The US Postal Service has informed us that due to ‘a glitch,’ 600 packages were returned to sender.
Mine was one of them.
Weeks of waiting and hundreds of dollars and I will be wearing something from my closet.
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51 comments to convincing myself it’s just an outfit |
  
 
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Doh!! That’s messed up! I’m so sorry Fish.. but I also know you’ll look beautiful whatever you wear and at least some day it’ll make a good story!
Oh, I’m sorry, Heather. That really, really, really blows. But if I know only one thing about you, it’s that you can make magic happen… and no matter what you wear, it will be perfect and you will look beautiful.
Oh no! Fish, I am heartbroken for you.
Maybe someone who reads you blog happens to be passing through London on business and can hand deliver back to the States? A long shot I know, but I wish I could think of something else. I wish you did not have this added stress leading up to your wedding, but someone responding to your last post was right – you will look beautiful in whatever you wear, and that is all your husband to be will know when he looks at you.
Ouch! I would hit the second-hand stores nearby to see if miraculously, anything is there that would suit you… But, I would also be crying right now if it happened to me.
OOF! That is really all there is to say. *shakes her head in sadness for you*
Heather,
I have a dress for you – never worn. It’s likely too big for you but it’s yours if you want it. Email me and I’ll send pictures. The tags are still on it. It’s Alecion lace, strapless with a slight A-line. No underskirt is necessary – I believe the dress is a size 10 but could be easily modified. It doesn’t have a train but is just a lovely and simply elegant dress.
I had a similar issue last fall when I got married (this dress wasn’t an option for me at that time) so I do understand what you’re facing. I was lucky enough to find another dress that suited me perfectly and was just the thing I needed. International orders create unique issues when things go awry.
Like I said, the dress I have is yours if you want it – just paying forward good wedding karma.
Best Wishes,
Angela
Angela,
That is just a lovely offer. Way to be a wonderful human being.
-n
Please tell me that they have offered to overnight/express mail the returned package to you and that you’ll have the fabric on Monday. Because that seems like the only acceptable solution.
I am so, so, so sorry!
They don’t have it to send back. Customs took over a week on the way here. It will be two weeks before they see the package.
This is one of those times when it might seem like a really great idea to just go to London in a couple of weeks and then come back – WITH the dress!!
((( I am SO sorry!! Whatever you wear, though, will look beautiful, and then on your anniversary (or for some “first party when you get back from your honeymoon” or whatever), you can wear the original dress and get photos.
I really love the first-party post-honeymoon or anniversary idea!
Maybe it would be a great dress for a fabulous housewarming party – after the honeymoon?
I am planning a wedding too (July 3rd!) and if this happened to me, I’d be going through what I refer to as “bride rage.”
I would say that, no matter how calm you’ve been about the wedding thus far, it’s time to play the angry/hysterical bride card. I realize that this is poor advice because I don’t know who you should call/email/pay an angry visit to, and it sounds like you and the DL have been working the phones already, but someone at the USPS needs some rage dropped on them!
I’m so sorry that this is happening and agree with Mrs. M that you will be a beautiful bride no matter what!
So sorry. Fingers crossed that (the very kind) Angela’s dress will be perfect for you.
Oh man, I am so so sorry. That sucks!
I also agree w/ Melanie ~ try looking at some secondhand stores. You may get lucky.
Also, I am getting married soon & in order to save money (I am a crazy bargain shopper!) since we are paying so much for our wedding, I went to the david’s bridal website and checked out their online only, sales & outlet sections. When I found a dress I liked, I googled coupon codes & found one. I ended up getting a $600 gown for only $179. It was shipped to my home (fedex) within 3 business days. I was nervous to order it without trying it on, but I just went with my normal street size and it fits perfect. For something fast & cheap, that can be an option.
Again, so sorry this happened. I am sure whatever you end up wearing will be just perfect.
Seriously, my dress is nothing like the one you were having made but it’s yours if you want it. My measurements are 37-29-40 and I am 5’4-5’5″. No idea how tall or what size you are. Here’s a posting since I was thinking of selling it, but I’ve decided to look into donating it and well, you need something decent to happen. http://www.oncewed.com/39576/used-wedding-dresses/size-8/the-stables-4/
you’re an angel!
UPDATE: I’ll post pictures of the dress I have on your Facebook page later this evening, once I’m able to get to them from my laptop. It’s yours if you want it, even if it’s a “back-up, back-up” plan.
Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear this news! My motto is: ‘Everything happens for a reason’. Right now, I’m not so sure what that reason is for you??? But there has to be one – hopefully you can find something beautiful and if the very kind Angela’s dress works for you, even better.
If it isn’t one thing, it’s another! Ugh.
Hang in there!
Oh, hell. Going through my own wedding stresses, so I know this is the monkey wrench no one needs at this stage. And the hopes being dashed — I know nothing else to say other than offering my best wishes to you.
I live in London (originally from Texas). Let me know if you want me to do anything for you? I’ll be out of town Sat and Sun but will be back on Monday. I got married 4 years ago and can remember the STRESS!!!
How could the USPS be so incompetent? You might want to write into The Consumerist–there could be a way to mitigate some of the financial damage.
My wedding dress was held hostage by a crazy seamstress for alteration charges that totaled more than the cost of the dress—much higher than quoted, and way more than I could afford. In the end, my beautiful wedding dress became a symbol of that incident and not of that wonderful day.
As others have said, you will be a lovely bride whatever you wear. Plan B is not always the substandard option.
I am SO sorry. I’m sure it’s already occurred to you, but: secondhand stores, borrow a dress from a married friend, buy a great white dress from BCBG, etc?
No matter what, you are going to look GORGEOUS, but I feel for you
I’m getting married in December and I know I’d be very upset, too. I truly cannot wait to hear about your wedding, though. I know it will be fantastic!
I totally second what Renee said. David’s Bridal. I planned my wedding in 4 weeks because my dad was diagnosed with a terminal illness. I needed a dress, and I needed it STAT. I went to David’s Bridal, found a dress I liked (for under $300), and they altered it on the spot for me (because I had driven 2 hours + 3 hour wait at the Canada-US border to get there). They were amazing and the dress was lovely.
It’s worth a try anyway.
For sizing, Renee, I think you were lucky! Typically they say wedding dresses run 2 sizes bigger than street sizes. If there’s a DB in your area, please go check it out. I know it won’t be exactly what you were hoping for (soooo disappointing!) but you might find something really nice.
PLEASE call the office of one of the US Senators in Texas. I work for one in a different state, and they will have someone that handles postal issues. They can easily get a congressional liaison on the phone and try to work something out. I am so so sorry this is happening.
Fish, you can use my wedding dress, I’ll ship it to you for free. (A-line, off-the-shoulder, lightly beaded. Size 4.) I know it seems silly to think you could use just ANY wedding dress, but if you’re remotely interested, I’ll send photos.
Just emailed you a photo of my custom-made wedding dress, in the spirit of pay-it-forward.
Does anyone you know have a dress you can borrow? Hopefully with minimal alterations?
I wouldnt know what you are looking for if you gave me specific instruction, but, I have seen alot of interesting items at etsy.com. Pardon me if this is a painfully obvious suggestion.
Dear Fish – I am a (longtime) American reader in London nowadays. I’m not heading back to the States any time soon, unfortunately, but if I can be of any assistance (whether it’s picking up your package at post office here, or visiting your fabric supplier to get another bolt of fabric sent by a non-USPS shipper like Fed Ex) I would be happy to help. Please don’t hesitate to contact by email and let me know. I hope everything works out for you. x
Oh, Heather, my heart just dropped. I’m so sorry to hear this. I second the comments above – you will be beautiful and happy no matter what you wear. And I also hope that Angela’s kindness and generosity produces a beautiful result here!
To move in the direction of alternatives, since you said buying something isn’t really an option… and with all you’ve been through this year… I just clicked on the “Donate” button above. I wish I could give more (stupid full-time school), but I want to put something toward your being able do something for you (a dress? a massage? wine?).
And, since I know you’re not going to ask, I’d like to go ahead and encourage others to pitch in and donate a little something to help, too.
I’m so sorry to hear that your dress plans have gone awry. I’m thinking good thoughts for you!
Long long time reader – love your blog – live in London! Can I help? x
Oh fish, I’m SO sorry! I know it’s not any consolation right now, but when I get stressed out with my own wedding planning my mother keeps reminding me “it’s not the wedding that’s important. It’s the marriage. Still. RGGG!
Oh, honey. This is so not OK. If it doesn’t work out, don’t worry. The groom is more important than the ceremony and the marriage is more important than the day. Check out Angela’s dress and let us know if it works, though!
They couldn’t send it to you by FedEx? What is this the mid-20th century? Can’t you use other fabric? Surely a city as big as Dallas has to have fabric that isn’t too awful. What a drag. Hopefully you can get some remuneration for their mishap. Are the local papers doing a story on it? Call them. You’ve got a “great” story for them (not you at the moment) but it could get you a wedding dress for free. Don’t use something in your closet. That doesn’t bode well for the marriage. Borrow, beg or steal a wedding dress, especially since that was your big splurge, wasn’t it? Call the Dallas Morning News and Ft. Worth Star Telegram or local TV stations. It’s the weekend. They need “news.” You put a face on USPS mishap from hell. A very poignant face.
Keep your chin up. Check out modcloth.com. They have some nice, reasonably priced, and eclectic dresses. I know it is not the same but still worth the try.
Hey Fish, i’m currently sitting outside BBC Television Centre in London waiting to watch a show being filmed. I live just outside London so if theres anything i can do to help at all, please mail me. Though i know its crushingly disappointing, you will look will beautiful whatever you wear and DL will think you’re the most beautiful woman in the world.
Borrow Stephanie Klein’s dress, if it’s OK with her.
All these sweet women with their dress offers totally made ME tear up. I can’t imagine how overwhelmed Fish must be feeling.
I second the idea of second hand stores (ha, I see what I did there) or god what about renting something? I lived in a town where you can rent formal wear. I realize its not a dream situation but I’m sure the Dork Lord is renting his tux. Or hell getting a jackie kenendy style suit… so cute.
I know no matter what Heather, you’re going to look beautiful and what you wore won’t matter. Hell you could get married in a barrel held up by suspenders and DL would still think you were the most gorgeous woman in the world.
Fish: I was going to offer my dress as well (though it’s nothing like what you’ve posted about liking), but it looks like there are several readers who have already offered. If it’s any consolation, think of the wonderful impact you’ve had on people you don’t even know–for total strangers to offer to help, you know you’ve touched lives! Hopefully that little bit of silver lining makes you smile for even just a minute. And side note: I checked out Melissa’s dress she’s offering to you–very pretty! Keep us posted on your decision!
Oh sweetie. That sucks. Did you know that J. Crew and The Limited sell wedding dresses?
I also have my wedding dress from 100 years ago (that may be hyperbole). It’s a cocktail length strapless in white brocade with a little jacket. It’s a size 8. I’d be happy to send it to you. Via FedEx or UPS of course.
They always say that one thing about the wedding has to go wrong, unfortunately this is an awful thing to go wrong. I have to add my voice in with the other David’s Bridal ladies- that’s where I got my dress, it was gorgeous, less than $200 and needed minimal alteration. They are very helpful and will work with you to be as quick as possible.
I am so sorry. I don’t know your size, but if you need a size 2, I have an off-white lace gown (w/ matching veil) I can send you. It’s been cleaned and sitting in my basement in it’s little wedding dress coffin for four years now. If that won’t work, I agree with previous posters about David’s Bridal or a secondhand store or Ebay. You will find something, and you will look gorgeous.
I have no solution other than to offer an “that sucks!!” at the top of my lungs, but I’m just amazed at all the wonderful women here offering your their dresses; Melissa’s pic is simply stunning, and would look fabulous on you, as I’m sure would the other’s offers. Plus the Londoners offering to shlep and the suggestions…I’m verklempt.
I’ve never commented before, but I was a bride last September and I can only imagine how you feel right now. I have two short, off-white BCBG dresses that I bought to wear and then ended up going with a long dress. Brand-new, never worn. If you’d like to see pictures, just email and I’d be happy to send them to you, and if you like one, it’s yours!
I’m 5’5″ 125-130 lbs. One dress is a 4, and one is size S, but they’re kind of loose and flowy.
Best of luck, and I know you’ll be a beautiful bride!
OH MY GAWD THAT IS SO UNACCEPTABLE. That is beyond unacceptable. I am so so angry and frustrated for you.
What size are you?
I’m SO sorry! But like everyone has said, you will beautiful no matter what you wear. If I had a dress I would send it. (I got married in a sheath I bought at Marshall’s: not terribly helpful, I’m afraid.)
All will be well, and you’ll have a wonderful wedding!
How tall are you? I just got married a month ago and still haven’t figured out what to do with my dress – if you might be interested you’re welcome to borrow it! Just e-mail me and I can give you the details (and pics)
Sorry this has happened to you! Was any of this charged to a credit card? Perhaps you can dispute the charge with the card company on the grounds that you never received the product you ordered. I also agree with the advice you got to write to or call your local Congresscritter. They should even have a local District office with staff who can help.
I work in a large office that sends and receives lots of packages. Advice to all: If things absolutely positively have to get where you want them, USE FEDERAL EXPRESS!
Heather, I am so sorry to hear this. I’m crossing my fingers you find something that you love- and don’t fret, you are gorgeous and will look good in whatever you wear!
Never commented before, but I have a wedding dress around a size 12 you are welcome to! I am tall though, it might need to be shortened, but if you already have a tailor you can do whatever you need to it! This is a link to it:
http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_A-line-with-Beaded-Embroidered-Metallic-Bodice-V9364_Bridal-Gowns-Features-All-Gowns