What Size Should I Order for My Dress?
What Size Should I Order for My Wedding Dress?
One of the most common questions brides ask during their appointment is, what size should I order? Bridal sizing can feel confusing – especially when it doesn’t match what you wear in everyday clothing.
At Love Spell Design, we take precise measurements and guide you through the process so your gown is ordered with confidence and accuracy.
How Wedding Dress Sizing Works:
Bridal sizing is very different from modern retail sizing. Most wedding dresses run one to two sizes smaller than everyday clothing because they are based on traditional measurement charts.
That means if you usually wear a size 8 or 10 in store-bought clothing, your bridal size may be listed higher – and that is completely normal!
The number on the label doesn’t matter. What matters is how the dress fits your body.
Made-to-Order Wedding Dresses:
At Love Spell Design, we offer made-to-order gowns. During your appointment, we will offer to take detailed measurements from you and send them to the designer so your gown is ordered in the size closest to your body.
Some brides fall between sizes. For example:
- Bust may measure closer to an 8
- Hips may measure closer to a 10
In these cases, the gown is ordered as a custom size so both areas are accommodated.
Should You Size Down If You Plan to Lose Weight?
If you’re planning weight changes – such as starting a fitness routine, pregnancy, or lifestyle adjustments – this should be considered when choosing your size.
However, ordering too small is risky. In bridal tailoring, it is always safer to order slightly larger because:
- Dresses are easier to take in than let out
- Extra seam allowance allows more flexibility
- Your final fit can be perfected during alterations
Your stylist will help guide this decision based on your timeline and plans.
What If My Dress Arrives in the Wrong Size?
Don’t panic – this is what alterations are for.
If you’ve planned your timeline correctly, your dress will arrive 2 to 3 months before your wedding, giving you time for professional tailoring. Alterations typically take about one month and can include:
- Taking the dress in
- Letting it out (if seam allowance allows)
- Hemming and reshaping
This process ensures the dress fits you perfectly for your big day.
Sample Sale Dresses:
Sample sale gowns are sold as-is from the rack, meaning the size you see is the size you buy. However, alterations still apply.
Many brides discover that a sample gown fits beautifully and only needs simple adjustments like hemming or minor tailoring. The same 2 to 3 month alterations timeline is recommended for these dresses as well.
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