‘Hysterical, in tears’: Bride’s dream dress turns into $15k nightmare

A devastated bride has gone viral after claiming her ‘dream dress’ arrived far too big, sparking a $15,000 bridal nightmare just four weeks before walking down the aisle.

It’s the dress little girls grow up dreaming about — but for one Sydney bride, her fairytale gown has become a “f...ing nightmare”.

Paddington’s luxury boutique The Ivory Room is facing backlash after Sydney bride Jade Zane went viral with claims her $15,000 wedding gown arrived too big – just four weeks out from her big day.

Sharing photos on social media, Zane said the dress was “massive” and so “gapey” at the front that alterations would completely ruin its shape.

“They have been a f...ing nightmare,” she said in a TikTok video.

“I spent almost 15k on my dream dress and it has come and it is massive.

Sydney bride-to-be Jade Zane says her dress is too big. Picture: TikTok

Zane spent $15k for her wedding frock. Picture: Instagram

“They are taking 4cm from each of my sides, they are saying I have to have it altered around my waist.

“Even then that’s going to ruin the integrity of my dress.”

Zane claims The Ivory Room’s founder and managing director Nicole O’Connor hasn’t taken accountability, instead insisting Zane’s body must have changed.

“What’s crazy is she’s sticking to her gun saying my measurements have changed, which is insane. That is absolutely not true.

“My bust has changed 1cm. My waist has changed 0.5cm.

“I’ve had the alterations place measure me, I’ve measured myself … I don’t understand how they are saying it’s my fault.”

The Ivory Room says Zane’s body must have changed. Picture: Instagram

In a lengthy statement to Confidential, The Ivory Room responded to the claims, explaining that all designer dresses are made to the closest size based on three measurements — bust, waist and hips, and that alterations are “always required” to achieve a custom fit.

“Alterations are not included in the price of a dress,” the statement said.

“A bride’s measurements may change between the time of ordering and delivery … we clearly explain this in all appointments, in the post-appointment quote email, and clarify in the terms of our contract, which all brides are required to read and sign prior to placing their order.”

The store said Zane was originally measured on November 23, 2024, tried on her dress at a dedicated appointment in May 2025, and confirmed she was happy with the fit at that time.

“She signed off on her measurements taken and her satisfaction with the dress.

“It wasn’t until six weeks later … that Jade contacted us to express concerns with the sizing and the cost of alterations,” the store said.

But Zane says she tried to resolve the issue behind the scenes before going public.

“I didn’t want to seem insensitive to the times that we are in to complain about a dress with everything going on in the world,” she said.

“I emailed them Tuesday last week, and it was Wednesday this week that I ended up going on social media and complaining. Nicole the owner did email me.”

Zane claims she has since been inundated with similar horror stories from other brides.

“I now know two people personally who have had the exact same issue with them, not including the people in my DMs who have said they spent thousands of dollar and they were told ‘too bad, so sad’.

“You’re four weeks out from your wedding, what other choice do you have,” she said.

“I have dreamt about getting married since I was little … and now, four weeks out, to know that it’s going to look like shit even if it’s altered.

“I’ve been hysterical, emotional, in tears – every emotion under the sun.”

The Ivory Room in Paddington has turned off comments on their social media channels. Picture: Instagram

The Ivory Room said they had reached out to Zane again to try to resolve the matter, adding: “We are very sorry Jade is distressed and have been in contact with her today (Thursday) to provide support and try find a resolution.

“We are proud of our five years in business making beautiful wedding dresses for thousands of happy brides.

“We take our obligations under consumer laws very seriously and have always abided by them.”

But Zane isn’t backing down.

“I’ve decided I am not wearing the dress. I will be taking this as far as I can … I even had my daughter call me and tell me I can take money out of the bank account.

“They want me to have my dream dress.”

Zane has been contacted by Confidential.