Wedding Dress from Etsy???

Ok... let me just share with you my Etsy dress nightmare. (No doubt there are wonderful sellers on Etsy, and I have gotten some really beautiful things from that marketplace, but this was a bad experience.)
My dress is a dress i have worn before as a debutante 15 years ago. Everything fits except in the bust. So, I decided to get a new one made from Etsy. I got my measurements done by a professional seamstress, and this is what I ended up with. The photos on Etsy were stunning, BTW, but the real garment was ... no.
(It looks better in my photo that IRL, I promise you that).
Then, because I had spent several hundred dollars on it, I asked for either 1.) a partial refund or 2.) a new garment that actually fit. After a long battle, I finally ended up with a partial refund but it was STRESSFUL.

At the end of that day, I ended up taking my old top to an expensive seamstress with almost no time left and I’m just going to have to make do... something that I would have preferred not to happen with my WEDDING GOWN. So... accessories, veil, etc.. Etsy is awesome. With an important gown, I think it’s pretty much impossible to achieve a properly altered/fitting piece through an online conversation.. they just be able to see you and your body in person to build a custom garment.

Btw... the guy told me “just undo the top button.. it will be fine”. 😑

Oh no! So sorry this happened to you! I think I will get it in writing before ordering that if it doesn't fit they either send a new one or issue a full refund! That is IF I decide to go this rout. I also plan to only buy from sellers in the states as to avoid any issues with different sizing from country to country.

Amanda! Welcome to WeddingWire AND engaged life! So happy to have you joining us on your journey to "I do!" Have you tried searching in the forums section for other etsy dress reviews?! To help you out a little, I'm linking some other posts that list feedback to help you better make a decision!

Etsy Dress

Dresses from etsy???

Heck yes!

View Quoted Comment

I think I recognize the design as something similar to what I was looking for- If it fit appropriately, this would've been perfect! Where did you order from?

View Quoted Comment Jules:

Tiffary, i think was the name. Based in Poland.. Let me just warn you: the photos on the site are NOT what you get. In fact, since I was doing a big search on tops like this, I finally turned to eBay... in which I discovered *literally* the same photos being used there. (From China). The material is far from the lace you see in the photos. If you decide to try this, I encourage you to get fabric swatch samples.

Amanda:
I have yet to see any Etsy seller that will do custom work with an offer of a full refund. In fact, it’s usually prominently noted that refunds and exchanges are not possible. Which is why I say again... buyer beware. IFFFF you do it, ask for fabric swatches first, and stipulate they work in enough fabric in the hems and sides to allow for alterations. You’re probably going to need them... and they can get very pricey.

Good question! Following this thread!

I got my dress from etsy seller in Israel and it turned out great. Every seller is different so you really just have to go with ones that have a high number of positive reviews, and ask them for all the details/photos you need before ordering! It also helps to message some of the girls who have reviewed the dresses, especially if someone has reviewed the exact one you want. I know Vicky Mermaid Bridal is a popular one! I also messaged alex veil bridal and some of the reviewers and found that one to be a really great shop. But again, it all depends on the store.

View Quoted Comment Thank you everyone! Good idea AG about asking for swatches!!! IF I decide to go through Etsy I am definitely going to be VERY VERY picky as to the shop I order from! Looking forward to other shop recommendations!