My dress....

It was a beautiful dress, wasn't it? I knew it was "the one" the moment I saw it. I tried on the sample but since it was a size -2 or something it didn't even come close. They made a size that was two sizes too small - but not my size! I ordered it anyway and we ordered fabric too.

I know Bridal Bargains says you should never buy a dress that will have to be let out but I really wanted this dress and I had the greatest seamstress. Besides, it was my bust it didn't fit, and I was about to have a breast reduction anyway. So maybe it would fit...maybe not.

Well, here's the stuff most won't tell you. I found the people at the bridal shop just wonderful... but that is generally an exception. Most are bloodsuckers. Rude at best. I know brides who have had just awlful things happen. Rip-offs are everywhere. Read Bridal Bargains before you start. Not that buying froma shop is bad...I did it, but you should be informed before you do. Some places will do things like remove manufacturers tags (which is illegal) and then code the dresses to keep you from price shopping.

I found my dress to be very well made... but I had no idea it was being made in China!! I shudder to think that some poorly paid adult, or worse a small kid, made this dress!! But once ordered there isn't anything I could have done. I thought because Alfred Angelo was an American company their dresses were made here. But the dress just went through a factory here like a clearing house or something. I found this out when the dress was late and they said their shipment from China was late.

Make sure you know the facts before you buy. A lot of shops are decent, and the people there know what they are doing... but some are less than honest. Make sure you ask the right questions and know what you're getting into before you give them a dime.

I bought my dress through Bridal Concepts in Santa Cruz, CA. The folks there are just fantastic - Kenny, you're a gem!