What Every Bride Should Know About Wedding Dress Sizes
As a general rule, wedding dresses are usually sized small. That means that you’ll probably be wearing on size up from what you normally wear. But it makes shopping for your perfect wedding gown more difficult.
If you’re ordering a wedding gown from an online source, make sure to carefully read the sizing charts provided on the site. They will tell you exactly what size dress will fit you, based on your measurements for bust, waist, and hips. That’s why it’s important to take exact measurements. If possible, have someone else measure you instead of doing it yourself.
If you’re ordering from a brick-and-mortar store where you can try on all the dresses you like, then your job of finding the right wedding gown will be at least a little easier. When you first enter the store, though, it may be a good idea to get yourself sized by a sales associate so you don’t waste time trying on dresses that don’t quite fit.
Many of us aren’t balanced exactly proportionally. Some of us are full-figured, some of us are heavy-waisted, and some of us have broad shoulders and a narrow waist. Some bodies are shaped like a pear, some like an apple, and some like an inverted triangle. In truth, the ideal “hourglass” figure is relatively rare. If you usually have trouble finding the right clothes to fit your figure, ask the sales associate for their recommendations. Also check on the possibility of a split-size dress for girls with unbalanced figures.
Another thing you should know when wedding dress shopping is that certain cuts of dress require more ruthless measurements than others.
A final word on wedding dress size: many brides hope to lose weight before their wedding and it’s okay to have that goal, but don’t set yourself up for failure by buying a dress a size or two smaller than will realistically fit you right now. Buy a dress that fits you as you are today. If you succeed in your goal and drop a size or two by the wedding, you can always have the dress altered. But, if eating right and exercise get lost in the hustle and bustle of wedding planning (and they usually do), you won’t have to return a dress that doesn’t fit.
Navigating the world of wedding dress sizing is a difficult challenge for most LDS brides, but taking careful measurements and being educated about the different dress cuts out there makes all the difference. Utilize the expertise of sales associates at the bridal store, and above all, forget about the size listed on the tag and concentrate on finding a dress that looks beautiful on you!
♥ Jenny Evans
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