2.9 out of 5 stars indicates about as many people ...

2.9 out of 5 stars indicates about as many people were unhappy with their experience here as were happy with it. Are those the odds you want to bet on for your wedding needs? I struggled with this review (it's my first Google review of a business). The bride for this wedding is a wedding planner and I should have trusted her judgement and gone straight to Alfred Angelo in Chicago rather than this bridal shop here in Madison (the wedding is in California).
Be cautious when you go in to ensure that you try on a dress IN YOUR PROPER size which is exceptionally similar to the one you are getting. Having never done this before, I trusted their judgment trying on the size 16 dress (which they had in store) in which I needed in a much smaller size. My actual dress came in way too small (the bodice was three inches shorter in the size 4 than in the size 16 I tried on-- almost to the nips in the bust). They said my only option was to pay for my own alterations or outright buy a replacement dress that may or may not come in time. When I explained that I relied on their judgment as the experts with measurements and sizing, there wasn't even an acknowledgement of responsibility for that. The manager said something along the lines of, "Well we can guide you but this is why we stand with you and have you sign off on the final sizing. You make that final decision." I have a small waist and large bust and explained to them that I'd rather have enough room in the bust and take in the waist than have to "let the dress out" in the bust. After trying on a larger size, I reiterated this and chose the size 4 that THEY suggested I get. When I spoke to the manager today, I explained that I didn't want compensation but that it would be nice if they could acknowledge that for future clients, they'll ensure they tell their clients that going down over ten sizes means losing significant height in the bodice. Rather than acknowledging they'd do this, the manager reiterated that I signed off on the sizing (so essentially, it was my fault). No hint of recognition of the frustrating situation. Just a, "I'm really sorry you feel that way." When I asked for some kind of recognition that their associates could have communicated better in the situation (e.g., for a large bust stay up a size and have it taken in), she remained silent then said, "I don't know what you want me to say." I don't have the time to order a new one, so I'm having to pay over $100 to have more fabric sewn into the boning in the bust. Sad state of affairs for what should be an exciting time.