Wedding Blog
I haven’t had an official dress fitting yet, but there’s a bit of an issue with the hem, so I went to try it on again last week. This time, I remembered to bring an item that, out of excitement, I forgot last time.
Mr. Taffy, No Peeking!!! Nothing to see here.
This time, I remembered the blue sash! 
And like my last dress post, I chopped the pictures, hoping to trick Mr. Taffy in case he happened to come across it. My MOH and I tied the sash on to get a feel for how it will look:
I think the color really brings it together! Here’s the back view:
We didn’t bother fastening the buttons. 
I am really glad that I am using a different sash than the one that came with the dress. That sash is more of an indigo blue, and would have clashed pretty badly with the bridesmaids’ dresses. Buying the double face satin ribbon for the new sash cost only about $5.00. What an affordable way to customize your bridal look!
I went to buy more of this ribbon last week, and took note of the brand, as some of you asked about it during my last post. The ribbon manufacturer is Renaissance Ribbons. They are wholesale, but you can call your local craft or fabric store to see if they carry them. Even if they don’t, they may be able to special order a spool for you. Looking at their website, I believe my color is slate blue. You can never be sure without an actual swatch when looking online, but this looks the closest to me. The width that I purchased was 2 inches wide. Looking at the pictures here, I wonder if I should go with a little less width. What do you think?
Now, about the hem issue—you can probably see that my dress is a little too long. In this picture, I am wearing a small hoop and three and a half inch heels! When the bridal salon ordered my dress, they did not measure for the hem. A couple of days later I was thinking about it, and I realized that with a scalloped lace hem, they wouldn’t be able to hem it at all! I called the shop, and they had not put my order in yet, thank goodness. They had me come in and measured me for the hem, and said that My height and measurements put me in the “standard” length. They also told me that I was the wrong size. They wanted to order my street size, but I was too worried that it would not fit when it came in. I trusted my gut in that situation and insisted that they order the next size up. Besides being a little big in the bust, it fits great.
When the dress came in, it was way too long. I am 5’6″. My mom was really worried about it, but when we realized that the bust would have to be taken in, we thought that would help raise the whole dress up. At Taffette K’s suggestion, I tried the dress on again last week to discuss this issue. The shop’s suggestion was that I get platform shoes… that could work, but I want to be comfortable and I don’t want to be towering over Mr. Taffy. Also, I feel like finding shoes is going to be difficult if they have to be really high heels, and platforms at that.
Since my dress is standard size and length, I am thinking about asking to do an exchange for one that actually matches my height. I don’t want to be a pain, which is why I have been convincing myself that it will work, but the dress really is too long. I am also paying quite a bit for the dress and think it should fit properly, and don’t want to be uncomfortable wearing super high heels all day and night.
What would you do in this situation?
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Share this post: Dress Details - Advice Needed!
I don’t think you should have to customize your shoes to fit your dress–especially not when you told them beforehand that you were concerned with the length of the dress. If you’re spending a lot of money on something like a dress, it should fit you correctly.
And YAY! for another bride with some color on her dress!! I LOVE, love, LOVE that blue!
You`re paying for the dress, you deserve to have it the correct length. No is the worst they can say, Do not feel guilty for asking, seriously. If you feel uncomfortable asking because you feel like you are being a pain, then ask your mom if she will.
1.) I like the width of the ribbon, looks like a good sash width
2.) My dress has the same kind of scalloped lace hem and I was told that you can only order one length and have it altered so the lace is coming off and being sewed back on when it is shortened. This seems like it is a pain and it looks like, for you at least three rows of lace would have to be moved up or maybe one row could be removed depending. I’m not sure if they went shorter on you it would be too short but if there is an option to have it in the length you want simply by exchanging the dress that sounds like it would be a lot simpler and, if they charge for alterations, a lot cheaper. Don’t feel bad for asking about what they can do for you. As you pointed out, you paid a lot for your dress and it should fit you properly without the platform shoes.
really as they are the experts, the pro’s (thats why they work there) they really should have explained why you needed the other size etc It is their job and responsibility that you get the right dress and you are happy. I would talk to them about your concerns and that you really cant go any highr than 3.5 inch heels (unless you get porn shoes..).
I love the sash! And I say, it’s your day, your dress - don’t feel you’re being a pain by wanting it to fit properly! (Platform shoes? Were they serious?!)
go get the right one girlie, it’ll bother you til the end if you don’t.
the sash is awesome, the bow really ‘ties you in’ with your std and bm dresses (i know i know i really gotta get over that pun…)
I think with an edging like that at the bottom the store would be more careful. They already tried to convince you to get a different size and you suck to your guns. Do the same now, you want it to fit right.
First things first - You’re dress is gorgeous!
It sounds like they’re responsible for the dress being too long and I don’t think it would be unreasonable to ask them to order it in the right length. Explain to them (you or Mama Taffy) your feelings on the subject and they should be reasonable and get the right length, especially since your dress is standard and totally re-sellable
Stunning dress - I think the sash is the perfect width.
As for the length, I would take it back…you don’t want to have to worry about your shoes all day/night long!
I’d give it a shot, asking them to order you a new one, but in all honesty, I wouldn’t be toooo optimistic about it. Also, I got the “platform” suggestion too. They don’t mean 70s massive platforms, they mean platforms in the sense that the ball of the foot on your shoe should have some elevation too–the height shouldn’t come 100% from the heel. You could find shoes, they’re out there I promise. But it sounds like you’ve already decided you don’t want to do that, so brave the bridal salon for a chat!
Definitely see if you can exchange it, you want to be comfortable in your dress on your big day. Other than length the dress looks great!
The way the hem a dress like that (with edged lace) is by taking it up from the waist. I can’t tell from the pics, but is there a seam at the waist?
I had problems with the hem of my dress, too. I am way short and the dress has random embroidery that can’t be cut into. Anyhoo, different situation than yours, but there was a work-around. I think if you can’t exchange it, then you may be able to put a seam at the waist and take it up…and it wont’ be noticeable since you’ll have that pretty sash.
I don’t know if it’s the same with your dress, but I tried on a Badgley Mischka sample with a scalloped hem, and it seemed like the hem was easily removable so that it could be cut then reattached. A good bridal seamstress should be able to alter anything, and the salon should pay for it, since they were the ones that made you order that one in the first place. I like the sash a lot; I wouldn’t go with a thinner sash — in fact, you could maybe even try it on with a thicker sash, a la Monique?
Definitely exchange it - it was their mistake to order you a standard length, especially after measuring you.
If you do decide to keep it and alter it, note that it might be complicated and therefore more expensive, (as I found out with my dress… oops!).
I don’t have any advice about what to do about the hem. But I just cannot believe they suggested that YOU remedy the problem by buying platform shoes. I really hope it all works out. The last thing you want is to be tripping all over yourself. Also, I’m with Hot Cocoa, I really like a thicker sash. Or maybe put it a little higher under the bust? Just an idea!
Your dress fits exactly like mine did before it was altered! It had the same scalloped lace hem and was 2-3 inches too long. The bust had to be taken in as well. After the bust was taken in, it did raise the hem enough to wear without looking silly. During the day the lace tucked under a bit when I walked. Also I had to keep tugging it up because I didn’t want it to drag - a bit of a pain but I was ok. From experience, see if the salon will take it back for the shorter length, the only concern is if the new dress is too short. I think the length can vary dress to dress.
Also love the sash. Keep it 2 inches!
Your dress is beautiful, and exactly as I imagine my future (far, far future) wedding dress to look like! I really hope you can exchange it for the perfect length–you’re paying for and wearing it, you deserve the right fit.
I agree with everyone else, and want to replay to what CarterMae said- don’t worry about tripping on your day- the store should fix this. Platforms are not an answer!!
PS I totally forgot to say how much I Love your dress and the blue stash! Perfect. Keep the 2 inch one!
First of all, beautiful dress and love it with the sash. If you were to change it I would only make it thicker if anything, not thinner.
About the length issue, just try to exchange it. The worst they can say is no. I paid way too much money for my dress and even though it was a custom job, it came at a standard length…but I’m only 5 feet! It had detailing at the bottom, so couldn’t be hemmed from there. We ended up doing it from under the bust where a seam was, but it ended up being a MUCH larger job than it could have been.
Oh my goodness, Taffy…what a beautiful dress! Funny you posted about this. I have the same issue with my gown! They measured me hollow to hem and everything. I haven’t taken it to a tailor yet, but I am so scared that its too long. I think I am going to try and take it to a reputable tailor in L.A. If they say there isn’t much they can do with it - I’m marching back to the bridal store and making them help me. Thanks for this post. I’ve had so many things to do, I forgot about my dress issue. Good luck with yours!
I love the color… I just wish it was thicker… or maybe instead of ribbon a thicker fabric like duchess satin or something? The ribbon looks nice, but the bow somehow doesn’t match the quality of your dress. It just looks out of place against the beautiful fabric of the dress. I hope this doesn’t sound condescending… if you love the ribbon do it!
that dress is gorgeous, if you don’t mind me asking, what is the name/designer?
The sash is beautiful! I like it the length it is.
For dresses like this, mine is the same way, they will either take the lace off at the seam and re-sow it back on or shorten the dress from another place. In this case it may be around the higher lace seam where there is some room to shorten the space without compromising the dress (if that makes any sense), so you shouldn’t be worried about that. Maybe you should look into whether the other size would be too short or just right. It is easy to shorten, but length can’t be added. Beautiful dress!
Oh Taffy, I love it! All of it!
See what the bridal store can do for you about the length. I can’t imagine that it couldn’t be tailored, but with that (gorgeous!) scalloped hem, I’m not sure! That would be great if they could exchange it for you. It is their fault for 1) not taking your measurements correctly and 2) ordering the wrong size.
Let us know what happens!
if they won’t exchange it, they should be able to easily take it in at the waist, like miss perfume said. my dress was very similar, with scalloped bands of lace on the skirt, and it was either remove and reapply all of the lace by hand, or cut the dress in half at the waist and shorten it there (i bought a sample, so getting a different length was not an option.)
both my mom and i were more than a little freaked out at the idea of cutting my beautiful and expensive dress in half (what if they messed up?!) but it turned out beautifully. the seam was completely hidden by a ribbon like yours. there had to be little tucks on either side, since pulling the skirt up meant it was a bigger circumference at my waist, but the tucks were pretty.
your dress is lovely!
Don’t do platforms! Get the shoes that you like and want to wear, and get the dress to fit accordingly. I guess they’re balking because the lace would be difficult to hem. However it’s your *wedding dress* - the one time you justifiably get to be a pain in someone else’s a**.
I think the sash width is perfect - I personally wouldn’t go any narrower. The lace is GORGEOUS!
Your dress looks really great!! They measured you wrong even after you made specific mention of your concerns about the hem so I think you really do have the right to ask that they reorder the dress in the proper size! Good luck!
Agreed, they should be able to take it in either at the waist or by detaching/reattaching the lace (the same way they now remove and reattach the hem of jeans). Your dress is *gorgeous*! I like the sash, and wouldn’t mind one even a little bit thicker than that!
Thanks for your advice! Sorry I’m late to reply, I went to the shop with my mom early today and just got back to Ann Arbor.
There is no waist seam in my dress; each panel is one long piece joined together by princess seams. (The sash was blocking the waist area in these pictures), this is partly why I was so worried.
They would not exchange the dress, but instead will remove the lace applique at the hem and move it up. They will not have to cut the lace; just gently remove the thread currently holding it on. The owner was very nice about the whole thing and I scheduled a fitting for February 17th. I hope that they have the skirt hemmed, as I am still a tiny bit anxious. My alterations are included, so I will not have to pay extra for this. I will respond to your comments a little later, I don’t want Mr. Taffy to see this post!
I would definitely exchange it. My dress has the same scaloped lace on the bottom, so the store ordered it to have the length fit me! A big plus with this was that I didn’t have to pay for a hem - which can be super expensive on lace dresses. I’m not sure if it makes a difference but my dress is a Cassablanca..
@catrelle83: Thanks!!! I fell in love with the color as soon as I saw it.
@Shanna: You were right, they will be removing the lace and moving it up. Luckily my alterations are included!
@englishmuffin: @NixLapi: Yeah, stripper shoes probably wouldn’t fly with my mom!
@Mrs. Green Tea: I can’t get over it either! I am still trying to restrain myself from plopping bows everywhere.
@AliCherri1: Thanks! I thought they would maybe exchange it, but I’m hoping they they do a good job moving the lace up. Hopefully that part will be done by the fitting in February! I want to be able to start shopping for shoes!
@Miss Monogram: @Miss Hot Cocoa: @EAQ219: @Miss Peep Toe: @Lillindy: @flbeachbride: @Emma: @Lala: Thanks for the sash input!
@West Coast bride: I agree that they weren’t suggesting stripper shoes :), but I was worried that finding shoes would be tough if I had a specific heel height requirement, and platforms, and a style that I like etc.
@Miss Perfume: I didn’t think to ask them to add a waist seam, that’s a really good idea!
@Mrs. Sea Breeze: Luckily my alterations are included! The bridesmaids alterations are also free. That was one of the main reasons that I went to this shop. You can’t beat the deal!
@CarterMae: The first time that I tried the dress on, we thought that taking the bust in would really help. Once she pinned it last week, it didn’t seem like it would raise it up very well. We will see how it goes at the fitting.
@Fiona: Thank you! I really love it.
@Miss Glitter: I would forget too, but one of my bridesmaids kept reminding me to take care of it. I was just hoping that it would somehow workout! Go in and see about it soon!
@mg: I see what you are saying. In these pictures, we just threw it on and tied it quickly. I will make a nicer looking bow for the day of, and it will be a bit more in the center. If I feel like the quality of the ribbon looks bad, I might try to sew a sash out of silk. It would probably be expensive to make, since the sash is so long! I appreciate your comment, the dress is silk and the ribbon is polyester. I get so excited about the color that I might overlook the quality.
@dmz: I should have mentioned it in the second post! It is Jasmine Couture T834. There is a link to the website on my first post, linked above.
@Sarah: Thanks!
@Amy: When they measured my hollow to hem, they assured me that I was within the standard length! Ah well.
The dress looks amazing! I think it sounds like it will work if they just move the lace up. Be sure to let us know how things go when you go back in in February.
The sash color is stunning. I love it!
Your bridal salon SHOULD fix this, BUT looking at the detail of the lace, how could they???? I don’t see a seam anywhere, and I don’t want to! Also would hate to lose the scalloped edge along the bottom hem! I say try a pair of 3.5-4-inch heels, if that’s what it requires, and if that’s too high try the highest you can tolerate and let the dress drag a little. You can always pick it up when you walk! My dress hits the floor but I still like to pick it up when I walk. I’m wearing 3.5 inch heels but have yet to email my bridal salon. I should do that right now!
OK I have to say this: The sash has to go!!! The dress is SO gorgeous without it! It really takes away from the beautiful lace and my favorite part, the buttons down the back! Instead of a sash for contrast, try a blue feather of flower in your hair, or a blue stone in your jewelry. It might cost a little more than $5 but it will look like it! If you just LOVE the idea of a sash, find some remnant fabric of high quality at a fabric store and sew it or have someone you know sew it. I’m sure you could find something for under $20 a yard. Maybe a jacquard or brocade. You could go without the sash for the ceremony and have a friend put it on for you during your reception. Again, the dress is BEAUTIFUL without the sash. (Blue shoes maybe???) I saw the designer’s site and the green sash and I still say WHY???
(:
LOVE the dress! And you look GREAT in it.
That dress looks wonderful on you! I tried on the same one and almost went with it, especially because the sash looks so good in almost any color (although I really like your color a lot).
If I remember correctly, B. Ella in Ann Arbor told me that the Jasmine dresses were all custom made to perfectly fit the bride they were being ordered for. There is no excuse for it being so long. I would complain to the shop. I don’t know which bridal store you ordered it from, but if they refuse to exchange it (or if you don’t have time to wait for a new one to be made up), I second the idea that you should have it taken in from the waist, so you can keep the hem unaltered. It’s SUCH a pretty dress. You’re almost making me wish I had gotten it instead of the one I bought
Did you sign anything when you bought it that said you would accept it without exchanges/refunds?
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Mrs. Taffy, Ann Arbor
Age and Occupation: 28, Color and Materials Designer
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 29, Automotive Designer
Engagement Date: May 9, 2008
Wedding Date: May 2009
Blogging Since: September 14, 2008
Venue: University of Michigan Union
About Me: I’m a girl who is crazy about Mr. Taffy, sewing, dancing, almost all types of sweets, and our cute pet canaries. I dislike touching fuzzy fabric of any kind, eating somewhat squishy food, and Michigan winters. Mr. Taffy and I are having a blast planning our Ann Arbor wedding, and cannot wait to share our day with friends and family.
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