Hi MissLu, I'm really sorry to read about your experience with Jasmine's Bridal. I'm not sure if your service experience has anything to do with the amount you spent. I ordered a custom wedding veil from them, a much less expensive item than a wedding gown and Jasmine's took excellent care and attention to detail with my veil. I don't know if they have different departments, but maybe the bridal department staff is much more detail oriented and quality controlled. My veil spent 4 days in quality control before even shipping. In fact, my complaint was they spent so much time making sure it was perfect, I nearly didn't get it in time. And even then when I expressed my concern, they expedited shipping and were willing to pay extra for it to be sent to my parent's address who flew out later than I did. Also, I don't think that Jasmine's is alone in requiring that customer's pay return shipping. The Chinese vendor I ordered my custom jewelry also has a customer-pays-for-return shipping policy. In any regard, I really hope that you can get your money back and that you have enough time to make alternate dress plans. Regardless of the reason for a less than perfect item, you have a legitimate gripe. No bride needs this type of poor service before their wedding! Thanks for sharing your experience and best of luck!