Hi Dresspert,

I bought a dress 6 months ago at a bridal salon in Orange County that is known for carrying high-end designer dresses. It's considered "the place" to get a bridal gown in southern California. When choosing my dress, the bridal consultant brought over a dress that she said was "exclusive" to their bridal salon. I understood that to mean that no one else carried that dress and that, perhaps, the designer designed that dress specifically for that bridal salon. It was a pretty dress, it was an exclusive design, so I decided to purchase the dress.

Fast forward 6 month... While looking for bridesmaid dresses, I found a bridal shop on the internet that was just around the corner from my place, which I never even knew existed, that had some color swatches of the bridesmaid dresses I wanted. When I walked over, i realized it was the store I passed by hundreds of time which I always thought was an alteration shop for bridal gowns and other special occasion dresses. I walked in, looked at the swatches and found that the store actually had some bridal gowns displayed in the back. As I walked closer to the back of the room, I noticed a dress that looked very similar to the dress that I bought...I thought to myself... no, it CAN'T be my dress.. my dress is a one of a kind design for my bridal salon. BUT, to my dismay, it was exactly the same dress I had bought 6 months earlier. To make the situation worse, she informed me that she sold the dress for $700 less than what I bought it for.

After seeing my dress at this hole-in-the-wall bridal/alteration store, I do not want the dress that I ordered. I know that sounds irrational, but knowing me, I will not be able to get over that fact and I worry that it will ruin the wedding day... PLUS, every time I look at pictures of the wedding, I'm afraid that I will be reminded of this fact.

I called the OC bridal salon and they informed me that "exclusive" can sometimes mean that the designer will make the cut of the dress different for a specific salon. She informed me that their dress was a trumpet cut instead of an A line cut which the designer sells everywhere else. BUT I remember the dress being an A-line cut and I remember asking the bridal consultant if it would be possible for me to make it more a fit and flare cut... PLUS, how can a dress be considered "exclusive" by only having a different cut? That is something you can get done with alterations.

She informed me that there's nothing she can do. That the dress is already in production and basically it's my lose.

Is there anything I can do? I know I signed a contract but I'd like a refund! I was deceived into thinking I was getting a certain product, when, in fact, I'm not!

I'd appreciate any information you can give me about what it means for a dress to be "exclusive" and is there anything I can do to get my money back?

Sincerely,
Distressed Bride

Dear Distressed Bride,

I am sorry that you feel this way about your dress. Since I do not know the designer it is a little hard for me to say for sure, but Exclusive can mean a couple of things. It may be exclusive within a certain area, (usually 25 miles) It can be just a certain style, not the same designer or line and it can be just a little different in cut and details?
My advice is to take a picture of the dress you found at the place near your house, compare the cut, the material and the details. Contact the designer if you feel you have been misled. Since you signed the contract (and I think I know what Salon you went to) I don't think you have a way out without forfeiting the money you have paid up to this point, I have not seen their contracts, so re-read the fine print.

But also, know that you fell in love with your dress and if you felt good in it and it looks great on you. Don't let the feeling of the non-exclusiveness take that way. Every dress looks completely different on every Bride.

I hope this helps some and thanks for the Great question. Please let me know what happens!!!

The Dresspert

Dear Dresspert,

My finance has never been married but this is my second marriage and wedding. Our venue will be outside in a garden type setting and yet semi-formal. I have mixed  feelings about what style of dress to wear and have been thinking about something other than white. I’ve seen wedding dresses in other colors and I really love this  Although most are big, puffy, and not simple (like me). Is there a designer that makes  these colored dresses? Do you have any suggestions for a simple style in a light yellow, pink, or (my favorite)baby blue? I’d like to keep my budget for my dress down because  it is my second time around and I feel guilty enough for having another wedding.

Sincerely,

Feeling baby blue

Dear Baby Blue,

Thank you for your question. First congratulations on your upcoming wedding and I think I have a few options for you in your quest for the perfect dress.  I love the idea of wearing a wedding dress with just a hint of color instead of white or ivory. However, there are not a lot of options in the department of colored dresses but I will  try to help.  One of the first choices I thought of is one of my favorite designers,  Lea-ann Belter, she has a dress called Natalie (shown below far right) that is lovely. She shows it in a short version but it can be made to floor length.  Second, in keeping to your simple and clasic style I love what J Crew has to offer in style and cost (middle photo below).  The third choice is to add the color to a off white dress, should you find one that you love, just add a sash in any color (dress by Caroline Devillo Bridal) and make it your own.  First and for most feel comfortable and beautiful the rest will all come together.

Hi there Dresspert!!
 
I'm hoping you can help me.  I found my dress (and it actually just came in - YAY!!) but I'm totally lost on what style of veil to wear.  People have suggested a birdcage and even though it would probably be perfect for this dress - unfortunately it's just not me!  I attached a picture of the dress from the website & with me in the sample, but I ordered it in ivory.  (Oh please don't mind those pictures - they're from a cell phone camera!)  I was thinking of going traditional with a blusher, but I don't know what to do!!  Short, long, detailed, plain....
 
Your suggestions would be much appreciated!!
 
Thanks -
Christine

Dear Christine,

Thank you for your question.  This is one of the common questions I get from my brides.  The veil can sometimes be tricky but  you definitely want to be comfortable in the choice you make.  I am actually very familiar with the dress you have chosen, I carried it in my boutique.  Its a beautiful dress!!  My advice is either a scalloped fingertip length veil with a 1/4" silk ribbon trim or if you would prefer to wear a blusher a elbow length veil with blusher with a fine thread edging. Also, you could jazz it up alittle with a fountain cut veil (pictured below on right)raw edge.  Your dress has such beautiful embellishments and sparkle that you want to go more subtle with your veil. Also the quality of tulle is very important.  You also want a silk tulle it is soft and you can see through it better than other lesser qualities of tulle. Be sure to order your veil in Ivory tulle preferably a lighter ivory than a darker shade.  Check out Jennifer Leigh Veils and look at the monique veil for the scallop cut with the ribbon edging.  Thank you so much for your question and please let me know what you decided on! 

Dear The Dresspert,

I am getting married in June and I found my dream dress!  I spent a little more than I wanted but I had to have it!! You know how that is.

I went in to for my first fitting and it was a little big in the bust and waist and needs some hemming.  I thought when they took my measurements, my dress would fit perfect or a least closer to my real size.  However it is a inch or so bigger. Is this normal or did they just measure wrong?

The Altered Bride

Dear Altered Bride,

First let me congratulate you on finding your dream dress!  And I know how you feel that your dress should have fit perfect, but it never turns out like that..usually.  In most cases there are always alterations that need to be done. Every designer has a set of measurements they use so even though your measurements are taken, they are done so to find the size that best works for you.  Plus, every bride in my experience has changes in their measurements between the time they order the dress and the final fitting. Usually they loose weight so the dresses have to be taken in.  So you are experiencing the norm when it comes to alterations!

Thank you for your question and Good Luck and Much Happiness on your Wedding Day!