Bridal gown shopping can be a challenge if you don’t know what to expect. Sizing can be confusing, and you will need to know some things before you purchase your gown. Here are five tips about bridal gown sizing.
Even If the Size Fits, The Gown May Still Need Alterations
There’s a chance the gown you find will need to be altered, so keep this in mind while you’re shopping for your wedding gown. The top may need to be altered for a more conforming, secure fit. Likewise, the bottom may need adjustments for your height or your height in shoes. A wedding dress can typically be taken in two dress sizes and keep its structure. However, a dress can only be taken out one dress size. Make your first alteration appointment no later than three months before your wedding date.
Keep in Mind that Your Measurement and Size are Two Different Things
Before you purchase your bridal gown, three different measurements will be taken. Bust, waist, and hips will all be measured and the gown will be ordered generally to your largest measurement. For the bust measurement, the measuring tape will be placed at the fullest part of your bust, under your arms and around your back.
For your waist, stand up straight and bend at the waist to find your natural waist. Place the measuring tape around the narrowest part of your waist for the measurement. Place your feet together and wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your hips and around your backside for the hip’s measurement.
Ask About the Size Charts of the Bridal Salon Before You Go
Even if you don’t know what size you will ultimately purchase, many bridal designers, especially custom designers, will have custom size charts for their gowns. This unique bridal sizing can typically differ two dress sizes from your street size. Each designer will have their own sizing, so don’t be concerned if your dress size differs between salons/designers.
A Dress from a Trunk Show can Run Small
If you’re a bride who is going to purchase a dress from a trunk show, most of these styles will be brought in directly from the runway. Most of the styles will typically be smaller sizes. If you find a dress you like and it is too small, ask the salon If that style is available to sample in a larger size. Note that it may take a few weeks or a few months to order a larger size from a trunk show design.
Start By Finding A Style and Then See If A Size Works
Sizing doesn’t really have anything to do with style. If you have a style you like, whether it be a mermaid, A-Line, Ball Gown, or high low, it can always be ordered in a number of sizes. So, first find a style that works for your body type, and then work with the salon to determine your measurements and order the gown according to your size.
Keep these tips in mind as you start purchasing your bridal gown. Check out our bridal collection if you’re in the market for a wedding dress.