My dress was due in January 3rd and is still not here. The dress shop keeps putting me off and yesterday I finally demanded to know what was going on. They called the manufacturer and was told the dress is stuck in customs and should be released in a week or so. Does anyone know why/how this happens?

When you order out of the country certain things spike the interest of customs. Watch it though, they may say it should be released in a week or so but if I were you, get the number of the shipping company and call them!!! Customs might need proof that the dress is for personal use not resale and if thats the case than you will need to fax them information (such as if you bought it off ebay you need to fax them the ebay invoice and the payment invoice) and then they will release your dress and you will get it within 48 hours of being released.

Honestly I think they are BSing you. I have had a few packages in customs checks and it takes 3 days max.