Imagine you’re out dress shopping and find the perfect dress. You have your measurements taken by the sales girl and she tells you they’ll be ordering your dream gown in a size 20. What??? But I’m a size 12!!!  you think to yourself.  (I know that’s an exaggeration, but you get the point.)   Don’t get upset ladies. Bridal Gowns rarely if ever come close to street sizes.  You can be a size 16 wedding gown and a size 12 in your Levi’s. Gowns vary from Designer to Designer and sometimes by silhouette.  For example:  Demetrios, Mary’s Bridal, and Alyce Designs all have different measurements for a size 10 gown…

See? I bet most of you with these measurements think you’re a street size 8. Really its better not to think about size at all. Measurements will help you make sure the gown fits with minimal alteration.  If you happen to be between sizes, it’s always better to order larger and have taken in, than to order small and have to add fabric. Also, consider the silhouette. If you are ordering a ballgown, your hip measurement is generally more forgiving, so order the size closest to you bust and waist measurements. For a fitted gown such as a Fit & Flare it may be best to go with your hip measurement if this is the larger measurement.  Do keep in mind that if you need the bust area taken in, you may want to avoid extravagant beading on the top as the design may not look right once altered. Not to mention the cost of the alterations greatly increases if the seamstress has to rework the beading. Consider a bodice with little to no beading in this case.

Happy Shopping!