What to do if you are not happy with your wedding dress
There is so much pressure on a bride to find her dream wedding dress: it has to fit well; make you feel like a million dollars; and impress not only your groom but all the guests too. No wonder it’s not easy to get it right. There is just so much to think about.
The first thing to consider when you choose the style of your dress, is how it works for your body shape and the theme of your wedding – and your budget.
There are so many wedding fairs and bridal boutiques which are good places to start your search but don’t rush into a decision. Sales assistants will try and push you into a purchase. Remember it is their job to tell you how beautiful you look and sell you one of their dresses because they know when you leave the boutique you may never go back.
Sadly not all brides make the right decision. So what can you do if you are not happy with your wedding dress when you pick it up from the shop?
Here are my top tips for turning things round if you feel you have bought the wrong dress:
1. Try and analyse what is not right about the dress and don’t get pushed into believing it is perfect by an eager sales assistant.
2. If you bought your dress online or on the high street you should be able to request a refund – but too often this doesn’t happen. Some retailers will offer an exchange but only if you apply enough pressure.
3. If the problem is with the fit, for example, it is too long, the neckline is too low or the waist is not defined, point this out calmly. If you get upset, it is so much harder to get to a happy outcome! These things could be easily solved if the boutique has a good bridal seamstress.
4. If the dress is too short and you have not changed your heel height ask to see the measurements the retailer took when you ordered your wedding dress. Most boutiques always write down the height of your shoes to cover themselves – if they have got it wrong they will have to order a new dress for you. If there is not enough time before your wedding day they could add a border but if you are not happy with this solution tell them so.
5. If you cannot resolve the fit issues with the boutique tell them firmly but calmly that you will be taking your wedding dress elsewhere to get it altered – and ask for a partial refund to cover costs. I have helped out brides in the past who have found themselves in this position. As a couture designer with over 20 years experience I can often come up with a solution others may not have considered.
6. If your dress is plainer than you remember some carefully chosen accessories could add sparkle: a diamanté bridal belt, some dangly earrings or a flower crown.
You could also add a lace bolero with elbow length sleeves or longer if you want to cover all of your arms, or for a winter wedding a fake fur bolero or stole works well.
7. If you are convinced you have bought the wrong wedding dress there are bridal boutiques and online sites that will resell your dress.
You won’t get all your money back but you will be able to start again.
This may seem extreme but it always surprises me how many brides buy a second wedding dress.
8. If you decide to have a couture wedding dress made check your designer will be making a toile (a mock up of your wedding dress) that will allow you to see the fit and make changes to the design. This is a crucial part of the service I offer. Go to as many fittings as your designer feels necessary because this gives you a chance to speak up if you are not happy along the way. A good relationship is crucial with your wedding dress designer so take time to find the right one.
If you feel your wedding dress is not quite right and you would like advice email me at [email protected] or call 07812081588 for a free no obligation consultation.a
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