Deborah Chan
Wedding dress woes are more common than you think. If your wedding dress is too small, don't panic. First, take a deep breath and remember that all gowns require at least two people to help you get into them. If your dress is feeling a little snug, ask your bridal party or family members to help you get into it. If your dress is strapless, it needs to be tight enough that it doesn't fall down, so don't worry if it feels a little tight at first. If you have time before your wedding, consider reaching out to a seamstress to see if they can let out the seams or add a corset back to give you some extra room. If you're in a time crunch, shapewear can help smooth out any snug areas, and tools like safety pins and ribbons can be used for emergency fixes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What to do if your wedding dress is too small | Take a deep breath and ask for help. |
| How to put on a wedding dress that is too small | Pull up the dress so the waist is in the right spot, then push the fabric towards the back to zip it up. |
| Quick fixes for a dress that is too big | Add bra cups to fill out the bust area, find a sash or belt to cinch around your waist, or use shapewear. |
| Avoiding last-minute sizing problems | Try on your dress a few days before the wedding with the same undergarments and accessories you plan to wear on the day. |
| Dealing with a dress that is too long | Wear taller shoes or use duct tape to shorten the hem. |
| Solutions for a dress that is too short | Wear flats instead of heels, add a decorative lace hem, or use a tulle overskirt. |
| Altering a dress that is too small | Let out the seams or add a corset back if there is enough seam allowance. |
| Cost of alterations | Around $300 for typical alterations, but can be more expensive for beaded or embellished dresses. |
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What You'll Learn
Don't panic, ask for help
It's natural to want to panic when your wedding dress doesn't fit, but remember, this is a common issue and there are many ways to fix it. Take a deep breath and ask for help. If your wedding is soon, ask your bridal party or family members to help you get into the dress. If there's more than one person available to help, have one person at the front of the dress, one at the back, and one at each side. Ask them to shimmy the dress up to your natural waist, then push the fabric towards the back to give as much space as possible for the person at the back to zip the dress.
If your wedding is a few weeks away, you can try to find a seamstress to make alterations. Two months is plenty of time to let out the seams. If you're concerned about the quality of the alterations, ask a bridal stylist or consultant for advice. If you're unhappy with your dress, find a new seamstress. Ask friends, family, or coworkers for recommendations.
If your dress is feeling a little tight, try wearing shapewear underneath. This will leave a smooth finish and help the dress slide on more smoothly. If you're not wearing shapewear, try putting some on. If you think the bust is too tight, remove the bra padding.
If your dress is too long, try wearing a pair of heels or taller shoes. If the problem isn't too bad, you may be able to get away with walking carefully down the aisle and bustling the gown after the ceremony. If your dress is too short, try wearing flats instead of heels. If you're handy with a needle and thread, you can also add a little lace to the bottom of the dress to create a decorative hem.
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Try it on a few days before the wedding
Trying on your wedding dress a few days before the wedding is a great way to avoid any last-minute surprises and ensure that your dress fits like a dream on the big day. This practice run will give you the opportunity to assess the fit and make any necessary adjustments. It is recommended that you wear the same undergarments and accessories, such as shoes, that you plan to wear on your wedding day. This will help you get a true sense of the overall look and feel.
If your dress feels a bit snug or doesn't fit as expected, don't panic. It's important to remember that wedding dresses are typically designed to hug the body, so a snug fit is to be expected. Take a deep breath and enlist the help of your bridal party or family members. It's always easier to get into a wedding gown when you're calm. Have one person stand in front of you and another behind you. Ask them to gently shimmy the dress up to your natural waist and then push the fabric towards the back, creating more space for the person at the back to clasp the dress.
If your dress has a zipper, instruct the person at the back to slowly zip it up while you exhale. If the zipper is almost closed but needs a little extra help, you can add another person to gently pull the sides of the zipper together and then zip it up. Remember, it's crucial to not stress the zipper to avoid any breakage. If the dress feels too tight, keep it on for a few minutes, as your body may adjust to the garment, making it easier to zip up.
In some cases, you may need to consider last-minute alterations. Most wedding dresses have a seam allowance, allowing for adjustments to be made. You can consult a seamstress to let out the seams, add a corset back, or make other necessary changes. Additionally, shapewear can be a great solution to smooth out any snug areas and create a more comfortable fit.
Trying on your dress a few days before the wedding will give you the time and flexibility to make any necessary adjustments, ensuring that you feel confident and comfortable on your special day.
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Avoid lifestyle changes after the final fitting
A wedding dress that doesn't fit is a nightmare scenario for any bride. If your wedding dress is too small, the first thing to remember is to stay calm. It is always easier to get into a wedding gown when you are calm. Ask for help from your bridal party or family members to get into the dress.
To avoid such a situation, it is recommended that you avoid any lifestyle changes after your final dress fitting. Even small changes to your workout routine can affect your body shape. For instance, adding squats to your workout routine two weeks before your wedding will change your hip and thigh shape, which will be a problem if you are wearing a mermaid or fit-and-flare silhouette.
Maintaining a stable weight in the months leading up to your wedding is ideal. While it is understandable that brides want to look their best on their wedding day, slimming down or toning up can affect the way a dress fits. Brides should aim to be close to their ideal weight during the first fitting and schedule the first dress fitting about six to eight weeks before the wedding, with at least three fittings to allow for gradual adjustments.
If you are concerned about the possibility of your gown not fitting, discuss this with a bridal stylist or consultant when dress shopping. They may recommend shopping for a corset back gown or an A-line, ball gown, or empire-waist style, which are more adjustable than fit and flare, mermaids, or sheaths.
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Ask the seamstress to let out the seams
If your wedding dress is feeling a little snug, don't panic. It's time to ask for help from a professional seamstress or tailor. They will be able to advise on the best course of action to ensure your dress fits you perfectly.
Most wedding dresses have approximately a 1" seam allowance on each side, which means the seams can be undone and sewn so that the dress can be let out and made a little bigger. This process can take time, so it's important to seek help as soon as possible. Leah Weinberg, a wedding planner and founder of Color Pop Events, recommends allowing two months to let out the seams.
Your seamstress should be able to undo the stitching on both side seams (under the arms) and let out the seam allowance. However, dresses can usually only be let out by one or two sizes. If you need more room, your seamstress could see about letting out the zipper allowance or adding a zipper extender to the back of the dress. They may also suggest adding a corset back, which will give you more breathing room. This involves removing the zipper, adding a panel of fabric, and some corset loops, which could add up to 5" to your dress.
Before making any alterations, your seamstress will need to assess the construction and fabric of your dress. They will also need to measure your waist and hips to determine how much larger the dress needs to be. The number of seams in the dress will also impact how much it can be let out—the more vertical seams, the more room can be added.
If you are concerned about your dress being too small, be sure to communicate this to your seamstress as soon as possible. They are experts in their field and will be able to advise on the best course of action to ensure you feel comfortable and confident on your wedding day.
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Consider shapewear
If your wedding dress is feeling a little snug, consider shapewear as your best bet. Shapewear is designed to smooth and sculpt your body, helping you achieve a seamless and sleek look under your dress. It can provide gentle contouring and support, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident on your big day. Here are some tips to consider when choosing shapewear for a wedding dress that is too small:
Choose the Right Style
The style of shapewear you select should complement your wedding dress's silhouette and unique cutouts. If your dress has a low back or a high leg slit, opt for shapewear that offers coverage in the front and sides while dipping down in the back, ensuring it remains undetectable. For a backless or low-back dress, a seamless low-back bodysuit can lift your curves while remaining invisible. If your dress is form-fitting, consider a thong or seamless briefs to avoid visible panty lines. Convertible bodysuits are ideal for strapless ball gowns, providing support and a seamless finish.
Select the Right Compression Level
Shapewear comes in various compression levels, from light-to-medium to high compression. If you desire added contouring and support, opt for high-compression pieces like bodysuits or corsets. However, ensure that the shapewear is not too constricting and allows you to breathe and move comfortably.
Choose the Right Size
When selecting shapewear, it is crucial to choose your true size based on the brand's size guide. Avoid sizing down, as this can cause discomfort and the shapewear to ride up or roll down.
Opt for Invisible Shades
To ensure the shapewear remains invisible under your dress, choose shades that blend with your skin tone. If your dress is sheer, consider opting for white shapewear that can serve as a foundational piece.
Ensure Comfort and Functionality
Your wedding shapewear should feel comfortable and stay put throughout the day and evening. Opt for styles that won't roll up or down, and consider shapewear with snaps or a wide neckline for easier access and convenience.
Remember, the key is to choose shapewear that works for your unique body and needs, ensuring it lies seamlessly under your wedding gown.
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Frequently asked questions
First, don't panic. Wedding dresses can be tricky to get on, and just because it feels tight at first doesn't mean it won't ultimately fit. Take a deep breath and ask for help. You can also try wearing shapewear underneath, which comes in various shapes, sizes, colours, and strengths.
If your dress has seams, you can let them out and make the dress bigger. Most wedding dresses have approximately a 1" seam allowance on each side, which can be undone and sewn to make the dress larger.
You can ask your seamstress to add a corset back. They can remove the zipper, add a panel of fabric, and some corset loops, which can add up to 5" to your dress.
If you're wearing a lace-up dress, get it as tight as possible. You can also try adding bra cups to fill out the bust area. If your dress is too large in the midsection, find a sash or belt to tie around your waist.
