I don't agree with putting you in a gown that is too big just to have it altered so you end up spending more money. That is what I felt happened when I bought my wedding gown. I got a great deal on a lovely gown that I fell in love with, it cost $350.00 Of course when I went to get it altered and bustled I signed and paid for everything prior to the work being completed, cost: $495.00 including $129.00 for memory mailer box kit, so $366.00 (not including my small veil $121.00, my under garment $71.00, shoes $47.00 dye job $3.00 & white zip garment bag $10.00). The alterations cost more than the dress (keep in mind I wear an 8 and they put me in a 10, so bodice & skirt alteration: $205.00). Then, when I went in to pick up the dress, I tried it on for the final fitting and the lace overlay was crooked and the hem uneven. I live 2 hours away and they wanted me to come back. My friend (bridesmaid)who was with me said we are going to have some lunch and we will be back in 1 hour. She my bride's maid how to button the bustle (the remainder of the cost $161.00) and it seemed it was fine. The day of the wedding, however, the buttons on the bustle were not symmetrical underneath (it appeared 2 were missing on the right) and nearly all of the loops broke, some while we were trying to button them for the reception. Most of the dress had become un-bustled before the end of the reception and of course it became filthy. I am sending it off to have cleaned in the box kit I purchased at the time of my final fitting. There was a packing slip listing additional charges for any repairs including replacement buttons or loops... you've got to be kidding. I think they should repair them for free. Now I just hope that I will receive the dress back and that I am satisfied with their preservation.