Bridal Dress Shopping Advice

You are probably going to have to purchase the dress off the rack. A gown won't be able to be ordered in time. Just go with an open mind and a positive attitude!

It wasn't my intention but I ended up buying my dress off the rack. The dress was new to the salon and was the exact size I needed. There wasn't a reason to order a new one!

Good luck!

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Yeah, earlier this week I went into this huge panic mode but after some discussions on this site I was able to figure out it was possible but best bet was off the rack. A bit challenging since I am a size 0 for street size ( XS, 5'2, 99lbs, bra size: 32b). So its always been hard finding something that fits me. I was told most off rack/sample dresses were size 10 so if I were to get an off rack or sample dress I'd need to alterate it a lot and that can add up.

One of the places I am going to Saturday has a dress I am in LOVE with. A bit out of my budget and they would have to order my size since the dress to try on in store is 18 but I heard that some of their dresses that they can order will only have a shipping date of 1 week but it was on select styles.

Definitely will go in with a open mind though

Water and deodorant are two things that come up on lists for what to bring wedding dress shopping. I'd wear either white or nude underwear, and make sure the consultant knows you're on a short timeline. If you find something you like, ask them about alterations - if the shop does alterations, what the consultant thinks could be done, etc. Good luck!

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Oh deodorant actually slipped my mind haha. But I usually do apply first thing in the morning after I do makeup haha. I was planning to wear a nude strapless bra that has a deeper cut in the back (for those backless dresses). I definitely will let them know right off the bat my time frame and see what is possible. All the shops I will be going to have in house steamstresses so thats a plus . I called ahead of time to one shop I really think I'll find a dress in and they said that time frame is possible, but my options will just be limited.

You'll have to buy a dress off the rack and one that needs minimal alterations. Keep an open mind and a positive attitude. You'll be fine and look amazing in whatever you wear-- you'll be the one that makes the dress look good!

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Sounds like you have a good plan! I brought heels (not *the* shoes, but a similar height) and a strapless bra with me, and ended up never putting on the heels and bra-less the whole time. I'm pretty short, so all the dresses were going to be long no matter what shoes I was wearing, and it was just easier to see how the dresses would actually fit and look without a bra since I wasn't likely to wear one for the wedding - the dress I ended up picking has built in cups

View Quoted Comment Keep in mind a “size ten” in wedding dresses is closer to a street 6, wedding dresses are sized pretty small. You should be able to find something easy to alter.

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Aww thank you so much

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Yeah I was debating about the shoes because I would feel bad asking someone to help me get the heels on ( since its usually hard to get your heels on by yourself after putting on the dress lol). But I wanted to bring them just in case I found a dress and they wanted to measure me for alterations that day. Since its always recommended to wear heels of the same height for the fitting.

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Thats good to know. Street size I'm still usually a 0 and at times even 0 can be big in some areas. I've heard stories of brides getting their dress altered from a 10 to fit a street size 0 as well and its possible, just a bit tricky since a lot of fabric will have to be taken off. And very expensive. But I'll see what my options are tomorrow

I'm a street size 0/2 and they ordered my dress in a 10. Seems a bit extreme but maybe making sure that it isnt too small. Alterations will make it look right.