Post # 1

Member
14 posts
Newbee
Hi all,
I’m going dress shopping for the first time on Saturday! I’m really excited but also nervous because I’m not down to the size I want to be yet, though I’ve lost fifteen pounds already…
My FI’s sister, who got married last summer, told me not to freak about the size dresses the people at the store will bring me to try on. I forgot to ask what she meant by that… Anyone know? Also do wedding dress sizes run small? I’m about a size 8 in dresses these days, so would I be a size 8 in wedding dresses or another size?
Finally I’m hoping to lose more weight, preferably 20 pounds (!), but at least 10, so if I find a dress soon will they be able to take it in that much?
Thanks!
Esquia82
PS I know that 20 lbs sounds like a lot to lose, especially if I’m already a size 8. But trust me, I won’t be too skinny then! I have substantial hips and a butt and a lot of the weight will come from those areas and even then I still won’t be too small!!
Post # 3

Member
4439 posts
Honey bee
- Wedding: January 2013 - Harbourfront Grand Hall
@Esquia82: Yes, most wedding dresses (depending on the designer) run small.
If you plan to lose more weight I would suggest a corset, so hopefully you don’t have to mutilate a dress taking it in to make it work!
Post # 4

Member
1193 posts
Bumble bee
. Wedding dress sizes run extremely small. When I married (the first time) I was in a 10-12 and had to order a sz 14 dress. They can run as much three size smaller. Your friend was saying DONT freak out if you need a sz 12 dress. The sizes are all off just worry about the fit. I’m about a 6-8 now so I’m thinking I’ll need at least a 8-10 dress
Post # 5

Member
6210 posts
Bee Keeper
- Wedding: August 2013 - The Liberty House
They usually run smaller than street clothes. I am about a 4 right now, and my dress was an 8 (they have to order to your biggest measurement, which in my case is my chest). They should be able to take the dress in if you lose the weight, but I would ask just to make sure when you order.
Post # 6

Member
807 posts
Busy bee
Congrats on the weight loss!
Your wedding dress size will vary by designer, but many of them do run small, so don’t be surprised or upset if you end up needing to buy a larger size. Rip out the tag if it bothers you! It’s more important to have a dress that fits you well.
Usually they can take a dress in up to two sizes, but it depends a little on what style of dress you end up choosing and where you lose the weight, so ask your consultant at the appointment.
Post # 7

Member
12955 posts
Honey Beekeeper
Dress sizes are small. I wear a 6 street size, and ordered a size 12 wedding dress. Order where your measurements fall now, and don’t worry about the size. They’ll be able to take it in anyway!
Post # 8

Member
5423 posts
Bee Keeper
Dresses will run small. Designers really know how to give us brides a complex. I’m a regular 0/2 and my dress was a size 8. Do not worry and enjoy the experience.
Post # 9

Member
149 posts
Blushing bee
I agree w others posters dont sweat it.. I am a size 0/2 and my dress was a size 6. made me feel like I was a lardo but eventually you get over it. I think at least the couture dresses run that way.. I think the cheap ones like at david’s bridal run A LOT bigger so it depends on where you’re going..
Post # 10

Member
1144 posts
Bumble bee
Yep, the dresses run small. I’m a size 5/6 and ordered a size 10. As far as the weight loss goes, you can always take the dress in during alterations.
Post # 11

Member
3825 posts
Honey bee
@Esquia82: I’m a size 6 in regular dresses and I bought a perfect fitting wedding dress in a size 10.
The sizing is different and it varies by designer. As long as it fits well and you look beautiful, that’s all that matters. Don’t pay attention to the number in the dress.
Post # 12

Member
1193 posts
Bumble bee
Also I’ve heard to go by the designers measurements not necessarily the sample fit because the samples are often stretched and misshapened due to being tried on hundreds of times.
Post # 13

Member
822 posts
Busy bee
sizing will vary by designer and shops. i found that high end boutiques the sizes run smaller. vera wang at priscilla of boston was smaller than vera wang white at david’s bridal. i shopped at mainly boutiques so i’m not sure if that’s the reason or if in denver, shops just tend to carry smaller sizes. most sample dresses were size 6 or 8 so they were more like size 2-6 in street size. i’m 5’1. i lost almost 30 pounds before my wedding. my vera wang ethel was a size 6 but because i have a strange body certain areas had to be taken in and others had to taken out. my second dress was a melissa sweet gigi dress in a size 8. we had to take about 6 in around my hips but left everything else untouched. it’s easier to take a dress in than it is to take it out.
Post # 14

Member
9490 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
Yep you’ll probably end up in a larger size than normal. I wear a dress size 6-8 (usually 8) but a 10 in pants. I had to order a 10 in my dress. I’ve heard many people ordering up even more than 1 size! I wouldn’t worry about the sizes.
Post # 15

Member
835 posts
Busy bee
Sizing can also vary within the same designer, depending on collection. My designer has a line that actually matches street sizes! I’m a 0-2 street, and they ordered my dress in a 0! I was totally expecting at least a 4, but was thrilled when I could say my dress was a 0 (oh, Vanity…).
Post # 16

Member
14 posts
Newbee
Thanks everyone, this is so helpful! Now I have a better idea of what to expect!