOH went on and on about how much she hated it so I just sort of it took it off even though it looked amazing on me. I've thought back to it all along and wondered if it was it and now I feel like it might have been. So, I'm wondering whether there is ANY chance that they will let me apply my first dress payment to the new dress, undergarments, shoes, veil, and even the BM/FG dresses since the AV I ordered is double the price of the PB? So, basically, any chance of a store credit refund? Their contract sure says no, but contracts often say no and stores will say yes...

sarack

I've been thinking about this lately too. Two of my bms kinda talked me into this dress when I just went originally to try on the dress to take pics. I love my dress but I think about another dress all the time... The place I bought my dress says that my dress is their top seller and I know they could easily sell it again. Also, the other one is more expensive. I know that the worst they can say is no but I'm scared! :0)

jodyplustwinsx2

I'm scared, too, because if they say no that's IT. Sigh. I really wanted an a-line gown and there is a version that is very close to my dress that is a-line and more simple that I originally loved, but then everyone else liked this one more... and it's a ginormous ballgown with a long'ish train. It's gorgeous but just SO MUCH dress. I loved how simple the PB was. I'm kind of all about simple. Sigh. I don't want to call and hear no!

jeannigirl

Well all I can say is to ask quickly.

sarack

well maybe if you do it i'll have the courage to do it. :0)

jodyplustwinsx2

They said no But, I am ok with it. I think I know what I'm going to do to make it THE dress for me. I'm going to have the sash/brooch removed and replaced with a simple, wider ivory sash, and also change it to a sweetheart neckline. It'll basically look like this in the end, which is a great compromise between the two dresses I like. In fact, maybe even perfect [img]http://tinyurl.com/m33ysu[/img]

sarack

That dress is beautiful.

marksmartini

I didn't buy my dress there but, honestly you should have the dress you LOVE! Maybe send an email if you are worried about hearing No over the phone. That will give you a chance to explain things too. It sounds like you spent a ton of money there. Most of us have second guessed our dress at least at one time or another so, I am sure they have a ton of requests for stuff like this so they are probably used to it. I guess if you don't ask then you will never know right? Good luck!

marksmartini

Oops, guess I replied too late. Glad you came up with an option that you like. The pic looks beautiful!

carrieoz_76

Yea, I think once the shop has placed their order with the designer there's no going back.  The wheels of dress-making are in motion, and cannot be stopped! I like your idea of trying to work with the dress you have.  Just make sure you get a great alterations person since they'll be so important for the final product. And Sara - your dress is GORGEOUS on you!  If you can change then I totally understand getting what you really want, but you should rest assured that even if you can't change, the one you already have is amazing.

dbraulik

Sorry they said no. Another alteration you can have done (maybe) is shorten the train. That's what I'm doing. And you can use that material around the waist. Your dress is beautiful.