HELP - Need Bridesmaid Dress Backup Ideas!!

samandjosh2010 · July 2010

I am 25 days from my wedding and the store I ordered my bridesmaid dresses from JUST informed me that Jim Hjelm won't commit to deliver the dresses before wedding. I need to find a backup plan and fast!!!

The color was snapdragon - a fuschia/orange color that looked stunning in the silk shantung fabric. I based all my decorations on that being the color, so I stuck with ivories, whites on all the tables and lighting and the flowers were circus roses and colorful dahlias and orchids to match the dress. The flowers have been ordered and the decorations are bought.

I would like to find a dress in that same color but it is impossible in three weeks.

I need advice on 1) how to get the store to give me a full refund AND ideally pay some type of compensation for a rushed order (it's Bridal's by Lori in Atlanta) and 2) what the heck should I do about 6 bridesmaid dresses for girls of varying sizes????

Please help this desperate bride!

nicoleg1982 · July 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_wedding-woes_need-bridesmaid-dress-backup-ideas?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:47Discussion:e0b70a27-18e2-488a-9895-5edc7de4f0fcPost:0de99b83-8185-4930-aeb9-119c44f0d9c2">HELP - Need Bridesmaid Dress Backup Ideas!!</a>:
[QUOTE]I am 25 days from my wedding and the store I ordered my bridesmaid dresses from JUST informed me that Jim Hjelm won't commit to deliver the dresses before wedding. I need to find a backup plan and fast!!! The color was snapdragon - a fuschia/orange color that looked stunning in the silk shantung fabric. I based all my decorations on that being the color, so I stuck with ivories, whites on all the tables and lighting and the flowers were circus roses and colorful dahlias and orchids to match the dress. The flowers have been ordered and the decorations are bought. I would like to find a dress in that same color but it is impossible in three weeks. I need advice on 1) how to get the store to give me a full refund AND ideally pay some type of compensation for a rushed order (it's Bridal's by Lori in Atlanta) and 2) what the heck should I do about 6 bridesmaid dresses for girls of varying sizes???? Please help this desperate bride!
Posted by samandjosh2010[/QUOTE]

<div>You know, for funsies.</div>

zsazsa-stl · July 2010

If the color is too difficult to match, keep it as an accent color and go with ivory bm dresses. A friend of mine just had a wedding with bms in ivory and it was really pretty.

samandjosh2010 · July 2010

Wifezilla is right - you are brutal!

The issue with David's Bridal is that they don't have a lot of last minute options. I spent all day yesterday and only found one dress available in complimentary colors or styles that is available for the girls - but they only have black available so last minute.

I was hoping someone might have ideas on dresses they have seen in a color like that at a department store.

The return policy is vague and they refuse to take responsibility. I'm not sure I'm legally allowed to do anything as they are blaming the snafu on Jim Hjelm and reps there say they won't pay either.

hmonkey · July 2010

or if you think that ivory bm dresses will thunderjack you (you seem the type), ask them all to find their own black dresses and get a "snapdragon" colored sash.

a few yards of this will do.
http://www.mjtrim.com/Catalog/Product/176/37306/37306.aspx

p.s. no one will be there will a pantone book, so "close enough" is fine.

nicoleg1982 · July 2010

Why not pick a color that complements the snapdragon colors, instead of being so matchy matchy?

Flowers in this shade would look lovely with a rich blue or teal, IMO. Perhaps even a yellow or green, depending on the shade. Black is always a great go-to color and will be easy for them to find dresses off the rack.

hmonkey · July 2010

wz, you know she said, "BUT I'M A BRIDE!" like she's some kind of special class.

LnR70707 · July 2010

um....the Jim Hjelm website says that color is discontinued...don't think they'll be delivering those dressed ever. 25 days is cutting it really close....why did you wait so long to order them (or allow that long a delivery time?)

samandjosh2010 · July 2010

absolutely don't think i need a refund if I get the dress - but they will not commit to rushing the order.

samandjosh2010 · July 2010

I ordered them four months ago - they were discontinued about 2 months ago.

Heffalump · July 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_wedding-woes_need-bridesmaid-dress-backup-ideas?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:47Discussion:e0b70a27-18e2-488a-9895-5edc7de4f0fcPost:84ec5a42-6f26-44d6-8099-3e01ef4645cc">Re: HELP - Need Bridesmaid Dress Backup Ideas!!</a>:
[QUOTE]absolutely don't think i need a refund if I get the dress - <strong>but they will not commit to rushing the order.
</strong>Posted by samandjosh2010[/QUOTE]

I wouldn't either if I had discontinued that color. They probably don't even have the fabric to make them anymore. So what, exactly, are they supposed to rush?

LnR70707 · July 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_wedding-woes_need-bridesmaid-dress-backup-ideas?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:47Discussion:e0b70a27-18e2-488a-9895-5edc7de4f0fcPost:84ec5a42-6f26-44d6-8099-3e01ef4645cc">Re: HELP - Need Bridesmaid Dress Backup Ideas!!</a>:
[QUOTE]absolutely don't think i need a refund if I get the dress - but they will not commit to rushing the order.
Posted by samandjosh2010[/QUOTE]
Ok...I'm confused...did the order need to be rushed when it was first placed or did you order this back in February and just find out now?

edit:: just saw your above response...so why didn't you change the dress 2 months ago?? No wonder no one wants to take responsibility.

hmonkey · July 2010

looks like they can't rush the order of dresses that aren't being made anymore.

anyhoo -- work on a refund from the store. if they won't work with you (shocker), start a chargeback.

in the meantime, get white, black or other neutral colored dresses for your bridesmaids. perhaps you can ask them for help, inasmuch as they will be paying for the dresses (i assume).

samandjosh2010 · July 2010

I love how you guys are using this as an effort to get attention by being rude. I was simply asking for advice - not b*tchy rantings and judgement about why I should or should not be upset.

Heffalump · July 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_wedding-woes_need-bridesmaid-dress-backup-ideas?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:47Discussion:e0b70a27-18e2-488a-9895-5edc7de4f0fcPost:4679d4c4-f587-4739-8d89-3aa4d5324a83">Re: HELP - Need Bridesmaid Dress Backup Ideas!!</a>:
[QUOTE]I love how you guys are using this as an effort to get attention by being rude. I was simply asking for advice - not b*tchy rantings and judgement about why I should or should not be upset.
Posted by samandjosh2010[/QUOTE]
Yes, <em>we're</em> the ones seeking attention here.

hmonkey · July 2010

good on you for ignoring the posts that actually offer you advice. you are awesome. +5 points.

and now -- you have snapdragon dresses! it worked!

LnR70707 · July 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_wedding-woes_need-bridesmaid-dress-backup-ideas?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:47Discussion:e0b70a27-18e2-488a-9895-5edc7de4f0fcPost:4679d4c4-f587-4739-8d89-3aa4d5324a83">Re: HELP - Need Bridesmaid Dress Backup Ideas!!</a>:
[QUOTE]I love how you guys are using this as an effort to get attention by being rude. I was simply asking for advice - not b*tchy rantings and judgement about why I should or should not be upset.
Posted by samandjosh2010[/QUOTE]

Attention?? from who? the ladies I've been e-friends with for over 3 years? yeah...not so much.

You are desperate because you didn't fix this when you should have...there isn't much we can do about that hasn't already been suggested. What you should have done was change the dress to a different, but close, color and have Jim Hjelm rush order a non-discontinued style...but you didn't, so there isn't much point in replying that way, is there?

samandjosh2010 · July 2010

Sorry I wasn't clear in my initial post.

I ordered the dress on April 1st. Apparently they discontinued the color sometime this summer, but for some reason the shop I ordered from never called to tell me that (as I believe I would have had the option then to switch). Jim Hjelm had the fabric brought in for the dresses but it was damaged, so the next shipment that came in now stuck in customs. They 'say' that if the fabric gets out of customs by this week they can guarantee our dresses be shipped to the store by Aug 5th. The problem is that my bridesmaids are out of town, so then add a couple days to that date and we're looking at each girl receiving the dress the Monday before the Wedding and most are coming in on Wednesday as its a destination wedding.

I love the ideas to go neutral and even black. I think that's the best option. I suppose the other is taking a gamble that the dresses come in on the date guaranteed (although they originally guaranteed July 7th) and the girls can get them fitted in two days.

I'm most upset because I had been calling the store for an update on the dresses and they kept saying 'on time'. Nobody owned my account b/c the girl who sold me them quit a couple weeks after and I became a 'ghost account'.

samandjosh2010 · July 2010

And I just found out all this information yesterday after calling the shop again for an update. Thinking worst case it was just a bit delayed. Turns out the dresses aren't made yet and the fabric is stuck in customs.

I hope that makes sense - it is a long confusing story.

I just thought I would come here for advice and a lot of you have been very helpful - so thank you!

LnR70707 · July 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_wedding-woes_need-bridesmaid-dress-backup-ideas?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:47Discussion:e0b70a27-18e2-488a-9895-5edc7de4f0fcPost:efb32bb1-c0e7-427e-8ba0-35c040bb4553">Re: HELP - Need Bridesmaid Dress Backup Ideas!!</a>:
[QUOTE]Sorry I wasn't clear in my initial post. I ordered the dress on April 1st. Apparently they discontinued the color sometime this summer, but for some reason the shop I ordered from never called to tell me that (as I believe I would have had the option then to switch). Jim Hjelm had the fabric brought in for the dresses but it was damaged, so the next shipment that came in now stuck in customs. They 'say' that if the fabric gets out of customs by this week they can guarantee our dresses be shipped to the store by Aug 5th. The problem is that my bridesmaids are out of town, so then add a couple days to that date and we're looking at each girl receiving the dress the Monday before the Wedding and most are coming in on Wednesday as its a destination wedding. I love the ideas to go neutral and even black. I think that's the best option. I suppose the other is taking a gamble that the dresses come in on the date guaranteed (although they originally guaranteed July 7th) and the girls can get them fitted in two days. I'm most upset because I had been calling the store for an update on the dresses and they kept saying 'on time'. Nobody owned my account b/c the girl who sold me them quit a couple weeks after and I became a 'ghost account'.
Posted by samandjosh2010[/QUOTE]

Ok...that is an entirely different story than the one you gave originally....I would say if you can find cheap back-up dresses, have those on hand in case Jim Hjelm does come through. Have you paid for the dresses or did each of your girls? Because I'm assuming the first dresses are still getting charged to someone no matter when they are delivered.

TheDuckis · July 2010

Did you call the designer directly?

Even if they discontinued your dress 2 months ago they should be able to honor any orders that were previously placed. If they truly no longer have that color, see if they'll provide the same dresses in another color.

Also try calling a different bridal shop. Different shop owners have different relationships with the various designers. You may find someone that Jim Heljm is more willing to work with.

And 25 days is plenty of time to find a dress off the rack. You may not find the same color, but Nico has a good point about complimentary colors, and Zsa has a good point about ivory. All of my bridesmaids wore ivory; it was lovely and made the colors of the bouquets, etc. pop that much more.

ETA: Ah ha. After your last post these first 2 paragraphs make no sense, but the 3rd is still okay.

hmonkey · July 2010

if you decide to move ahead with a chargeback (which may be the best option here, once you have exhuasted the "arguing with the shop" option), here's how:

To start a chargeback, contact your credit card company and ask. A dispute process begins and the merchant will have to provide proof they rendered service properly. If the merchant can't provide sufficient evidence, the credit card company debits the transaction amount from the merchant's account and credits it to your account.

samandjosh2010 · July 2010

That's the part that I'm unclear about. I paid for half of their dresses (which was basically the deposit) and they took care of the rest. My girls are trying to find their contracts or agreement letters that they received once they provided their measurements and paid for the remainder of the dresses - so I should know a bit more about what I can get back.

Given the fact they can't commit to getting the dress before the wedding and they originally (verbally) committed to July 7th, I would assume we should get most if not all back. I didn't focus on this when talking to them yesterday because I was still trying to figure out how to make this work.

I did ask them what other options I had and the store manager literally said 'the mall' - no bridesmaid dress, even at davids bridal, will be ready in under three weeks. After looking up their ratings online I notice they have pretty shotty customer service reviews. Which is in line with how they are handling this situation.

hmonkey · July 2010

"shoddy", not "shotty."

samandjosh2010 · July 2010

It's possible the delivery date is in writing, but we just need to find the emails/mailing from the store to confirm. I didn't receive one as I only paid the deposits for the girls and they took care of the rest - so the agreement is with them.

Since it just happened yesterday I just told the girls late last night and they are going to try and send it to me today. Fingers crossed it is in writing.

katorigasuki · July 2010

yeah, this is the fault of the bridal shop for not informing you of the discontinued dress. demand a refund or start a charge back with your credit card company.

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