dress too short

So I went for my dress fitting last friday and my dress was hemmed too short. Has this ever happened to anyone? I am unsure what to do or how to handle this situation.

The owner/seamstress was not there for the fitting, even though she was suppose to be. The staff made it seem like it was no big deal, but it was. I was so mad, but I didn't want to be 'that' girl who freaks out or cries in the bridal shop so I saved that for later.

I was planning on wearing sandals and I brought a sample pair and you could see my whole foot. That was not how that was suppose to be. I didn't have any shoes on when they did the alterations but the seamstress knew I wasn't planning on wearing anything more than 1 inch thick. The sample shoes I brought were 1/2 inch thick. Both me & my mom think the dress looks stupid now and I feel very self concsious it it. The staff just kept saying well it's no big deal you are getting married on the beach. I had to remind them that it is a big deal cuz I won't be standing on sand the whole time, I still need to walk around the resort and we are having a formal at home reception when we get back.

The staff told me the owner would call me on Monday to discuss this and she didn't. I wrote a formal letter/email of complaint to make her (owner) aware of the situation. She responded and said she had no idea any of this happened and didn't call Monday as she was off that day. She says she is going to call me tonight to discuss this.

What should I be asking for done? I already said in the letter I wasn't paying for the alterations. I'm pretty sure it's too late too order another dress as it took 6 months to get in and our wedding is in 3 months.

For those reading my dress is maggie sottero - kadence ivory (Kadence - by Maggie Sottero

look at the picture and imagine seeing the models whole foot sticking out...that's what i'm dealing with.

I'm so upset about this whole ordeal I don't even want to wear the dress anymore. I'm trying to justify going out and spending another $1000 on a dress.

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks

OMG... I am so sorry this happened to you... You are right you shouldnt pay for the alterations... I would even go as far as telling you to try to get your money back or having them expidite another dress.... I feel angry for you...OMG I just... WOW... I applaud you for not going nuts on them... I dont know what I would have done... stay strong everything will work out... Good Luck

Oh wow. So sorry it was too short! Especially a Maggie dress! I would ask the owner what her suggestions are... and if any of them do not satisfy you, then you should not pay for the alterations. I don't know if you were able to look at the hem on the front to see if there was ANY room to lenghthen, but is it possible to wear flats so your foot won't show?

Let us know how your call goes ... good luck, and I hope it works out!

Oh, man, I'm so sorry.

First of all I want to say that it is okay to be mad about this. They screwed up and your wedding dress is a big deal. I think sometimes we brides have this fear of being a "bridezilla" and that actually can make us not speak up for ourselves. Bottom line is that you're a customer who hired them for a service that they didn't properly perform. Who cares if they think you're acting like a b*tch- you wouldn't be upset if they had done the job properly. They messed up, they need to suck it up and deal with the fact that you're justifiably irate and not try to blow you off as just another stressed out bride.

I find the best way to handle this sort of thing is to try and be firm. Don't let them brush it off. I find repeating something like "This is completely unacceptable and it needs to be fixed" until you get a solution that you like can sometimes work. Don't argue, or justify yourself, just keep saying this or a variation of it until they make it right.

I'm thinking maybe they can do something to make it slightly longer. Did they leave any material at the bottom when they hemmed it? They may be able to let that out a bit- or they may have to add something to the bottom.

Good luck and I'm so sorry you're going through this stress.

Oh my gosh!!! what a muck up.Is there anyway you can find some really sparkly/diamante flip flops.They look fantastic and im sure your dress wouldnt be short then.But dont pay for the alterations either.In just a few more weeks and the stores will be full of them.I plan on buying a pair as i love them and i know my killer heals are gunna be exactly that killers.I hope it all works out for you.The manager has lots of making up to do xxx

First of all, that really sucks, and I'm sorry it happened to you. You have every right to be upset, and what's more is that you have every right to have the situation fixed to your satisfaction. When you talk to the woman, be calm and polite, but firm. Obviously, you want to throw this woman through a window, but telling her that isn't going to help you get what you want.

I would ask that if the hem cannot be undone, that the shop pay to have a new dress made and expedited so it reaches you on time.

If this has really put you off of having that dress (even perfectly altered), then I would request that they give you a full refund of your dress and your alterations.

Remember that it's not bridezilla-y as long as you aren't screaming and yelling and throwing things. You did not get what you paid for and their negligence has cost you your dress. Any business professional should do everything in their power to rectify the situation to your satisfaction so long as you aren't being unreasonable. Figure out what you want to happen to resolve the situation and stand firm in your request that she make it happen.

Thanks for the comments so far, I appreciate everyone's input.

I have to say I think I was in shock this was happening to me, and I was so tired as I just drove 4hrs to this shop, another reason why I was so mad. Once I knew the owner wasn't in and the staff couldn't do anything I didn't even think it was worth my time to yell at them. It took everything in my power to hold back my tears. My mom could tell I was upset by the look on my face and my lack of speaking.

The thing about the hem, is there is absolutely nothing left to let out. It is probably about 1/8 inch, if that. My mom's friend said maybe they could add a tiered layer to the bottom to extend it, but i'm not sure how that will look.

If I don't wear anything on my feet then I could get away with it, but as soon as I put something on my feet are showing. I have been looking everywhere for decent flats that are about 1/4 inch but haven't had much luck yet.

The dress is already paid for. I had to pay half of it when I ordered and the other half when it came in (before the alterations were done). What are my rights as a customer to get a full refund at this point?

so sorry this has happened to you, could your wear bare foot sandals for the beach and a very flat flip flop with no heel for the reception and around the resort.

So sorry this happened to you. I agree with the other girls wholeheartedly -- you have every right to be upset, this is your wedding dress and your wedding day, and I think it's completely unprofessional of the staff at the bridal salon to shrug it off.

I am assuming you signed a contract when you purchased the dress? I would read what it says in the contract about your obligations and theirs. It's possible you may not have to pay for alterations, but I'm not sure about a full refund on the dress. Also, do they have strict stipulations on what you must be have to do your alterations (undergarments, shoes, etc.)? The salon from which I purchased my dress has strict rules regarding this. They are not even supposed to proceed with a dress fitting if the bride comes without these items. It prevents them from being held responsible if a dress is not altered appropriately due to the wrong accessories being worn during the fitting.

I agree with the others -- be polite yet firm. See what they can do for you. I really hope everything works out. If they can't fix the hem, I say go with an awesome pair of flat flip-flops. In the end, you have to do what's right to make you feel the best you can be on your special day. Best of luck!