I read all of the reviews about their terrible alterations department, but I never thought just buying a dress from there could be trouble. My sister originally had an appointment but bought her dress just a few hours before (she came from Ohio to visit some stores in Indiana and then they were going to come here, she bought her dress in Indiana)
My family convinced me to take my sister's appointment, even though I'm not getting married for 2 years. You see, I've gained about 60 pounds in the last three years and my goal is to try and lose as much of it as possible before the wedding. They said I should just see what I like.
The consultant was fun and upbeat and I found a dress I love. My mom already bought a dress that day so I didn't plan on buying a dress just yet. The dress I chose happened to be one of the Disney princess dresses and she said that there's no guarantee the dress will stay. Not having planned on looking at any dresses I didn't do any research beforehand so I wasn't aware that this wasn't necessarily true. The dress I chose is brand new and they still sell the dresses from 2011.
Our consultant also told us after we put $849 down on the dress that we could cancel the dress within 3 days if we wanted but they would keept he deposit and it we be given back as store credit. This also turned out to be a lie. (upon clarifcation below, this is what they are trained to say)
My mom was worried that I picked a dress too fast...I'm not. I love my dress. I was worried however that the dress may not fit me in 2 years. We bought a size 14 and the dress can be altered up or down 2 sizes. I was worred that in 2 years the dress may not be able to be altered down to my size and I'd be left with $1400 dress that doesn't look good. I called Monday morning to postpone them making the dress - essentially cancelling the order - so that I could come in 4 or 6 months and get remeasured.
I called that Monday after buying the dress Saturday and asked if I could cancel the dress and to back in and get remeasured later. She said sure, I'll leave a message for my manager and we will refund you. I was confused because the consultant said we just get store credit.
I talked to someone today who said the manager gets to decide if the dress order can be cancelled and that's in the contract (which is fine, I work for a bank and I get it). I'm so fed up and angry. I want my dress and we'll take it. But that's the last time I will EVER set foot in that store. No bridesmaid dresses, no matching flower girl dress, nothing. I will get a seamstreess who can hopefully work magic if need be. I'm mad that I was flat up LIED TO in order make the sale.
Yes, I should've known better but I've never been married before so I've never dealt with wedding dress shopping and how it works. Like I said I wasn't planning on dress shopping for a while. But you would think that such a reputable name would have have a much more reputable sales staff. In the end I have the dress I want, I just might have to spend a little more to make it look it right.
Thank you Alfred Angelo for a less than mediocre wedding experience. I'll remember for my other purchases.