So we are very much in the home stretch…I’m still trying to get used to the idea that I leave LA a week from Friday. Still so much to do. How about a few updates? Basically, there have been some unexpected expenses that popped up out of no where lately. The first came last weekend. Gary and I picked up our wedding bands at KFK and I ended up buying some earrings as well. When we got home, we found that poor Oliver (our maltese) was peeing blood so it was right off to the emergency vet. 3 hours later we had a $600 vet bill and a diagnosis: bladder stones, and the only treatment would be surgery with a price tag of $3000. Just what everyone needs right before their wedding, right? Luckily we got him into see his regular vet the next day and they performed the surgery for just about half that. My advice? Avoid any major procedures at the emergency vet…unless it’s really an emergency.
The next hitch came today when I went to pick up my wedding dress. It finally fits very nicely although I had to go to the tailor 3 times before they ever even made a stitch (5 times total), they kept on forgetting to do the work. I should have known right then and there. So I go in to pick it up today, they really didn’t have to do that much work on it, just take in the sides a little, take hem up in the front and sew cups into the bust. Nothing too terribly complicated. So you can imagine my surprise when I was served with a bill for $900!!!! When I told them that it was double what I expected, they only reply was “but it took 6 hours of labor to do”. Now I’m no sewing expert but since when is tailoring a $150/ hour profession? I managed to get it down to $800, paid, grabbed my dress in a huff and choked back the tears that were welling up. I almost threw a tantrum right there in the store but I decided to reserve it for this blog instead. So here I am going public with it. Do NOT go to Murat’s in Beverly Hills! Shop around, don’t go somewhere that won’t give you an up front estimate. I went there based on a recommendation but trust me, that’s not enough. Do your own homework so that you don’t end up like me. 
So thank you Murat’s for ruining what should have been a fun, happy experience. Now that I have that off my chest I can move on because there is till so much to do and only 16 days left…
MissCapitolHill Says:
Oh that is horrible! That really makes my blood boil. It’s stuff like that that gives the wedding industry a bad name. I’ve heard of 400-500 for simple alterations but 900!!! And refusing to give an estimate is 100% sketchy. I hope that with this post you have made them loose at least 900 worth of future business. Insane.
September 26th, 2008 at 7:43 am
brownbrown Says:
oh dear, i’m so sorry. but i completely feel your pain! with the unexpected pet costs (i have a ‘broken’ kitty, as the vet likes to call her) and the outrageous alterations. i was quoted about $250 and it ended up being twice as much and i couldn’t talk them down.
we’re less than a month away from our wedding date and i’ve obsessed over budget the entire time – but here at the end all of these things have popped up that couldn’t have been predicted. that’s what credit cards are for, right? :/
September 26th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
AmyJean Says:
That totally sucks. and thanks for the warning. But just remember you have your dress, its beautiful and beautiful on you… and don’t let them ruin one of your most precious moments!
and I agree with Miss Capitol Hill… i’m sure your post will definitely lost them business… they messed with the wrong girl.!
September 26th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Abbie in CO Says:
I am glad to hear that everything worked out with Oliver. How scary!
I can not believe it was that expensive for alterations! I have never heard of it being that much for basic adjustments. Thankfully you’re done with them and don’t have to deal with it any more.
Enjoy the last bit of time you have before the wedding and don’t let the mishaps get to you.
September 26th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Kel Says:
I am so glad Oliver is doing well after surgery. We cannot wait to have you home and don’t forget your ‘maids are here to help ya!! Let us know what you need.
Love,
Kel
September 27th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Kel Says:
Also- BAD, BAD karma to Murat’s!
September 27th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
The Pissed Off Bride Says:
jeez. so sorry. oliver was more than plenty. thanks for the hospital advice. then the dress! what a friggin rip off. they cannot be serious!
Well, I have been told that things go wrong during the wedding so expect it. maybe these are your wrongs and now you can have a fab stress free wedding day. lets hope!
p.s. can’t wait to see the dress!
September 27th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Does the Dress Fit Says:
Wow, that does seem like an awful lot for alterations. I only paid about $150 for mine. I would go some where else and get a second opinion.
September 28th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Molley Says:
So sorry to hear about Oliver and your dress alteration nightmare!! I’m glad Oliver is ok!! If it makes you feel any better- Priscilla totally ripped me off on alterations too
My dress fit like a glove, but some-how it was another $600??! 
Good luck with these last couple of days, I know your wedding is going to be AMAZING!! Keep your head up 
September 28th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
diana Says:
i hope the conehead is better…and you too! i have been enjoying a blog you might like to check out…PINK WALLPAPER. she’s a charleston designer with a cool sensibility.
about the alterations. i paled with horror. you’ll get through these last weeks, but try to take some time off the wedding!
September 28th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Kirstin Says:
BOOOOO!!!!
Im so so sorry! What a stinking day! I’m glad that Oliver is ok now. The last couple of weeks before a wedding are tough. Sounds like you have really been hit! You deserve lunch and a pedicure when you get to D.C. !!!! I’ll send up a little prayer for ya! xoxo
September 30th, 2008 at 1:53 am