Junior Rasmussen
Wedding dress shopping can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to finding the right fit. While some opt for DIY measurements, it is always best to seek professional help. Bridal shops typically have their unique size charts, and it is not uncommon for brides to require a dress one or more sizes larger than their normal dress size. This is where professional bridal stylists come in, ensuring you order the right size and get the most flattering fit. So, where can you go to get measured for your wedding dress?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Places to get measured | Bridal shop/salon, dry cleaners/tailor, seamstress, David's Bridal, Nordstroms, Macy's, Claire Dratch (Bethesda) |
| Self-measurement tools | Flexible measuring tape, ribbon or shoelace, mirror, camera |
| Self-measurement tips | Wear the right undergarments, stand up straight, breathe normally, get help from a friend or family member |
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What You'll Learn
Ask a friend or family member to help
If you're unsure about measuring yourself for your wedding dress, asking a friend or family member to help is a great option. Here's a guide to help you through the process:
Preparation
First, you'll need to gather the right tools. Get a flexible measuring tape that's long enough to measure your entire body. It's also important to wear the same undergarments that you plan to wear on your wedding day, as different garments can affect your measurements. If you plan to wear shapewear or a specific type of bra, put it on before measuring.
Bust
Stand up straight, keeping your usual posture with your arms down. Wrap the measuring tape around your back, under your arms, and measure at the fullest part of your bust. Ensure the tape is straight and level, and not too tight—it should be comfortable and allow you to fit a finger between the tape and your body.
Waist
To find your natural waist, stand up straight and bend to one side. The crease that forms is your waist. Wrap the measuring tape around the narrowest part of your waist, again ensuring it's not too tight. You should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your waist.
Hips
Stand with your feet together and pass the measuring tape around the widest part of your hips and the fullest part of your bottom. Keep the tape comfortable and not too tight—you should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your body.
Hollow-to-Hem
If you're ordering a custom dress, you may need to provide a hollow-to-hem measurement. This is the measurement from the center of your collarbone (the hollow) to the bottom (hem) of your dress. It's important to wear your bridal shoes or shoes of the same height for this measurement. Ask your friend or family member to help you take this measurement accurately.
Comparing Measurements to Size Charts
Different designers and brands have different size charts, so it's crucial to compare your measurements to the specific designer's chart. Remember to order the largest size that corresponds to your measurements. Wedding apparel is often sized differently from retail clothing, so don't be surprised if you need a larger size than usual.
Tips for Your Helper
When asking a friend or family member to help, here are some tips to ensure accurate measurements:
- Ensure the measuring tape is held straight and level at all times.
- Remind the person taking measurements to breathe normally and relax their arms and body.
- Double-check that the measurements are correct before noting them down.
- Encourage open communication during the process to ensure comfort and accuracy.
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Visit a local seamstress
If you're wondering where to go to get measured for a wedding dress, one option is to visit a local seamstress. They will be able to take your measurements accurately and professionally. While they will likely charge a fee for this service, it is a good option to ensure your dress fits you perfectly.
When visiting a seamstress, be sure to wear the same undergarments that you plan to wear on your wedding day. This will ensure the most accurate measurements. The seamstress will take measurements of your bust, waist, and hips, ensuring that the tape measure is wrapped correctly and comfortably around your body.
It is also important to note that wedding dress sizes can differ significantly from your usual clothing sizes. Bridal sizes are often two to three sizes larger than regular clothing sizes, so don't be surprised if you need a larger size than you typically would. Each designer also has its own unique size chart, so be sure to refer to the specific designer's measurements when ordering your dress.
Additionally, consider the length of your dress. Some designers offer a custom hollow-to-hem measurement, which means they will measure from the center of your collarbone to the bottom of your dress. This ensures that your dress is the perfect length, especially if you plan to wear heels or a particular type of shoe.
By visiting a local seamstress, you can feel confident that your measurements are accurate and that your wedding dress will fit you beautifully. It is worth the investment to ensure you feel comfortable and stunning on your special day.
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Go to a bridal salon
If you want to get your measurements taken by a professional, going to a bridal salon is a good option. Many bridal salons offer free measurement services, even if you are not buying a dress from them. However, it is worth noting that some bridal salons may require you to purchase a dress from them to access their measurement services. Therefore, it is recommended to call ahead and inquire about their specific policies.
When visiting a bridal salon for measurements, ensure you wear the appropriate undergarments that you plan to wear with your wedding dress. This helps ensure accurate measurements. The bridal salon staff will take measurements of your bust, waist, and hips, which are the key measurements for determining your dress size.
It is advisable to order a dress size that corresponds to your largest measurement and then have the dress altered for a custom fit. Bridal salons often provide alteration services, so you can inquire about this during your appointment.
Additionally, some bridal salons may offer a custom hollow-to-hem measurement, which is the length of the dress from the center of your collarbone to the bottom of the hem. This measurement is especially important if you plan to wear a specific heel height on your wedding day.
By offering professional measurement services, bridal salons can ensure that your wedding dress fits you flawlessly, enhancing your overall bridal experience.
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Get measured at a dry cleaner
If you're looking to get measured for a wedding dress, you could consider going to a dry cleaner. Many dry cleaners offer measurement services, and this can be a great option if you don't want to measure yourself at home or go to a bridal salon.
- Call ahead to ensure they offer measurement services: While many dry cleaners offer measurements, it's always a good idea to call ahead and confirm that this is a service they provide. This way, you can also ask about their experience in measuring for wedding dresses specifically.
- Consider the timing: It's recommended to get measured close to the date of your wedding, as your body may change in the months leading up to the event. However, you'll also need to allow enough time for the dress to be altered based on your measurements.
- Wear the appropriate undergarments: When you go for your measurement appointment, wear the same undergarments that you plan to wear on your wedding day. This will ensure the most accurate measurements for your dress.
- Bring your shoes: If you already have your wedding shoes, bring them to the appointment. This will help the tailor consider the heel height when taking measurements, especially for the dress length.
- Compare measurements to the designer's size chart: Once you have your measurements, be sure to compare them to the size chart provided by the dress designer. Wedding dresses often have unique sizing, so ordering the size that corresponds to your largest measurement will ensure a flattering fit.
- Ask about alterations: In addition to taking measurements, some dry cleaners may also offer alteration services. If this is something you're interested in, inquire about their capabilities and pricing.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your measurements are accurate and that your wedding dress will fit you perfectly on your special day.
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Measure yourself at home
While it is recommended to get your measurements taken by a professional, you can also measure yourself at home. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you measure yourself at home for your wedding dress:
Firstly, you will need to gather the right tools. Make sure you have a soft and flexible body measuring tape. Avoid using a stiff ruler or a regular tape measure. You will also need a pencil and paper to record your measurements, although you can use your phone to note them down. It is also important to wear the same undergarments that you plan to wear under your wedding dress, so that you get the most accurate measurements.
Now, you can begin taking your measurements. Stand in front of a full-length mirror, holding the measuring tape snug against your body, but not too tight. Remember to breathe normally! Start by taking your bust measurement. Wrap the measuring tape around your back and under your arms at the fullest part of your bust. Keep the tape straight and make sure it doesn't dip at the back. Next, measure your underbust, which is where the elastic of your bra sits. Then, measure your waist by wrapping the tape around the narrowest part of your natural waist. If you are having trouble finding your waist, stand up straight and bend to one side - the crease that is formed is your natural waist.
You can also take measurements for your high hip and upper arm. For the high hip, measure around the top of your hip bone. For the upper arm, measure the fullest part of your upper arm or your bicep.
Finally, take the hollow-to-floor measurement, which is the distance from the hollow point between your collarbones to the floor. Put on your wedding shoes or shoes of the same height to ensure an accurate measurement. This measurement can be tricky to take by yourself, so you may need the help of a friend or family member.
Once you have all your measurements, you can compare them to the designer's size chart to determine your dress size. Remember to order the largest size that corresponds to your measurements, as wedding dresses are typically sized differently from retail clothing. You can then get the dress altered for a custom fit.
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Frequently asked questions
Bridal shops will often only measure you if you’re buying from them. However, some shops may be willing to measure you for free. You could also try a dry cleaner or tailor, or ask a friend or family member who sews or has worked in a bridal salon.
Yes, but they will only measure you if you’re buying a dress from them.
Yes, you can take your own measurements at home. You will need a flexible measuring tape, a ribbon or shoelace, and a mirror. You can also ask a friend or family member to help you.
First, make sure you’re wearing the right underwear – the same style you plan to wear on your wedding day. Then, wrap the measuring tape around your back and under your arms at the fullest part of your bust. Next, find your natural waist by bending to one side – the crease is your natural waist. Finally, measure the fullest part of your hips and butt with your feet together.
Compare your bust, waist, and hip measurements to the designer’s size chart. It’s important to order the largest size that corresponds to your measurements.
