3 weeks to go and very upset - UPDATE, INCLUDING HAIR TRIAL PICTURES (OPINIONS NEEDED!) AND SOME PIX FROM FITTING

Original post by AlisonMT

Jun 10, 2003 09:35 AM

Wasn't going to post today at all b/c I took yesterday off when my mom came down to DC and now I am absolutely SWAMPED at work but I just needed to vent. Mom and I had a lovely weekend. It was great spending time together just the two of us. And the weather couldn't have been better on my day off yesterday!

EXCEPT...when I went for my final fitting, the dress was TOO TIGHT! I couldn't really breathe. After I had it on for a while, I felt a little better. The seamstress asked if I wanted to let it out but I just didn't know what to do. I felt like maybe I had just gained some weight that I should lose again and it would be ok. I don't want to be uncomfortable at my wedding but I also want the dress to look nice and I don't want to feel like a fat slob like I did when it was too tight.

THEN DF went to go pick up our rings and the store had MISENGRAVED mine. I have a tiny, thin, size 4-3/4 band and for some reason they decided to use a HUGE block letter font! Which, of course, didn't fit so now the words run off the band. They sent it back and tried again but it didn't look any better. Now they are sending it to their 'home office' for one more try. I am so upset! Is the constant re-engraving going to damage my ring? Are they even going to get it right?? What my ring says is half a phrase...the other half is on DF's ring (which was ALSO done in those nasty block letters instead of a nice script!!) so if they can't do it, we'll have to think of a new thing for BOTH rings. ARGH!!

And now the latest trauma...I called the hair salon where I am having my trials done on Sunday (THIS Sunday, which I booked MONTHS ago and reconfirmed just last month last time I was in NY) and found out that not only do they NOT have the makeup artist in that day (W T F !!! ) but also the hairstylist I was supposed to have, the one I've already met with twice and showed the pix of my hair trial here in DC, and who I REALLY liked, is in the hospital!! They don't know when she'll be back and are trying to find someone else who can do my trial and, I guess, then would have to do my hair for the wedding. I'm so worried about the stylist in the hospital and so upset about the whole thing. I live 300 miles away...it's not like I can just pop in someday and have them do a trial!!!

Thanks for letting me vent.

mv1003 Posted: Jun 10, 2003 12:38 PM

Re: 3 weeks to go and very upset

Take a deep breath!!! Know everything will work out for the best!
Are there any other places that you would feel comfortable trying? Is that near Commack?
We can all start listing places w/ #'s for you to call & try???? Just trying to help... another stressed out bride here!

michele31 Posted: Jun 10, 2003 12:54 PM

Re: 3 weeks to go and very upset

Okay. first I can tell you from experience that things will work out. I had a bunch of last minute problems and it was soooo stressfull. You need to remain calm in order to accomplish what needs to be done. First, call the jewerly store and tell them you INSIST on script, not block lettering for your ring. My jewerly store asked which letter style we wanted. Also, with all of this on and off again engraving your ring is getting thinner and thinner. Tell them you want a NEW band and you want it done correctly. Or else you want your money back and then go get something else at another place. I would also seriously complain to their head office. I would call and explain how plain disgusted you are with this service.
Next, call the Salon. Ask for the owner/manager. Tell him that you understand XX is in the hospital BUT you want a free trial with the new person and you were promised a makeup person. Then see if he/she will help you get a makeup person, great. If not, begin to call the makeup artists on this board and see if anyone is open or ask for a recommendation.
Your gown: with all the stress of the last minute planning some girls lose a few pounds, some don't. My advise is to go back in a few days and make the dress fit to the size you are that day. Do not take a chance with hoping to lose weight during the most stressful time.

And agian, I had to find a new limo company, my Priest was transfered, and my photographer had a family emergency all in the last week of the wedding planning. And everything worked out. I promise!

NYCMeghan Posted: Jun 10, 2003 12:57 PM

Re: 3 weeks to go and very upset

Alison

Can I buy you a drink (or 10) when I'm in DC at the end of the week??

I have an AMAZING jeweler who I called and he said that if you need to start from scratch he'd be happy to help you out.

It will all be OK - I promise!

WithThisRing Posted: Jun 10, 2003 03:08 PM

Re: 3 weeks to go and very upset

LOL 3 times is fitting

JoRo Posted: Jun 10, 2003 03:20 PM

Re: 3 weeks to go and very upset

oh sweetie, i just got your message. HUGS to you honey!! like all the other girls said, it will work out! BUt seriously, i am with Michele, it is time to get TOUGH!!

go back to the jeweler and or call the manager and demand NEW RINGS!!! it is not a big deal for them and they can still sell your old ones. DO NOT PAY in full until they give you new ones with the script. PERIOD!!

call Cactus, make a stink and get one (or two) free trials with girls who will be available on your day. call Jillian directly too, maybe she is back from her cruise by this weekend!

and remember that you will be able to find someone to do makeup, so don't be afraid to be pushy! demand that they help you, since they were the people who got you in this situation. that is just inexcusable!

but anyway, please try to calm down. it will all work out, i promise. everything is going to be wonderful. this is toally normal. hopefully, this is the worst it will be!
I am thinking of you and sending you good thoughts!! take care and more

wacky Posted: Jun 10, 2003 03:21 PM

Re: 3 weeks to go and very upset

VENT AWAY

It can be very stressful, Sorry

jenny2penny Posted: Jun 10, 2003 03:26 PM

.

AlisonMT Posted: Jun 10, 2003 04:11 PM

Re: 3 weeks to go and very upset - UPDATE

THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!

Ok, here is the update...

DRESS. I am probably going to wait until a week before the wedding and go in once more and see what needs to be done then. I will just do what is comfortable at that point.

RINGS. Sadly, I don't think I CAN get new rings at this late date. It took them 3 weeks to come in to begin with, so I'm kinda stuck there if I don't want to use something out of a crackerjack box for the ceremony. I was REALLY surprised that they never asked us what font we wanted. I used to work for a Things Remembered where there were eight gabillion typestyles...you would think that Christian Bernard (yes, this is Christian Bernard that's screwing this up!!) would have more than ONE UGLY block lettering style. I asked them when I was there yesterday to see their styles and they didn't even have a sheet to show me, though. W T F?? So I did tell them I wanted script and I definitely don't intend to pay for the re-engraving (although...and I feel like an IDIOT for this one...I can't actually remember if I already did!! Gonna need to go through the credit card statements now...) but beyond that, I don't know what else to do.

HAIR & MAKEUP. Just got off the phone a little while ago with the manager of Cactus and she is giving me a new stylist (Lauren) because the one I originally booked (Jackie) apparently is not going to be out of the hospital in time. Does anyone know Lauren at Cactus Mayfair in Commack? The manager says she does good updos, but I guess I will just have to wait and see. I am now going in on Saturday instead of Sunday...wasn't there someone else going to be there that time???

As for makeup, they tell me Jillian is on a cruise in Alaska and won't be back in time to work this weekend. So I don't know what good calling her on her cell would be...unless you think she'd have it with her in Alaska (and what's the time difference there anyway??) So they made an appointment for my makeup trial on July 3, the day after I get into NY...and three days before my wedding. What do people think?? Is this OK???

Becky...I know what you mean about not wanting to look at the calendar. This is getting ridiculous, isn't it?!

Meghan, when will you be in DC? It sounds like we may JUST miss each other...I leave for NY Thursday afternoon...

alina Posted: Jun 10, 2003 04:17 PM

Re: 3 weeks to go and very upset - UPDATE

Alison

Can you schedule a make up trial with someone else this weekend?

I went through a bunch make-up artists, and hated my looks each time!!! I'll be doing my own make up on the wedding day!!!

AlisonMT Posted: Jun 10, 2003 04:20 PM

Re: 3 weeks to go and very upset - UPDATE

I would, but I can't afford it.

LisaT Posted: Jun 10, 2003 04:23 PM

Re: 3 weeks to go and very upset - UPDATE

you can get free trials at makeup counters. Call a few and see who does weddings. I know a woman at the Lancome counter of Macys (Commack) does freebies and will come to your house for weddings.

alina Posted: Jun 10, 2003 04:25 PM

Re: 3 weeks to go and very upset - UPDATE

I think some girls used ladies from the make-up counters! Those trials are usually free!

Perhaps you can do a quick search and try that?

I did this for NJ, but unfortunately, the girl flaked on me (didn't show up on the 2nd trial and went on vacation, without telling me anything)!!! But she was the only one who did my makeup really really well

AlisonMT Posted: Jun 10, 2003 04:28 PM

Re: 3 weeks to go and very upset - UPDATE

Lisa, could I get the contact info on your friend from Lancome in Macys Commack? Maybe I'll try to give a call. Just wish I had more TIME. As it is, I am falling WAY behind on my work by dealing w/all these wedding snafus!

Oh, thanks, too, for your FM on Positano, Lisa. It looks great and I am using it as motivation to get through all this C R A P. I did have some questions I wanted to ask you about it, though, and whenever I get my head on straight (HAHAHA) I will FM you, if that's ok??

NYCMeghan Posted: Jun 10, 2003 04:53 PM

Re: 3 weeks to go and very upset - UPDATE

Alison - I'm driving down tomorrow afternoon and then back to NYC on Thursday evening...glad to hear things are somewhat better - if there is anything I can do to help let me know!!

LisaT Posted: Jun 10, 2003 04:59 PM

Re: 3 weeks to go and very upset - UPDATE

FM anytime if you have Positano questions!

She's not my 'friend' but she did the makeup for my wedding. I think other girls at the counter do it too (and maybe do it better). I don't have her info anymore, but her name is Jeanne and I think she's a manager there. You can call Macys and just ask for the Lancome counter. Then ask for Jeanne or if anyone does weddings. She was $65 to come to my house. I think it was less for the BMs.

Good Luck!

AlisonMT Posted: Jun 10, 2003 05:07 PM

Re: 3 weeks to go and very upset - UPDATE

Thanks, Lisa, maybe I'll go by there when I'm in Commack this weekend then. Will also email you soon re Positano!

Meghan, email my personal account if you want to try to meet up tomorrow night in DC...I have a softball game but I may bag (or it may get rained out). Where are you staying??

julybride444 Posted: Jun 10, 2003 06:20 PM

Re: 3 weeks to go and very upset

OH, I'm so sorry I'd have the dress let out, worry about the rings after the wedding (and yes, if they keep polishing out the inside to reengrave it does weaken the ring), and I have a salon in NYC that does makeup and hair that I LOVE. Not cheap-but good, and they'll make sure you're done well on your big day.

good luck, everything will be ok.

AlisonMT Posted: Jun 15, 2003 09:53 PM

UPDATE, INCLUDING HAIR TRIAL PICTURES - PLEASE HELP ME CHOOSE!

Ok, well the saga continues. I'm back in DC now and I THINK we got most of the nonsense worked out.

Town Hall was a nightmare. The people there are SO set in their ways they can't even understand that when something says 'Optional,' it means it doesn't need to be filled out. GRR. In any event, after much deliberation and arguing with the clerk, I decided to leave my maiden name on the license. Will add FH's name later in Virginia.

Then we got a call from our store here in VA that our rings were back and correctly engraved. Of course, we were in NY so we haven't seen them yet to be able to tell whether or not this was a lot of hooey. Stay tuned...

Then, the infamous hair and makeup trial. I left Jillian two messages but she never called, so I'm still having my trial with her 3 days before the wedding. I'm not thrilled but since so many of you speak so highly of her, I am going to just take my chances...

Hair was another story. The woman they gave me as a substitute actually did a fantastic job, but, what an attitude! You could tell she was not happy to have to do the trial and kept telling us how little time she had. Gee, thanks!! And to top it off, at the end, she got all pi$$sed off that we were getting the trial for free. I hadn't a clue why she would even care, since we gave her a really nice tip, but she stormed away from us b-tching that she should have never bothered w/us if she had known. So here I am, FINALLY happy with my hair, but worried sick that this woman is going to decide not to come in the day of my wedding or something (she only works every OTHER Sunday so I'm so afraid she will conveniently 'forget' or something).

Anyway, that's the story. Here are a few of the pix of my hair without the veil. My next decision is figuring out whether I like the veil worn on top, as waterfall, or underneath the hairstyle. I will post more pics in a moment and would love to hear opinions!!