Wedding dress size questions

[Christina.Rose 287]

I'm trying to get an estimate for how much weight I might have to lose to go to a size 16 from a size 20. My wedding dress alterations appointment is September 18. I am 5'6" 239 lbs at the moment. I am going in for a fill Aug 6 but have been trying to eat healthier already. My band hasn't really been much help since I had to have an unfill months ago. All of my fills after don't seem to do anything anymore. Anyways, I thought maybe some veterans who may have been in my shoes may have some input or personal experience that might help me out. I do know body composition is a factor.....I think I'm an apple shape.....but any guidance or realistic estimates would really help me. Thanks in advance.

[Bandista 7,466]

I'm not really a veteran but I'm 5'6" and down from 18 jeans in November to 12 now in the same brand and ready for new ones. I'm pretty sure exercise is key. You will be a beautiful bride no matter what size you are, and those seamstresses know what they are doing if you need quite a bit removed closer to the wedding. Congratulations on everything!

[terriewoods 8]

Gosh I am no veteran either but I got banded on January 23. Have had many fills and am now at 8.3 in a 10cc band. Finally Im beginning to feel restriction and actually lost 5 point something lbs this last month. I havent lost but around 25 lbs and it has been very very slow. I have actually gone down from a 24 to an 18 in clothes sizes though. So I can tell more in my inches than I can in my weight if that makes sense. I try to stick to being very good but have my slip ups and know that is the reason for some of the slow weight loss but I feel like the slower the better.

[Leepers 1,195]

I feel like I go down a size for 20-30 pounds I lose. My body shape is all belly, no waist.

[lisacaron 5,075]

@@Christina.Rose have you already ordered your wedding dress in the size 20 and think you might need to take it in up to a 16?

When is your wedding?

4 sizes is a lot to take in alterations at some point you will end up reconstructing the whole dress. Depending on the time frame for your wedding your gonna want to try and stay pretty consistent in your weight if you can the closer and closer you get.

If you plan to lose a lot of weight right before, try to order the smaller size but maybe an 18 so you can always take it in to a 16 if needed.

Wedding dresses can have complicated sizing depending on the material and the style Aline, Mermaid, etc. Always best to check with the seamstress doing the alterations they know and trust me they won't lie to you just to make you feel good

I got married at my highest weight ever...but I couldn't have been happier and I still love my photo's even as hubby and I have lost over 60 pounds each

[lasal 70]

Ok when I was 240 I was size 20 but I am only 5'3. At about 200 pounds I was size 14/16 and now at 194 am about 14 almost 12 (in non plus sizes) hope this helps!

[Christina.Rose 287]

Thank you all for the pointers! I read somewhere that plus sizes are harder to go down in than smaller ones. Like a two inch size difference instead of a one inch size difference.....blah! I am "guesstimating" 30-40 pounds at the moment to get to a 16 ish from a 20....lol. The sizes for my dress go 16,18,20,22 etc. I think that's common? Please don't stop sending me info! It's really insightful! Ok

[Julie norton 2,850]

Also remember bridal sizes are always 2-4 sizes higher than normal. Frustrating. But true. If you take a 14. In bridal it will closer to 18. Sigh Like brides need that. Good luck. A smile will be the best thing you where!!!!

Edited August 3, 2014 by Julie norton

[gowalking 10,790]

I started this journey in a size 26/28 pant and 4X tops. It took something like 50 lbs. to drop down to size 20 pant and 2-3X tops. It wasn't till I got into size 14 pants...and that was at around the 100 lb. loss mark, that the sizes started to drop fast. I was probably around 160 lbs. when I was wearing the 14 pants and XL or 1X tops. But at 128....I'm wearing 6/8 pants and mostly medium petite tops. Once you get into the smaller sizes, it doesn't take much to go down. Just be aware of that...especially with something as important as a wedding gown.

[Kathytej 134]

In my case was different I've has lost more sizes than weight... I do not know why but i went from 3x to xl in no time in tops and from 24 to 16p in jeans. Dr. Explain to me that everyone is different. I have lost 55 lb in 10 months, which is ok for me I am 46 y/o and I don't want to loose weight fast and then to be hanging.

[Corey Coffey 12]

it depends on the style of gown and the undergarments worn underneath. Also the sample gowns have been tried on by many brides to be, so they are not as "tight" as a New gown from the manufactuer. Fibers stretch with waring just like a pair of levis the same is true for formal attire. Whatever you choose remember it is easier to take a dress down the let it out. So with that in mind if your bust is say a 14/16 but your hips ar fitting into say an 18.20. Then go with the larger size the seamstress can take it down for you no problem. Happy dress shoping and enjoy your special day.