Deborah Chan
Many brides want to look their best on their wedding day, and for some, that means losing weight. If you're planning to lose weight before your wedding, you might be wondering when to buy your dream dress. The answer depends on how much weight you plan to lose. If you're aiming for a significant weight loss, you may need to wait until you're closer to your goal weight to buy a dress. However, if you're only looking to lose a small amount of weight, you can start shopping for a dress that fits your current size, and then have it altered closer to your wedding date.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to buy a wedding dress | 8-12 months before the wedding |
| 9 months before the wedding | |
| 2 months before the wedding | |
| 1 month before the wedding | |
| Weight loss | 5-15 pounds |
| 10-20 pounds | |
| 15-30 pounds | |
| 20 pounds | |
| 30 pounds or more | |
| 40-50 pounds or more | |
| Tips | Buy a dress that fits your current body |
| Choose a corset back dress | |
| Pick satin and tulle materials | |
| Avoid lace or beads | |
| Choose an A-line or sheath style |
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What You'll Learn
Order a dress that fits your current body
It is generally recommended that brides-to-be order a wedding dress that fits their current body size, rather than postponing the purchase until they have lost weight. This is because weight loss is an unpredictable process, and it is better to have a dress that can be altered to fit than to risk not being able to wear the dress at all if it is too small. Additionally, waiting too long to purchase a dress can result in limited options and less time to shop around and try on different styles.
It is advised that brides start looking for their wedding dress as soon as possible, even if they are planning on losing weight. This gives them the opportunity to try on different styles and find the right dress, as well as allowing time for any necessary alterations. A professional alterations service typically needs around 6-12 weeks to make adjustments, so it is important to factor this into your timeline. It is also worth noting that the cost of wedding dress alterations is based on the act of taking the dress apart, not on how much material is added or removed, so you won't save money by waiting to lose weight before having your dress altered.
When choosing a dress, it is important to discuss any weight loss plans with the wedding dress designer or consultant. They can advise on the best choices for alterations and work with you to ensure the dress fits perfectly on your wedding day. It is also a good idea to keep in mind that any new workout routine can change your body shape, even if your weight doesn't change significantly.
While it may be tempting to order a dress in a smaller size as motivation to lose weight, this is generally not recommended. It is always possible to take a dress in, but letting it out may not be an option if you are unable to lose the desired amount of weight. It is better to order a dress that fits your current body and have it altered to your final size closer to the wedding. This way, you can feel confident that your dress will fit perfectly and flatter your body shape, regardless of how much weight you lose.
Overall, it is important to remember that it is not your job to fit into the wedding dress, but the dress's job to fit you. By ordering a dress that fits your current body and working with a skilled alterations team, you can ensure that you will look and feel amazing on your wedding day.
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Start shopping 8-12 months before the wedding
If you're planning to lose weight before your wedding, it's important to start shopping for your dress early. While it may be tempting to wait until you've reached your goal weight, this could leave you with limited options and a stressful experience.
- Time for alterations: This gives you ample time to find a dress you love and have it altered to fit your body perfectly. Even if you lose weight, a dress can always be taken in, and you'll want to ensure it looks and feels amazing on your special day.
- Finding the right dress: Wedding dress shopping can take time, and you don't want to feel rushed or pressured. By starting early, you can explore different styles and silhouettes to find the one that suits you best. You can also consider off-the-rack options or made-to-order gowns, ensuring you have a wider range of choices.
- Weight loss journey: Losing weight takes time, and it's an unpredictable process. Starting your dress search early allows you to focus on your health and fitness goals without the added stress of a looming wedding date. You can work towards your ideal weight at a healthy pace, knowing that you have a beautiful dress waiting for you, regardless of the size you end up being.
- Enjoy the experience: Wedding dress shopping should be a fun and memorable experience. By giving yourself a comfortable time buffer, you can enjoy the process without feeling overwhelmed or rushed. You can savour the excitement of trying on different styles and finding the one that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.
- Avoid last-minute stress: Waiting too long to buy your wedding dress can lead to unnecessary stress. You want to avoid feeling pressured to make a quick decision or settle for a dress that isn't quite right. Starting early ensures a relaxed and enjoyable experience, allowing you to focus on the joy of the occasion.
Remember, the key to successful wedding dress shopping when losing weight is to give yourself ample time, be flexible, and prioritise your happiness and comfort on your special day.
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Pick a dress that's easy to alter
If you're planning to lose weight before your wedding, it's important to choose a dress that can be easily altered to ensure a perfect fit on your special day. Here are some tips to help you pick a dress that can be easily customised:
Choose Simple Silhouettes:
Select a dress style that is simple and easy to alter. A-line and sheath dresses are often recommended for their flattering silhouettes and straightforward alterations. These styles can accommodate a range of body types and can be adjusted to showcase your weight loss achievements. Avoid complex styles like ball gowns with multiple layers, as they may be more challenging to alter.
Select Alteration-Friendly Fabrics:
When choosing your wedding dress, consider selecting materials like satin and tulle, which are known for being easy to alter. Stay away from intricate fabrics such as lace or heavily beaded gowns, as they may pose more difficulties during alterations. Remember, the key is to find a balance between a beautiful design and the ease of customisation.
Discuss Alteration Options:
Before purchasing your dress, consult with a dress consultant or a tailor about your weight loss plans and alteration possibilities. They can advise you on which dress styles and fabrics will be more accommodating to alterations. Be open about your goals and ask for their guidance on how the dress can be tailored to your changing body.
Start the Alteration Process Early:
It's essential to allow ample time for alterations. Typically, you should start the fitting process two months before your wedding. This gives your tailor enough time to make the necessary adjustments. Keep in mind that last-minute alterations may be stressful, so plan accordingly.
Be Mindful of Significant Weight Loss Goals:
If you're planning to lose a significant amount of weight, consider choosing a dress style that can be easily adjusted. While it's important to feel confident and beautiful, remember that drastic weight loss may impact the overall look and fit of your dress. Be open to trying on different styles and sizes to find one that will showcase your achievements while still allowing for comfortable alterations.
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Don't wait to lose weight before shopping
It is important to remember that losing weight takes time, and waiting until you reach your ideal size before buying a wedding dress may result in limited options. Wedding dresses often take up to a year to be made and altered, so starting the process earlier allows for more time to shop around, try on different styles, and find the right dress.
Additionally, weight loss is unpredictable, and while a dress can always be taken in, letting it out may not always be possible. It is recommended to choose a dress style and size that you feel comfortable with at your current size. If you lose weight, the dress can be altered closer to the wedding. This ensures that you still have your dream dress, even if your size changes between purchasing and wearing it.
For brides planning to lose a significant amount of weight, it is advised to start window shopping early and hold off on buying until you are closer to your goal weight. This allows you to have an idea of what styles you like and choose a dress that will fit your new body shape. Off-the-rack dresses are a good option for those losing a substantial amount of weight, as they can be purchased closer to the wedding date.
When losing weight, consider choosing a corset-back dress or an A-line or sheath style, as these are easier to tailor when adjustments are needed. It is also important to discuss weight loss plans with your wedding dress consultant, as they can guide you through the process and advise on realistic goals.
In summary, don't wait to lose weight before shopping for your wedding dress. Start the process early, choose a dress you feel comfortable with, and have it altered as needed. This will ensure you have a stress-free experience and find the perfect dress for your special day.
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Choose a corset back dress
If you are planning to lose weight before your wedding, it is generally recommended that you still buy your dress at least eight months before your wedding date. This will allow you to try on different styles and find the right dress for you.
A corset back dress can be a good option if you are planning to lose weight, as it offers some flexibility with sizing. A corset back may add a little more flexibility if you are losing weight in your midsection or upper body. However, if you are losing weight around your legs or buttocks, the corset back won't help as much. Typically, a corset back dress can be taken in by up to two sizes, but this may depend on the dress and the skill of the seamstress. It is important to consult a professional seamstress to determine how much a specific dress can be altered.
If you are set on losing weight, it is still recommended that you order the closest wedding dress size to your current size. Weight loss is unpredictable, and while a dress can always be taken in, letting it out may not always be possible.
If you are concerned about back fat, it may be possible to take out the bust of a corset dress to accommodate this. However, this will depend on the amount of fabric available.
If you are considering swapping out the back of your dress for a corset, it is good to be aware that this alteration typically costs a couple of hundred dollars.
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Frequently asked questions
It's recommended that you start looking for your wedding dress 8 to 12 months before the wedding. This gives you plenty of time to find a dress you love and account for any necessary alterations.
If you're planning to lose between 5 and 20 pounds, it's recommended that you buy a dress that fits your current body. You can then hire a tailor to take it in closer to the wedding. If you're planning to lose more than 20 pounds, you may want to wait until you're closer to your goal weight and buy a dress off the rack.
It's important to discuss your weight loss plans with your wedding dress consultant. They can advise you on the best choices and the easiest dresses to alter. Corset back dresses, for example, are easier to tailor. It's also recommended that you pick a style that you feel comfortable in right now.
Don't worry, your wedding dress can still be altered. Even if you change dress sizes between purchasing your dress and the wedding, it can be altered to a custom fit so that you feel beautiful and confident.
