Rhiannon Hendricks
It is not uncommon for people to buy wedding dresses that are too big for them. This could be due to several reasons, such as the desire to lose weight before the wedding, changes in muscle mass, or simply ordering the wrong size. While this can be a stressful situation, there are several solutions to rectify the issue. One option is to find an experienced seamstress or bridal alterations expert who can take in the dress. Another solution is to use tools like ribbons, safety pins, and clippers for quick fixes. Additionally, certain dress styles, such as A-line or empire waist, offer more adjustability. Communicating properly with the seamstress and having multiple fittings are also recommended to ensure a perfect fit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for buying a big wedding dress | Desire to lose weight before the wedding |
| Weight loss before the wedding | |
| Inaccurate measurements | |
| Sample dresses being stretched out | |
| Ordering a size that aligns with the largest measurement | |
| Solutions | Using bra cups to fill out the bust |
| Using a sash to cinch around the waist | |
| Holding the bouquet over the midsection | |
| Using a lace-up back, A-line dress | |
| Using stretch fabrics or knit linings | |
| Using a corset back | |
| Taking two sets of measurements a few months apart | |
| Extending the corset for strapless dresses | |
| Using grosgrain ribbon | |
| Using a professional dresser | |
| Maintaining a stable weight in the months leading up to the wedding |
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What You'll Learn
Seek an experienced seamstress for alterations
If your wedding dress is too big, don't panic. It's a common issue that can be fixed with the help of an experienced seamstress.
Firstly, it's important to seek a professional seamstress with experience in altering wedding dresses. This is crucial, as wedding dresses are intricate and often feature delicate fabrics and embellishments. A skilled seamstress will have the expertise to work with these materials and ensure your dress is altered to fit you perfectly.
When choosing a seamstress, consider their reputation and experience. Look for online reviews or ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have recently been married. You can also contact local bridal boutiques or shops and ask for referrals. It's worth getting multiple estimates and comparing prices, as alteration costs can vary.
During your search, you may come across two options: using the in-house seamstress at the bridal shop where you purchased your dress or hiring an independent seamstress. There are advantages to both choices. In-house seamstresses are familiar with the dresses they sell and may have easier access to matching fabric, buttons, or other necessary materials. They may also be more accountable, as they are directly associated with the bridal shop. On the other hand, independent seamstresses may offer more competitive pricing and could provide a more personalised experience.
When you've found a potential seamstress, don't hesitate to ask questions. Inquire about their experience, the estimated cost, and the timeline for alterations. It's also beneficial to bring your dress along for a consultation so the seamstress can assess the amount of work required and provide a more accurate quote.
Remember, it's essential to feel confident and comfortable with the person altering your wedding dress. Take your time in making this decision, and don't be afraid to seek out multiple opinions.
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Check the dress measurements and fight for a new dress
It is important to know your measurements when buying a wedding dress. It is recommended to take two sets of measurements a few months apart, especially if you think your measurements will change. You will need to measure your bust, waist, and hips. You can then compare these measurements to the size chart of the brand of the dress you want to buy.
However, if your wedding dress does not fit, do not panic. Firstly, check that the dress you received matches the size you ordered. If it does not, you can contact the designer and request a new dress. Bridal salons are not in the business of scamming you on alterations, and unhappy brides do not make for a long and successful bridal business.
If you ordered the correct size, you can still make alterations to your dress. A talented seamstress can work wonders on complicated dresses, so it is worth discussing your options with a bridal stylist or consultant. They may recommend adding bra cups to fill out the bust or finding a sash to cinch around your waist. If you are concerned about the cost of alterations, you can also consider returning the dress to the boutique and asking for a credit for accessories.
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Quick fixes: add bra cups, use a sash, or hold your bouquet
Don't panic! There are several quick fixes you can try if your wedding dress is too big. Firstly, remember that all gowns require two people to help you get into the gown. One person should be at your front, holding the gown in place, and the other should be at your back. Pull up the dress so the waist is in the right spot—at your natural waist.
If the bust is too big, add some bra cups to fill it out. If your midsection is the area with too much room, find a sash to cinch around your waist. You can also hold your bouquet strategically over that spot as you walk down the aisle.
If you have time before your wedding, consider discussing the fit with a bridal stylist or consultant. They may recommend a corset-back gown or an A-line, ball gown, or empire-waist style, which are more adjustable than fit-and-flare, mermaid, or sheath styles.
If you are concerned about the cost of alterations, know that there are always options. You could bring your dress back to the boutique and see if they would offer a credit for accessories or another solution.
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Weight loss may impact dress size
The correlation between weight loss and dress size is also influenced by the type of weight lost. Losing fat may have a more noticeable impact on dress size compared to burning muscle, even if the change in weight is minimal. This is because muscle is denser than fat. As a result, a person with a higher proportion of muscle mass may not experience a significant change in dress size despite weight loss.
Furthermore, waist circumference plays a crucial role in dress sizing. A larger waist circumference typically corresponds to a larger dress size. Therefore, weight loss that results in a reduction of two to three inches around the waist may be necessary to go down a dress size. However, this is not always the case, as brands often have inconsistent sizing, and other factors such as excess skin can affect dress size.
While weight loss may impact dress size, there is no definitive answer to how much weight loss is required to go down a dress size. The relationship between weight loss and dress size varies depending on various factors, including body composition, type of weight lost, and waist circumference.
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Bridal shops may push for a larger size
While it is not a common practice for bridal salons to push for bigger sizes to scam customers into paying for alterations, it is a known fact that bridal boutiques tend to have very limited plus-size options. This may be because brides tend to lose weight before their wedding, and boutiques are used to brides who plan to lose weight but don't. As a result, the general advice is to order the size that aligns with the largest measurement.
In addition, the average size for a woman in the United States has been a size 16 or 18 since 2016, but the bridal industry remains firmly planted in its "thin is in" standard, stocking samples that fit just a small percentage of women. This may be why bridal shops push for larger sizes, as they are more likely to have them in stock.
Furthermore, bridal boutiques may not be investing in their plus-size samples, resulting in outdated options for plus-size brides. This exclusionary practice sends a message that plus-size people do not belong in the bridal industry.
It is important to note that ordering a bigger size is often recommended because it is easier to alter a dress to be smaller than bigger. Bridal shops may be pushing for larger sizes to avoid the difficulty and expense of letting out a dress that ends up being too small.
In conclusion, while there may be various reasons why bridal shops push for larger sizes, it is essential to remember that a talented seamstress can work wonders on alterations, ensuring that your dress fits you perfectly on your wedding day.
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Frequently asked questions
Don't panic. It's very common for brides to lose weight before their wedding day, so it's natural that you might encounter sizing issues. You can try adding some bra cups to fill out the bust if it's too large in your chest area. If there's too much room in your midsection, find a sash to cinch around your waist. You can also hold your bouquet over that spot as you walk down the aisle.
The cost of alterations depends on the dress. Simple adjustments can be made with bra cups, safety pins, ribbons, and sashes. More complex alterations, such as taking in a dress by several inches, may require a professional seamstress and could cost a significant amount.
Look for an experienced bridal seamstress, preferably with personal recommendations and experience in wedding dresses.
It's much better to buy a dress that's too big than one that's too small. It's easier to take a dress in than to let it out.
Aim to be close to your ideal weight during the first fitting, and maintain a stable weight in the months leading up to your wedding. Schedule the first dress fitting about six to eight weeks before the event and have at least three fittings to allow for gradual adjustments.
