Weddingbee boards

I have finally decided to purchase my dream gown, the Lazaro 3059...

Although I'm super excited, I'm also really confused because when I placed my order they said that I fall between two sizes - 12 and 14. The difference between the sizes is 1.5inches at each measurement; bust, waist and hips. 

Normally I would automatically just say size up to be on the safe side. But this gown is SO detailed that I'm really worried that it won't be able to be altered at all or without it being obvious. 

So I'm really torn. I should receive the dress about 6 weeks prior to our wedding at the LATEST, so if I order the 12 and it's too tight that would be added pressure to lose a few inches all over. But if I order the 14 and it's too big by then, I will need to find an alterationist who can work absolute miracles because of the amount of detail AND I'm sure even if they can do a good job, it will cost a fortune. 

Is there a rule of thumb with wedding dresses? Should you always size up? Am I worrying over nothing and can every single wedding dress be altered, even if it looks impossible?

Thanks in advance, I need to hurry up and make my decision and it's stressing me out to no end!

Thanks Lefeymw, the tricky part for me is that I live in Australia and Lazaro is not sold here. My only option is to purchase from overseas and then have it altered by a third party here in Australia :( 

I think this is something to talk about with you bridal shop and see what they think.  Almost all dresses can be altered and if you are inbetween the 1.5 difference in sizes they would have to take it in a small amount and really fit it to your body perfectly.  I am guessing from the picture there is a seam that could be taken in by an experienced seamstress.  I would size up to make it fit perfectly and with less stress.  If you are worried though discuss with you shop and if they have alterations right there bring them into the discussion.

Thanks MissAsB. I just hope I don't need it taken in TOO much, yet really I'd love to lose a few more pounds. I wish I could just order it closer to the date so I knew how I was going!

Just read that you are from Australia. I would still order up and have it fitted perfectly to you.

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate your input :)

Thanks Suzie, I guess just because the idea of alterations makes me nervous doesn't mean they can't be done :) Did you have to have your dress taken in by a lot (a full size or less), if you don't mind me asking?

@LilianHarlow:  I purchased a Lazaro gown and I got a size 12 and its really big on me. However, I purchased a sample so I really didn't have a choice. I probably would have been between an 8 and 10. Do you know your measurements?  Maybe I can compare mine to yours and give you a little input. 

Also, when I took my dress to a seamstress she said Lazaro gowns are made to be altered because of the way the seams are and typically all of the detail is done on a sheer overlaY. This makes it easier because everything doesn't have to come off for them to alter the dress. It is less reconstruction. I was surprised and relieved. 

jagboo Thanks so much for your feedback on Lazaro! My measurements are 37-28-39.5 and apparently this falls between a 12 and 14 on EVERY single measurement *laughs* lucky me?

I really do appreciate all of your feedback ladies as now I feel much more confident in ordering the 14 and spending the next few months trying to track down a seamstress who will work on my dress and who I can trust with it :)

Weddingbee saves the day again! :)

*LAUGHS* Oh wow Suzie... thank you for that! It's the first I've heard of it. How typical! It's great that he's finally here, but a month after I placed my order in the US? It would have been nice if the company told me that when I was frantically emailing them less than 6 weeks ago to get info!

I wonder if they'll at least have a preferred alterationist who can help me. That would be something :)

It'll be interesting to see how the prices compare with the US. Thanks very much for this info, I'll be following it closely :)

I also emailed Kleinfeld to confirm my order for the 14 :) Feeling very relieved about it too, thanks!

@LilianHarlow:  hmm.. I am  36-27-37 and when I tried the dress on for the first time it was a 10 and there was a little room in it. I then ended up purchasing a sample size 12 and now I am getting alterations done. My dress is more of a mermaid so i guess it depends on how you are built. If I were you I would probably order the 14 and then shop around for a seamstress. I took my dress to the seamstress to show them before deciding they would do the work. Because you will only get it 6 weeks before I would take pictures to different seamstresses to get their opinions and ask other girls who purchased this dress how alterations went. I have seen this dress on other bees so I suggest asking around. I hope this helps 

@jagboo33:  Thanks so much, that's great advice :) I'm already starting to shortlist some seamstresses and I did indeed order the 14. I can officially say I've paid my deposit and have a wedding dress now!!! *YAY*

Suzieq80... My heart sank a little bit when I realised I could have potentially ordered the dress from Australia. Though I did enquire about the price here in Melbourne and it's many thousands more than I will be paying from the USA (not surprisingly), so now I feel better *laughs*