Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding dress sizing can be confusing, as it doesn't follow the same measurements as regular clothing sizes and can vary between designers. When shopping for a wedding dress, it's important to prioritize comfort and how you feel in the dress rather than the number on the tag. To ensure the best fit, your dress will be ordered based on your body measurements, specifically your bust, waist, and hips. It's recommended to start shopping for your wedding dress 12 months before your wedding date, giving 3-4 months for alterations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bridal sizing | 2-3 sizes larger than regular clothing |
| Bridal size for size 4 in everyday clothing | 8 to 12 |
| Determining factors | Designer, silhouette of dress, country |
| Sample sizes | 6 to 10 |
| Time to start shopping | 9-12 months before the wedding |
| Time to order the dress | 8-9 months before the wedding |
| First fitting | 6 months before the wedding |
| Second fitting | 5 months before the wedding |
| Final fitting | 2-3 weeks before the wedding |
| Pick up the dress | 1 week before the wedding |
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What You'll Learn
Bridal sizing is not standardised
Each designer will have their own unique size chart, and sizes can vary significantly from designer to designer. This means that a bride may be a size 12 in one designer and a size 14 in another, which is entirely normal. It is important to reference a designer's size chart before purchasing a wedding dress. Bridal salons generally only carry a few sample sizes for try-on appointments, which usually range from a bridal size 6 to 10, or a street size 2 to 6.
To determine the best size, a bride's body measurements are taken, including bust, waist, and hips. The waist is measured above the belly button, while the hip measurement is taken at the widest point of the hips and bottom. The bride's largest measurement is typically accommodated first, and then alterations are made to the rest of the dress. For example, if a bride's bust is their largest measurement, they will order a dress size that fits their bust, and then the waist and hips can be taken in if needed.
It is important to remember that the size on the tag is just a number, and it is more important to focus on how the dress fits and flatters the body. A skilled tailor can make adjustments to the dress to ensure it flatters the bride's body shape and allows for ease of movement.
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Your dress will be ordered based on your body measurements
When it comes to wedding dress sizes, it's important to remember that bridal sizing is not standardised and is often different from regular clothing sizes. Bridal sizing tends to run small, with a size 4 in everyday clothing translating to a bridal size 8 to 12. This discrepancy is due to factors such as the structure of bridal garments and the lack of a universal sizing chart among designers. To ensure the best fit for your wedding dress, it will be ordered based on your unique body measurements.
Your bridal stylist will take three key measurements: your bust, waist, and hips. The waist is measured above the belly button, at the area where your body creases when you bend to the side. The hip measurement is taken at the widest point of your hips and bottom. These measurements will then be compared to the designer's size chart to determine the best size for your body.
It's important to embrace your unique measurements and remember that the size is just a number. The most important thing is how you feel in your dress on your wedding day. Alterations can always be made to ensure a perfect fit, and it's much easier to take in a dress than to try to expand it. Therefore, it's recommended to order a size that accommodates your largest measurement. For example, if your hips are your largest measurement, order a size that fits your hips, and then the bust and waist can be taken in if needed.
Additionally, bridal salons typically carry sample sizes that fall in the middle of the size chart, so many brides can try on different dresses. However, your individual dress will be ordered based on your body measurements, not the fit of the sample gowns. Remember that a skilled tailor can work their magic to ensure your gown flatters your body shape and allows for ease of movement.
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Bridal sizes differ from designer to designer
Wedding dress sizes can be confusing, as bridal sizing is not standardised and differs from designer to designer. Bridal sizing is based on traditional European sizing from the 1940s, which means that bridal sizes are typically two to three sizes larger than regular street clothing sizes. This discrepancy is due to various factors, including the structure of bridal garments and the fact that bridal designers do not use a universal sizing chart.
When shopping for a wedding dress, it is important to refer to a designer's unique bridal gown sizing chart. The most accurate way to determine your size is by taking your measurements and comparing them to the designer's size chart. Bridal salons usually carry a limited range of sample sizes for try-on appointments, typically ranging from bridal size 6 to 10. While referencing a designer's size chart is essential, alterations are often still needed to ensure the perfect fit.
Bridal stylists will usually measure the bust, waist, and hips, selecting the closest size to these measurements. A tailor or seamstress will then make any necessary adjustments to the dress. It is generally recommended to size up rather than down, as it is easier to take a dress in than to let it out. Alterations can include simple hems and nips and tucks, or more complex customisations.
When purchasing a wedding dress, it is important to consider the timeline for production and shipping, which can take several months. On average, a dress will take 16 to 20 weeks to arrive after placing the order, but this can vary depending on the designer and complexity of the design. It is recommended to start shopping for a wedding dress 9-12 months before the wedding, with the goal of ordering the dress 8-10 months in advance. This allows for alterations to be made and ensures that the dress will be ready in time for the big day.
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Sample sizes generally range from a bridal size 6 to 10
Wedding dress shopping can be a confusing and stressful experience, especially when it comes to sizing. Bridal sizing is not standardised and differs from regular street sizing. Bridal sizes are often two to three sizes larger than regular clothing sizes, but this can vary depending on the designer. Each designer will have their own unique size chart, and bridal sizing also differs depending on the region. For example, European and Australian sizes differ significantly from American sizing.
It's recommended that you order the size that accommodates your largest measurement. For example, if your hips are your largest measurement, you should order a dress that fits your hips, and then the bust and waist can be taken in during alterations. It's much easier to take in a dress than to try to expand it, as there is only so much extra fabric in the seams to work with. Alterations are a crucial step in achieving the perfect fit, and it's important to embrace your unique measurements and trust that your tailor will work their magic.
Remember, the most important thing is how you feel in your dress on your wedding day, not the number on the tag. Don't get hung up on the size and instead focus on choosing a gown that makes you feel beautiful and confident.
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You should make your bridal dress appointments 9-12 months prior to your wedding
Planning a wedding can be a stressful experience, and one of the most important aspects is the wedding dress. It's crucial to start the process early to avoid rush fees and ensure the perfect dress is available. The general consensus is that bridal dress appointments should be made 9-12 months before the wedding. This timeline allows for choosing and ordering the dress 8-9 months before the big day, giving ample time to find the dream dress and avoid rush fees.
Each gown is made to order, so longer wait times are inevitable. Made-to-order wedding gowns typically take about six to nine months to create. By starting the process early, you can ensure your dress is crafted to your measurements and any desired customizations are incorporated. This extended timeline also allows for the sourcing of components from across the globe, which may take time.
During your bridal appointment, you will try on sample-size dresses, which bridal stores order in middle sizes to accommodate various brides. Your individual dress will be ordered based on your unique body measurements, specifically your bust, waist, and hips. Bridal sizing differs from standard clothing sizes and varies across designers, so don't be alarmed if your bridal size is larger than your regular size. Focus on how the dress fits and feels rather than the number on the tag.
After selecting your dress, the first fitting typically occurs two months before the wedding, with the second fitting a month later, and the final fitting in the two to three weeks leading up to the wedding. These fittings are crucial for alterations and ensuring the dress is perfectly tailored to your body. Additionally, you should have your veil, jewellery, shoes, and other accessories picked out by the first fitting to get a complete picture of your bridal look.
Remember, each step of the wedding dress process takes time, from budgeting and researching to booking appointments and alterations. By starting your bridal dress appointments 9-12 months in advance, you can enjoy a stress-free experience and confidently walk down the aisle in your dream dress.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you start looking for your wedding dress 9-12 months before your wedding date. This will give you enough time to shop around, find the dress of your dreams, and avoid rush fees.
Bridal sizing is different from everyday clothing sizes and differs from designer to designer. It is recommended that you take your measurements and compare them to the designer's size chart. Bridal stylists will also be able to help you with sizing.
You will need to take three measurements: your bust, waist, and hips. The waist is measured above the belly button, and the hip measurement is taken at the widest point of your hips and bottom.
If your measurements fall between sizes, it is recommended that you size up. However, your stylist will be able to advise you on the best size for your body.
You should schedule your alterations to start 2 months before your wedding.
