Bridal Reflections (sorry, long)

For any of you who venture over the 05 board, you know that I have had an extremely difficult time with Bridal Reflections in Carle Place. They did my dress alterations, and on the day of my wedding, my dress fell apart. My bustle broke almost immediately after church, and my dress was literally falling down. There are pictures of me on the dance floor as my dress was falling, with my bra completely exposed. Unfortunately, there is more than one picture, and this embarrassing situation happened more than once.

Throughout the alteration process, I had a difficult time with the seamstress, who was rude to me from the beginning. I left every, single fitting in tears. I complained about her to management, who told me that they know she has an attitude problem but that she ultimately does good work. That was not true in my situation.

I had a meeting with the VP of Bridal Reflections last night to discuss what happened. My sister (also my MOH, who was at every fitting with me) came along. The VP was definitely surprised to see the pictures we provided (candids taken by my photographer of me on the dance floor with my dress falling down and my bra clearly visible to my guests) but claimed that it was the dress manufacture not the alterations.

The VP made it clear that when she spoke to the seamstress, the seamstress felt that we had been unfair to her and difficult. I was horrified to hear that. In the 26 years I have been alive, I have never, ever been accused of being difficult to deal with, and I was insulted that she even said that. Anyone who knows me - even a little - would never say that about me. I think the VP came into our discussion with the preconceived notion that we were difficult. When I mentioned that I left every fitting in tears, she did apologize. My sister pointed out - which I had forgotten - that when we made a complaint about the seamstress' attitude the night of my last fitting, we had to wait on line because 2 (yes, 2) customers ahead of us were complaining about their terrible treatment at the hands of the seamstress.

The only time the conversation ever got terribly heated was when I said that the seamstress had an attitude from the first time I met her. One of the first things she said to me was that she didn't like my dress. The VP got snappy and said that the seamstress was an immigrant and perhaps I didn't understand her and implied that I was disrespectful because the seamstress was an immigrant. I am the daughter of an immigrant, and half of my family does not speak English. My grandmother worked as a seamstress in what was basically a sweat shop, and I have nothing but respect for people who come to this country, not knowing the language, and try to make better lives for themselves and their families. My sister and I were both horrified that she would dare imply that we would disrespect someone for such a reason, and then the VP snapped that she is the daughter of immigrants too. That was the only time the conversation got really hostile.

Ultimately, the VP offered us a gift certificate to the store and claimed that she runs a good store and while unfortunate, it wasn't her fault. My sister and I left, feeling angry and upset, but unfortunately, I feel without recourse. The BBB has the pending complaint, I have contacted every news station and paper in the area, and I am out of options. All I wanted was a refund or an apology.

I had debated whether or not to post this and make it public but after I originally posted on the 05 board, I got so many FMS from people who had also had terrible experiences and also from brides who thanked me for telling my story. Ultimately, I want all of you to have the best day possible and think telling you will allow you to make a good choice for yourself. If you already purchased your dress there, I am sure you will feel nervous but since you are aware of this situation, you will be in a better position to make sure things go well for you. If you have not purchased your dress already, there are many wonderful other alternatives and wonderful bridal shops on LI and in the city that will do a much better job with customer service.

Thanks ladies!

Re: Bridal Reflections (sorry, long)

www.gownfind

is all i have to say!!!!!!

Phyllis is her name and she is wonderful!!!

She has ner own shop on the side of her house. She is a seamstress and sells everything at a cheap price. Alot of the brides on here go to her and they will highly recommend her!!!!

Re: Bridal Reflections (sorry, long)

thanks for the heads up

Re: Bridal Reflections (sorry, long)

OMG... Thats so terrible, I feel so bad for you. Hope the rest of your day was a success! I can not believe they offered you a gift certificate... You're Already Married!!! What do you need that for?!

Funny I was def going to get my dress there. I know It is very very expensive, but I heard they have great dresses. When I called they told me the dresses start at $1500. Thank god its too soon for me to look... Anyway thank you soooo much. Totally going somewhere else!

Re: Bridal Reflections (sorry, long)

I have had great experiences with Bridal Reflections in Massapequa they have been very great and helpful.

Re: Bridal Reflections (sorry, long)

I've also had great experiences so far with the Carle Place store. They charge an arm and a leg, but the service is great and dresses are absolutely gorgeous. For every bad experience, there are 100 positive ones. I'm not trying to downplay the horrible experience of that bride. I just think that you will find negative reviews on every vendor here so don't let one bad review sway your decision. See the place for yourself. I went to several bridal salons and found that the service and knowledge of the saleswomen at BR was above and beyond any other salon. Good luck with the search for your gowns ladies.

Re: Bridal Reflections (sorry, long)

since we're going to start looking at dresses soon, i thought this might be helpful.

Re: Bridal Reflections (sorry, long)

wow, that is terrible! I've heard so many horror stories about Bridal Reflections. I can't believe it, that poor bride!

Re: Bridal Reflections (sorry, long)

awww so sorry that happened, that is so terrible.

What makes matters worse is how they handle it after...I know that with every vendor you find your bad and good reviews and some people having amazing experiences with them and others have horror stories...but at least admit to your mistakes when there is no debating it and make up for your mistake...especially when it has to do something with a wedding day, this is one day that we all spend such a long time planning and put so much money and effort into and so do our families. Then for something like this to happen is uncalled for. You don't bring the person in and start yelling at them, you apologize immediately and correct the situation the best you can. Dont they say the customer is always right...This is not the way to treat a customer.

Re: Bridal Reflections (sorry, long)

Wanted to add I have been there over four times and have received nothing but an awesome experience!

Re: Bridal Reflections (sorry, long)

I've also had nothing but great experiences there. my cousin, my sister and now myself have all purchased our wedding gowns from that store and have never had a problem.

Re: Bridal Reflections (sorry, long)

That was such a horrible experience that you had to go through.... I agree with you. Bridal Reflections is out of control. I begged my friend not to go there and she went. She had the worst experience with our dresses for her wedding. 2008 brides...I really hope that this never happens to you. Hppy planning and enjoy every moment!

Re: Bridal Reflections (sorry, long)

Everyone has different experiences with places. You can only take a recommendation as a recommendation. Just for example I visited with photographers that people raved about but some of them I really was not impressed with the price or the service. When I mentioned my experience it was as if I personally insulted people! I've heard of many people having bad experiences with Bridal Reflections but I've heard of people having good ones too!. In a perfect world every vendor you deal with would give solid, consistent service. But then we wouldn't need so much choices!!

Re: Bridal Reflections (sorry, long)

thank you for posting your review... we all need to hear opinions to help us form out best decisions.