If you’re getting ready to shop for a wedding dress, you may be surprised when your bridal size doesn’t match the size you normally wear. That’s completely normal. Bridal gowns use different sizing standards than everyday clothing, and the number on the label can vary quite a bit from designer to designer.
At Simply Elegant by Cheri, we focus on your measurements and how the gown actually fits rather than getting caught up in the size printed on the tag. Here’s what Central Illinois brides should know about bridal sizing before they start shopping.
Why Is Bridal Sizing Different?
Bridal sizing isn’t the same as the sizing used for most everyday clothing. Designers create their own size charts based on specific measurements, so there isn't one universal bridal size that applies across every collection.
That means you might typically wear one size in your everyday clothes but need a different size in a wedding gown. You could also be one size according to your bust measurement and another according to your hips.
Sophia Tolli
|
The size on the gown isn't a judgment about your body or a reflection of the size you "should" be. It's simply the size that corresponds most closely with a designer's measurements.
Measurements Are More Important Than the Size TagWhen you shop for a gown at Simply Elegant by Cheri, our stylists will take your measurements and compare them with the designer's size chart. This helps us determine which gown size will give you the best starting point for your alterations. |
We typically look at measurements such as your bust, waist, and hips. Depending on the gown, length and other measurements may also be important. Since every designer's chart can be different, the recommended size may change from one gown to another.
That's why it's better to focus on how the gown fits than on whether the number on the label matches your usual clothing size.
Morilee
|
Why Alterations Are Part of the ProcessIt's very common for a wedding dress to need alterations. A gown is ordered using the closest available size based on your measurements, and a seamstress can then make adjustments to create a more precise fit.
Common alterations can include hemming the gown, adjusting straps or sleeves, taking in the sides or bodice, and adding a bustle to the train. The amount of alteration needed depends on the gown, your measurements, and how you want it to fit. |
Alterations aren't a sign that you chose the wrong size. They're simply part of getting a gown ready for your wedding day.
Should You Order a Smaller Size?
If you're planning to lose weight before your wedding, it can be tempting to order a smaller gown. In most cases, that's not the approach you want to take. Your gown should be ordered based on your measurements at the time you're shopping, rather than a hoped-for future size.
It's generally easier for a skilled seamstress to take a gown in than to make a gown significantly larger. Having enough room to work with gives you more flexibility when alterations begin.
Your bridal consultant can walk you through the designer's sizing chart and help determine the most appropriate size to order based on your measurements.
Madison James
|
What Should Brides Expect When Shopping?One of the best things you can do before a bridal appointment is leave your usual clothing size at the door. Try on different gowns, pay attention to how they feel and move, and let your consultant help you understand how each designer's sizing works.
You may find that your size varies between designers or even between different styles from the same designer. That's why trying on gowns and getting professionally measured is so helpful. |
At Simply Elegant by Cheri in Lincoln, IL, our consultants are here to make the process straightforward. We'll help you understand your measurements, the designer's sizing, and what to expect when your gown goes through alterations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my bridal size different from my regular clothing size?
Bridal gowns use different sizing standards than most everyday clothing, and each designer has its own size chart. It's completely normal for your bridal size to be different from your usual clothing size.
Allure
|
How do bridal shops determine what size wedding dress I need?Bridal consultants take measurements such as your bust, waist, and hips and compare them with the specific designer's size chart. The recommended size can vary depending on the designer and the gown.
Should I order a smaller dress if I plan to lose weight?It's generally best to order based on your current measurements rather than a future goal. A gown can often be taken in during alterations, while making a gown significantly larger may be more difficult. |
Will my wedding dress need alterations?
Most wedding dresses benefit from some level of alterations. Common adjustments include hemming, taking in the bodice or sides, adjusting straps or sleeves, and adding a bustle.
When should I start shopping for my wedding dress?
Many brides begin shopping around 9 to 12 months before their wedding. This gives you time to find your gown, allow for production and shipping, and schedule alterations before the big day.
Find Your Wedding Dress at Simply Elegant by Cheri
Wedding dress sizing can feel confusing at first, but you don't have to figure it out on your own. At Simply Elegant by Cheri in Lincoln, IL, our bridal consultants can help you understand your measurements, navigate designer sizing, and find a gown that feels right for you.
When you're ready to start shopping, visit Simply Elegant by Cheri and let our team help you find a gown you feel confident wearing on your wedding day.