A Cautionary Tale for Future Brides
In late 2020, I entrusted Alter Me with my wedding dress alterations, a decision influenced by a recommendation from the bridal shop where I purchased my gown. Expecting a seamless experience, I was met with a series of mistakes that I feel compelled to share and to inform other brides-to-be.
My first encounter with Nazneen, the seamstress at Alter Me, was promising. She showed warmth and enthusiasm, assuring me that the necessary adjustments to the bust of my lace dress were simple. The addition of a bustle and reinforcement of buttons seemed straightforward, yet the service came with a price tag of nearly $700. I associated the cost with quality— I was mistaken.
Upon collection, a rushed fitting prevented a thorough inspection. It was at home when I realised the dress sat awkwardly high, the bust remained ill-fitted, and the lace gathered unflatteringly where it had been taken in.
Returning to Alter Me, the mood had shifted. Nazneen’s demeanour had soured, she was unfriendly and rude. Her solution—to tape my bust into position— This was impractical and visibly flawed. No remedy was offered, citing a lack of time. Disheartened, I left in tears.
With only five days until my wedding, I sought help elsewhere. Another alterations service managed to salvage the dress, making it wearable, although uncomfortable and imperfect.
I had hoped for a dress tailored to fit me; instead, I was left out of pocket with a gown that fell short of expectations. Transparency from Nazneen regarding her capabilities would have guided me to seek alternatives sooner.
My initial positive review of Alter Me, written prematurely at Nazneen’s request, did not reflect the full scope of their service. It is a reminder to wait for a service to be complete before giving a review.
Reply from Alter Me
Hi Sian, I'm so sorry you feel this way after 4 years of our last contact. You paid $635 for your alterations (not close to $700) and I do remember you came to see us on 19th Nov 2020 and your pick-up appointment was on 26th Nov 2020 and can I point out that it WASN'T a 'rushed' fitting. We don't rush our appointments and we double check with all brides that they are happy before they leave us. You left us the following review, which can also be sighted on our website under your maiden name Sian Thompson, "Nazneen did such a beautiful job with my wedding dress. I'm so pleased with the final result and highly recommend using Alter Me". You wouldn't have written this if you thought I prematurely asked you or you felt rushed at your appointment.
You then brought your dress back to us on 30th Nov 2020 and my attitude DEFINITELY DID NOT CHANGE. I take great pride in serving all my brides, I'm always eager to educate myself so if there was a mistake I would have taken it upon myself to come up with every possible solution to rectify it. So when you said you had a problem I was quick to tell you to come back and we can resolve it. I do not have photos referring to any 2020 brides so I cannot recollect your dress so instead I have referred to your booking notes. Firstly, we never took in your bust. We added a stabiliser tape at the sides so it fits the original bust shape but firmer. I am very precise when it comes to our consultations and I would have expressed and showed you when pinning how the dress would look after the alterations. It is only once the bride is happy that we continue the process.
I do wish you would have paid more attention at your initial consultation, raising any concerns you may have had and expressed yourself at either of the appointments so I could have done more for you or explained further.