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So my dress is here, but… not. I guess it would be more accurate to say, “it has arrived,” but that sounds really creepy for some reason.
Let me draw a picture to better explain:
Map image via Wikipedia / Thread “Clara” dress via Shopbop.com
Now, while that’s not an actual picture of my dress (sorry! I’m making you wait a little longer! 
), the real deal is sitting all alone in the McLean, Virginia POB salon. And it’s driving me crazay.
Knowing that my dress is paid for, ready, and waiting to be picked up is total torture. At the risk of sounding like a total brat, I want it nowwwwwww.
Image via Rotten Tomatoes
Anyway, I have two options for getting the dress to Chicago:
What would you do? Any tips for flying with a wedding gown?
I should also add that I’m not 100% sure I’ll be doing my alterations at the Chicago (ahem, Oakbrook) POB. So that’s another factor to consider. If anyone knows of a good seamstress in the city, I would be super grateful for the recommendation.
I got my dress at that very same store!! Small world.
Don’t care howwww I want it nowwwwwww
And that will be stuck in my head for the rest of the day
That is so exciting about your dress coming in! I have no idea how I would get it to your house. Sorry I am no help!
Is it going to take just as long if you have it shipped? Because I would be so impatient that I would probably pick the option that got that dress to my body the fastest. Or, you could pick the safest way. I have no idea about flying with a dress (you could have it be a carry-on? lol..), but I imagine there are equal risks in both options, so no recommendations there either. (sorry!)
I traveled with mine on the train from Chicago back to Grand Rapids. It stayed within my sight the entire time (when it wasn’t draped over my lap).
I would love to hear any tips on good alterations in Chicago as well!
I actually was lucky to find a super good deal on a flight home the weekend after my dress came in. I got my greedy, impatient hands on it right away and flew it home as a carry on to Chicago. If your dress is big and poofy, I would not necessarily recommend this, but I have to say the folks at American were super helpful with it and hung it in the coat closet on the plan for me so it wouldn’t get shmooshed too badly.
Also, I found a seamstress in Naperville who specializes in Bridal with excellent reviews and reasonable prices. I haven’t had my dress altered yet, but I’ve seen her work. Her name is Sue. But again, no help without a car really…sorry!
I flew with my dress because I was super paranoid about shipping it (even if its insured it would take months to replace). I just took it in a garment bag and asked a flight attendant to hang it up for me. I was flying Continental and they were very helpful.
Hmmm, i say fly it back with you after your shower and find an awesome alterations shop in chi-town. i freak out at the thought of shipping fiascos. i cannot wait to see your dress, lady!
I’ve been on multiple flights where I’ve seen women carry on their dress. If it is poofy you may just want to buy another seat. (one woman was on her way to her destination wedding and was flying with her MOH. They apparently split the cost of the extra seat so that the dress could fly in style). In any event, either ask them to hang the dress up for you or buy that seat because you do not want it passed off to the baggage bermuda triangle that is the luggage compartment.
I have a friend who is flying with her wedding dress, she made accommodations to have it hung in the captains closet! I don’t think I would be able to ship it, I think I would have crazzzyyy anxiety over it!
I can recommend Toula for alterations in the city. Here are some yelp reviews.
Love reading your posts - getting married in Chicago in October 
Haven’t used this seamstress, but I’ve heard rave reviews from other brides: Ms. Couture in LP.
Cheers!
Lol, my parents live near Oak Brook and I live downtown in Chicago, so I totally feel your pain You’re not taking your wedding dress on the Metra!
I think it depends on the type of dress and how big it is. I couldn’t imagine flying with mine! How about shipping it to the POB Oakbrook store. I second the Zip Car recommendation—easy peasy!
I’m a Chicagoan living in Arlington, VA—-it’s like we traded locations!
I booked Mary Catomy for my alterations - haven’t met with her yet as my wedding is not until September, but her reviews are excellent: http://www.yelp.com/biz/mary-catomy-bridal-alterations-schiller-park
Although again, I’m not sure what it’s like getting to that area of the city without a car? Also she books up early so I’m not sure if she’ll still be available - worth a call though.
If your flight/airline is pretty accommodating to carry-ons of unusual size, it might be least harrowing on the nerves to bring it home yourself! Those days when my dress was on the FedEx truck were quite squirmy.
@Jamie: Hahaha, my dress is definitely not taking a ride on the Metra hahaha. Totally cracked up at the thought of that!
@AlyMiller: So crazy! I’ve been missing VA pretty bad lately… I need to get back ASAP!
Thanks for all the advice, ladies! You are the best!
Aw, that sucks you can get it right now! I got the call and drove to Indy the next day to get my hot little hands on my dress, ha.
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Mrs. Sparkler, Chicago Age and Occupation: 27, Communications Aficionado Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Publisher Engagement Date: July 21, 2010 Wedding Date: September 2011 Venue: Chicago Illuminating Company About Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
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