Buying One Size Smaller?

Recently I watched a WE television program where the bride purchased a $17,000 dress an entire size smaller than her current size. The ladies who worked at the salon were aghast, saying there was no way the woman would lose the weight. Not only did she fit into her smaller dress a month later, but she needed it taken in about 2 inches! This, however, is very unusual.

I lost 20 pounds between purchasing the dress and wearing the dress, but it still needed very little alterations, due to my body shape and the dress style. Even though I planned to lose weight, no way would I have ever dreamed of buying a dress too small.

I’ve always heard it’s much easier to alter a dress smaller than larger. What does everyone else think? Was this lady an exception, or all brides that determined? Has anyone actually purchased a dress too small? Did you end up fitting into it?

I would never buy a $17,000 wedding dress and I most certainly won’t buy it too small on purpose. I think it’s silly how brides stress themselves out trying to be ridiculously skinny for their big day. If you’re getting married, your future spouse already LOVES you. All your friends and family already KNOW what you look like. Buy a dress that fits and flatters the body you already have and stop obsessing!

I agree completely; your friends and family know what you look like, and do you really want the pressure of looking fabulous on your wedding day then sluffing off right after and wondering what happened a month later? No thanks.

It is easier to alter a dress to a smaller size rather than let it out to be larger; in fact, some dress designs can’t be altered larger because of the type of fabric—the thread holes would be too visible. I’d never buy any dress deliberately smaller unless I was “between” sizes and had a really good chance of fitting into the smaller one with moderate work. But a full size lower? Frankly, I don’t think it’s worth it, much less to risk that type of price tag.

I won’t even buy blue jeans that are on sale a size smaller! I want to be a size smaller, but I’m not stressing over it, and I certainly wouldn’t want such a huge purchase to still be way too small on the big day. I would rather buy one that’s too big and then have it altered right before the event since I’ve always heard that’s easier to do.

its better if you order onedresswhich can be modifiable, like the closure is lace up. when your waist become smaller,  you can tighten it by yourself.

tull, that is a great suggestion! Corset styles are incredibly popular these days, and you definitely have a lot more “give” when it comes to how tight you want to make the dress. Detachable strap options for a strapless would be good, too, for holding up a dress if your bustline decreases with weight loss.

That is a good idea tull, thanks! Another great way to do it is to get a two piece dress—most women will lose weight in one part of their body at first, and then only part of the dress would need to be altered for a perfect fit. Depending on the boutique, it might even be possible to order the two different parts of the dress (the bodice and the skirt) in different sizes to accommodate your body shape with minimal alterations.