Post # 1
Member
1004 posts
Bumble bee
I am having some vanity issues with my BMs about ordering the proper dress size. It seems they do not realize that street does NOT = dress size.
For example, I am a size juniors 5, a 2 or 4 petite, or a womens XS. I ordered a size 6 dress for my wedding even though I have NEVER worn a 6 off the rack, and it fit perfectly.
My BM’s are freaking out because their measurements point to a different size than they are used to, and one of my sisters is insisting that she is a 2, even though her measurements say a 4. We are ordering online, not through a physical store.
They also do not like my suggestion to go with the biggest measurement and that it is better to order a bigger size and have slight alterations than to order a size too small.
I am trying to be tactful, but if I end up having to order, and then exchange, 4 BM dresses because they are afraid to go a size or 2 up, so help me… I might go a little bridezilla!
I guess I thought this was common knowledge? I can excuse my young sister because she is still a teen and doesn’t know.
Post # 3
Member
7908 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
- Wedding: March 2012 - Pelican Grand Beach Resort
You are completely in the right. Also, what woman does not know about vanity sizing? I was aware well before I ever went gown shopping that the sizes on clothing ordered to size was different than ready-to-wear.
You should find pictures online of bridesmaids in dresses that are too tight to shock some sense into these girls.
Post # 4
Member
1732 posts
Bumble bee
It sounds like you are doing the ordering? If so, just get the measurements and you pick the sizes. Once the girls try them on, it will be fine. If they pitch a fit, cut the tag off.
Post # 5
Member
827 posts
Busy bee
I have to say, the ordering a size or 2 bigger never applied to me with bridesmaids dresses- or my wedding dress. The first few weddings I was in, I ordered the size the shop told me because I trusted their advice- I was always swimming in the dresses and paid a lot in alterations. So, after a few bad experiences, I decided to go with my gut and stick with my regular dress size and they fit perfectly. I have been in 10 weddings, so trust me I’ve had plenty of experience with this!
My own wedding dress was ordered in a size smaller than I typically wear and it was a perfect fit- other than length. Now, my dress was a corset which can really go up or down a few sizes.
I’ve wondered why the ordering bigger sizes for bridemaid dresses never worked for me and I think it came down to chest size. I really think if you have a bigger chest, you may need to go up sizes, but my chest is small and I think that is the difference!
Post # 6
Member
1748 posts
Bumble bee
@celticbride: I think it depends on where you’re getting it. A friend got her gown from David’s and sizing was the same as street. I feel like the rule of thumb is you go up 1 size in wedding gown and 2 in BM dresses, but again I’m sure it depends on the designer and the dress.
Post # 7
Member
220 posts
Helper bee
I think celticbride is right about it all being based on chest size- my dress size is 1-2 sizes smaller than my normal size, probably because I have a small chest (and big arms and thick legs, ugh). On the flip side, my sister is curvier on top, but way smaller in the waist and hips than me, but she’ll need to order a size or two bigger for the bust measurement- and then have the rest taken way, way, in!
Post # 8
Member
827 posts
Busy bee
@caits615: Only 1 of the bridesmaid dresses I’ve had have been from David’s Bridal- so I don’t think that was the reason. My wedding dress was Maggie Sottero, but I know the corset was the reason I had to order smaller in that case.
Post # 9
Member
1004 posts
Bumble bee
@celticbride: This is true, and I DO have a large bust/tiny waist combo which is why I always go up 2-3 sizes. However, I think it is best to go by the brand’s own sizing charts to start… and if they are not accurate, well then I can blame the company and not my BM’s for being silly!
Because, you know, a size FOUR is just so huge. *eyeroll*
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