Never Pay Cash for Bridal Alterations

The best scenario is if you paid by credit card. You get 90 days to dispute the transaction. If you can get the gown away from her before she does the bustle, you can go to your credit card company or bank and request a "Charge Back". This will force the credit card company to take the disputed amount of money out of her account and hold it in escrow for 10 days. In that time she has the right to PROVE that she did the service you requested or made the return you asked for and gave you the money. Since you have the unfinished dress, she can not prove either and you will be given the money after the 10th day.