Bigger or smaller?!

I think its better to order the size up. Have you tried both the 16 and the 20 on?

Definitely size up! My seamstress said it's a lot easier to take in than let out.

Definitely bigger! When I got my dress my consultant told me it's easier to take in than let out since my plan is to be slimmer by the time I get married.

I would think ordering the bigger one would be better. For the smaller one you'd have to add fabric which is more difficult. I'd talk to whoever you plan to have your alterations done with to ask their input! I've heard that a lot of wedding dresses are built with 2 inches of "room" so they can easily be expanded or shrunk 2 inches.

It is easier to alter a bigger size. I would go with the bigger one.

Typically you want to go a size up and not down. Pro seamstresses say it all the time, too. I'm looking at the dress, though, and since you clearly cannot do a corset with that, but also, those appliques need to be in EXACTLY the right place in every instance on the bodice of the dress..... what if a seamstress put in additional lace paneling in the back of the smaller size? I'm just worried that the bodice is SO sheer, and working on it either way is going to be a bear..... it almost seems like adding a little more lace to the lace panel in the back, if everything else on the 16 fits like a glove, might actually be less work in this instance.

Talk to your seamstress! It may be easier just to add a corset to the smaller one vs taking so much in on the bigger one. Good luck and congrats on your new dress!!!

Gorgeous gown. You can talk to places that do alterations to see how much and how long.