What size wedding dress do I order?

[JULIEM81 0]

I had my band surgery in Oct. 3rd of '08 and so far I've lost 45 pounds. I'm getting married on October 3rd of this year and I'm going on Thursday to order my gown. I had hoped to wait longer to order it but no such luck so how do I figure out what size to order? I am currently in an 18/20 and was told a dress can only be taken in so far. So do I order what fits now, order one size down, or even more? Any input would be so appreciated as I'm so afraid to order this dress and have it too big or too small. Thanks in advance.

[amberstar 1]

If there was any way to wait longer, I would. But if you can't I would at least go a size or even two down. If you've lost 45 so far, thats great, and you'll prob keep going. Maybe a size 14? Then if it was too small you could have it let out a little, or if it was too big it wouldn't take much to take it in. Just my opinion. But I would say definitely order it smaller, whether it's a size or two down. Congrats on your engagement!

[di1138 8]

Can you find anyone to make it for you? That way it could be made closer to the day. My guess if you keep going the way you are you could be several sizes smaller. It seems a size is about 13-15 lbs. Good luck and much happiness to you!

[IWannaBeSkinny 0]

I don't know how you would feel about this, but I rented my wedding dress. I got a dress for just under $500. They will alter to fit you and you only need a couple week notice. I don't know if they have them all over the place, but the one near me was SUPER nice!

Just a thought.

[GreyhoundGirl 0]

I'd wait if I were you. What's the rush on ordering the dress now? You have plenty of time between now and the wedding (congrats btw)

I'd wait until summer to try on your dress! :thumbdown:

[Cleo's Mom 257]

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. My daughter was married in October 2007 and had a beautiful fall wedding. It's a great time to get married. Anyway, every 20 pounds is a dress size. So size 18 would be 20#, size 16 would be 40# and size 14 would be 60#. It is easier to take in a dress than make it bigger. You know yourself and your weight loss pattern. At least one to two dress sizes sounds reasonable - but make sure you find a good seamstress who has experience with formal gowns. It will be worth it.

[gingerbug 3]

Well, it is easier to alter a size down than a size up if I understand that right! I would be generous with your estimates then get it altered within 3 weeks of the wedding if you need to get it taken in.

[JuicyGirl 0]

How strange that you need to order so early! I was married at the end of July and ordered my dress at the end of January.

How much are you losing on average now? You may want to try going two sizes down, depending on the maker of the dress. Dresses can be let out a bit depending on the seam allowance of the maker so that gives you some wiggle room if you don't get all the way there.

[Lori in Cali 0]

I worked in a bridal salon for a long, long time. The first thing you do need to do is track down the manufacturer of the dress. They almost certainly have showrooms in Manhattan. Call them, tell them you have had weight loss surgery and that you are wondering if you can wait until May or June to order their dress. The odds are very good that they will tell you that won't be a problem. The vast majority of dresses, from both high end and low end manufacturers alike, can be had in under two months when necessary. Four months is usually quite comfortable.

You need to talk to the actual alterations lady at the salon to see what she has to say about the dress you've picked. She may say to you that she can only take the dress down one size and if that is the case, then that's probably not a good choice for you. When I had pregnant brides coming through, I'd always have them talk to the alterations lady so that they knew exactly what they were getting into. Generally speaking, a size 14 can be altered down to a 10 or back up to a 16 - that's probably your best bet, but that doesn't into account the style of your dress. They are certain necklines and certain bodices that have very little room for alterations.

Next, put an ad up on Craig's List Creative Gigs (it won't cost anything) for a local dressmaker. Find someone with a real portfolio and real references. There are lots of seamstresses who make their living knocking off bridal and evening gowns for individuals and they do a beautiful job. Also, check local fabric shops that carry HIGH END bridal materials and see if they have referrals. They will usually know all the best seamstresses in the area and who is the most reliable. Under your circumstances, that's probably the best way for you to go.

Having worked in the bridal industry, my alarm bells are going off. I'm wondering if either the salon or the manufacturer is in financial trouble and that's the reason for the long wait period. Something isn't right here.

Anyway, however you go, have a beautiful wedding. :thumbdown:

[nikki914 1]

I ordered my dress over a year in advance. I would order a size down and then they can go from there. It should not be a problem to move it a size or 2. I would also talk to the place to let them know they probably have lots of thoughts/suggestions.

[kgloverii 0]

I'd go down 2 sizes. A corset got me down a full size when I got married. Corsets are a good thing, in case.