Legal Question in Consumer Law in Georgia

Custom made wedding gown doesn't fit

I purchased a custom made wedding gown from a bridal shop in Atlanta, cost $4500.00. The shop owner took my measurements and so did the designer of the wedding gown. The gown was to be made to my exact measurements. When the gown arrived, 6 months later, it is too small in the bust area, too big in the waist area, and too long. My bust size is a 35; measurements were taken at a 32. The hem length was measured to wear a 2.5 inch heel. Even with a 4 inch heel on, the gown is still too long. I have been told by 2 different seamtresses, that due to the intricate beading and appliques on the dress, the dress cannot be altered. The shop owner wants to alter the dress by adding fabric to the bust area. The dress is still with the shop. I refuse to accept it. I did not pay $4500.00 for a patched-up gown. It is not my fault that my measurements were taken wrong. I have demanded my money back, but have not heard anything from the shop owner or the designer. Do I have to accept the gown, even if they repair it? I believe the gown cannot be repaired.


Asked on 11/27/07, 6:30 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Charles W. Field Charles W. Field, Attorney at Law

Re: Custom made wedding gown doesn't fit

If there were any documents involved, such a guarantee, "satisfaction guaranteed", etc., these will probably control. If there were none, you do not have to accept the gown because it is not what you contracted to buy. You also should be able to get your money back, if you have already paid. Check with the Magistrate Court clerk in the county where the shop is located.

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Answered on 11/28/07, 10:59 am
Scott Riddle Law Office of Scott B. Riddle, LLC

Re: Custom made wedding gown doesn't fit

Assuming documents or policies (which you likely agreed to when you ordered) are not specific, one certainly cannot conlude that just because it does not fit you do not have to pay for it. That ignores the nature of the product, and the likelihood that a high percentage of products need additional work after the first fitting and the fact that clothing is, in a way, "patched up" cloth. However, we can't conclude from here what can or cannot be altered to fit what you ordered or, importantly, whether it would make any difference to an uninterested, unemotional third party - such as a judge. You should get what you paid for, and you can certainly pursue a refund in an appropriate court, but keep in mind the hazzards of allowing someone else to decide whether or not the gown is essentilly what you ordered (even if it took additional alterations to get there.

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Answered on 11/28/07, 12:02 pm


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