How to choose your wedding dress
November 12, 2005 (Press Release) --
Aside from picking out the perfect gown, one of the most difficult decisions some brides must make is what size to order. There are many factors to consider when choosing the size:
Be sure to have a professional take your measurements. If having your measurements taken at a bridal salon, it is also a good idea to either get a "second opinion" on your measurements, or have a friend take your measurements with you. You will want to compare your measurements to what the salesperson writes down. For two reasons:
1) Some salons will require or assume that you will be having your gown altered at their store. Even is the seamstress is not a store employee, the salon usually gets a cut of the alteration bill. So, in some bridal salons they may encourage you to order the gown in a bigger size than you really need. Please note that this is not very common, but it has happened enough that it is worth mentioning.
2) People make mistakes! Double-check the salespersons' measurements to make sure they are within 1/2" of what you measured. If she made a mistake, she will be grateful for your help in avoiding a fiasco!
Many brides find that their measurements do not fit into one size. Some are lucky and they are between 2 sizes, others have measurements that can span 4 sizes or more! When this happens, do not panic! Consider these options & scenarios:
1) Do you have a wide rib cage? We have had many brides who wear a size 6 in skirts and pants who need to order a size 12 bridal gown because they have a very wide rib cage. This can also be the case if you have a larger bust.
2) If your gown is not available to try on in a size close to what you think you need to order, try on a gown by the same designer in a similar style (if your gown is A-line, be sure to try on an A-line gown). This will at least give you an idea of how their gowns fit in the size you need.
If you are afraid that your measurements will vary greatly and give you a dilemma on the size to order, you may want to look for a gown with a corset style (lace-up) back closure. These gowns can usually fit a bride who measures over 3 different sizes depending on how tight or loose she desires the laces to be tied.
Remember when choosing a size, in most cases if you are measuring between sizes, it is usually better to order the gown in the larger size and have it altered down to fit your smaller area. Almost any gown can be made smaller, and most gowns will only be able to be made larger by a little bit.
Last, but certainly not least, you will want to be sure to choose a seamstress who has extensive experience altering bridal and formal gowns. Your favorite tailor for your suits jackets and slacks is probably NOT the best person for the job! Bridal gowns can be very delicate and tricky to alter (consider all of the embroidery, beading, lace, appliqués, etc. that can be on a gown!) Most bridal gowns also do not have a built-in bustle. A seamstress who specializes in bridal gowns will be able to show you a variety of ways she can create a bustle to show off your gown’s best features!
Be sure to have a professional take your measurements. If having your measurements taken at a bridal salon, it is also a good idea to either get a "second opinion" on your measurements, or have a friend take your measurements with you. You will want to compare your measurements to what the salesperson writes down. For two reasons:
1) Some salons will require or assume that you will be having your gown altered at their store. Even is the seamstress is not a store employee, the salon usually gets a cut of the alteration bill. So, in some bridal salons they may encourage you to order the gown in a bigger size than you really need. Please note that this is not very common, but it has happened enough that it is worth mentioning.
2) People make mistakes! Double-check the salespersons' measurements to make sure they are within 1/2" of what you measured. If she made a mistake, she will be grateful for your help in avoiding a fiasco!
Many brides find that their measurements do not fit into one size. Some are lucky and they are between 2 sizes, others have measurements that can span 4 sizes or more! When this happens, do not panic! Consider these options & scenarios:
1) Do you have a wide rib cage? We have had many brides who wear a size 6 in skirts and pants who need to order a size 12 bridal gown because they have a very wide rib cage. This can also be the case if you have a larger bust.
2) If your gown is not available to try on in a size close to what you think you need to order, try on a gown by the same designer in a similar style (if your gown is A-line, be sure to try on an A-line gown). This will at least give you an idea of how their gowns fit in the size you need.
If you are afraid that your measurements will vary greatly and give you a dilemma on the size to order, you may want to look for a gown with a corset style (lace-up) back closure. These gowns can usually fit a bride who measures over 3 different sizes depending on how tight or loose she desires the laces to be tied.
Remember when choosing a size, in most cases if you are measuring between sizes, it is usually better to order the gown in the larger size and have it altered down to fit your smaller area. Almost any gown can be made smaller, and most gowns will only be able to be made larger by a little bit.
Last, but certainly not least, you will want to be sure to choose a seamstress who has extensive experience altering bridal and formal gowns. Your favorite tailor for your suits jackets and slacks is probably NOT the best person for the job! Bridal gowns can be very delicate and tricky to alter (consider all of the embroidery, beading, lace, appliqués, etc. that can be on a gown!) Most bridal gowns also do not have a built-in bustle. A seamstress who specializes in bridal gowns will be able to show you a variety of ways she can create a bustle to show off your gown’s best features!
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