Wedding Etiquette Forum

My Sister and her Dress

I posted on here a couple weeks ago about how my sister was told her dress was shipped and over a month later- still nothing.  I contacted the dress company and they said the store is not an authorized dealer.  (She ordered the dress in August!)

So, miraculously, the dress comes in, we pay for it without my sister just to get it home and she tries it on later in the week.

#1 The dress is super tight.  My sister told me she was between sizes and picked the bigger size.  She is thin as a rail (she should probably GAIN weight if anything- but her weight hasn't changed).  So the dress is SUPER tight on her.. I don't know how she can breathe.  If she didn't gain weight.. she must have been measured wrong.

#2 The dress is super short!!  Yes, my sister is 5'8".. but if she needed extra length, they should have told her.  In bare feet.. the dress only goes to her ankles and her shoes are a good 2+ inches.

So, the company either A. doesn't know how to recommend the right size and to tell us to get extra length (after all, they are the experts and the ones with sizes right in front of them) or B. this dress is second hand, perhaps not the right size, and has already been altered/shortened!

She called the store 3 times after they opened using her cell... no answer.  She called on her FMIL's phone.. instant answer.  They are there now!

This is mostly a vent, as I have a lot of anger and no place to put it, but if anyone has any advice about how to prove this dress can be second hand.. I am all ears.  TIA!

Re: My Sister and her Dress

  • Wow, this sounds like a shady situation with the store.  If they aren't an authorized dealer, yeah I'm guessing you might have a second hand dress. If they never return your calls, go in person and ask for a manager.  If that fails, file a complaint with the BBB.

    The only thing I can think of is to take it to a seamstress and see if they can let it out and make it longer.  If they can't make it longer, consider making it a short dress instead of long.
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  • Either 2nd hand or a knock off.  YIKES!  I hope they can work something out with the store.
  • The dress is covered in beading at the top.. but the corset was my idea too.  (it would cost a ton to get it fixed.. but I would pay the money in a heart beat).  I think it is necessary because she has cleavage in a dress not meant for that and I want her to look appropriate for church.

    As for the length, there is beading down the train, but the front is plain.  There is a seam down the side (hidden nicely in a pleat) .. so maybe we can remove the whole front panel and replace it with a similar fabric.  Again.. expensive and tricky.

    Grr.. this has been mental torture for my sister..  why can't she just have the typical nice wedding experiences like everyone else?!?!



  • I agree with daniel

    go to the store in person with dress in hand to let her put it on in store & let them see what's wrong.  And, if they can't do anything I would defninitely file a complaint with the BBB. If the store is any kind of store & wants to continue staying in business the BBB threat should make them do something.  Of course, I'd still file with the BBB, whether they can remedy the situation or not.

    As far as looking at the hem, (to determine 2nd hand nature) is there a sewer in your family?  Even just to look at the hem, to determine if there was an original one prior to the shorter one. 

    Also, when your sister tried it on & ordered the dress, I'm assuming that the length & tightness wasn't an issue, as you said they ordered it wrong, evidently.  Did they give you a paper copy of the order? That would include size, I hope and could prove useful.

    I'm sorry your sister & you are dealing with less than stellar service for her special day.  Good luck & please keep us posted as to what happens!!! :-)
    When we walk to the edge of all the light we have and take the step into the darkness of the unknown, we must believe that one of two things must happen: There will be something solid for us to stand on, or we will be taught to fly. -Patrick Overton
  • Thanks so much for your advice girls.. and letting me vent!!!  I just emailed the dress company again and we'll see what they say.  My sis is at the bridal shop now.. so I am waiting for her call.

    I am also going to look into trunk shows.. since it will cost so much for the repairs.. it may be worth getting the right dress at a discounted price and deal with the bridal shop later.
  • Finally heard from my sister!

    The company said they ordered extra length and the dress didn't come that way so they will contact the retailer and do alterations for free.  Still curious if this is all a bunch of lies or what not... I have a feeling it is second hand.. but maybe I am just in a critical mood today.

    Thanks again to everyone who responded.. your advice and mutual anger helps!
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