I just wanted to offer a little advice for those brides considering buying from Cocomelody.
I bought my dress from Cocomelody and it came out great! I have seen some bad reviews about it and I will admit they are not very helpful with returns. If you choose them, be very clear about what you want (in terms of any customizations), and make sure you order the right size (it's better to pay for custom size). My bridesmaids ordered their dresses from Cocomelody as well, and the sizes were different for two of them that ordered regular sizes (one fit in the waist but too big in the bust, the other ordered wrong size and it was too small in the bust). The last BM ordered hers with custom sizing and will need to do slight alterations. The dress that is too small in the bust wasn't accepted as a return because she ordered the wrong size based on her measurements and Cocomelody won't take fault for that. They did offer a percentage back though. I could see how this would be very frustrating if you had the same issues with a wedding dress.
My suggestions...
1. Order EARLY - in case your shipment is delayed (they have delays during the peak season and the Chinese New Year), have to return the dress, or make difficult alterations.
2. Order Custom Size - it's worth the extra money but even with custom sizing you may still need to do alterations.
3. Get professionally measured - and then measure yourself again to make sure they are correct.
4. Order swatches - if you choose a different color allow for enough time to order swatches because they do not look the same as they do on the computer.
5. Know your design - if you're adding customizations, be sure to send pictures and offer detailed explanations of what you want. And then keep checking in with them to make sure they understand what you want.
6. Manage your expectations - although the dresses are beautifully made they are still a lot cheaper than bridal stores. You won't be getting the top materials for a $500 dress. Be realistic about what you are paying for.
7. Join the Facebook group - helpful to chat with other brides that may be ordering the same dress. You can also see reviews there as well and the head designer Puey is part of this group and very responsive.
8. Know that it's still a risk - although there are probably more positive reviews than negative, you're still taking a risk by ordering online, as with brick and mortar stores.
Hopefully this helps and everything will work out well! Just know there are brides out there like me that have had good experiences with Cocomelody!
