Bridal shop ordered my dress in too small a size

What does the back of your dress look like? Could you just add a corset back?

A corset back could help! The shop is wrong, it’s easier to order large and alter the dress smaller

#3 is not correct and if the shop is telling you that they are blowing smoke up your "you know what." It is better to have the dress be slightly too big rather than too small because it is easier to take in a dress than let it out. I would push back on this issue as well as your measurements. Usually when they measure you they will have you initial your measurements so you see and approve them. I take it they didn't do this with you?

This is the back of my dress. What’s a corset back?

They initially said I was between two sizes, remeasured me, claimed they got it, and said “you’re a size 6” and she said “I’m confident” so I trusted her judgement. But She must’ve gotten that measurement wrong because the dress doesn’t fit. Their contract says “I’ve agreed on size based on measurements” but do I still have some leighway given that they were just plain wrong?

They're completely lying to you to fix the situation. Ordering larger is better because its easier to size down than up. You probably will be fine since you just need an inch or two but I would fight with the shop honestly and tell them they need to own up to their mistake and fix or pay for the alterations to get it fixed. Make sure you deal with the manager rather than an associate, they will want to avoid the headache and a negative review and more than likely work with you.

This is a corset back!

If this is a shop error they need to correct it— and they 100% CAN.
My dress was somehow ordered in the wrong COLOR. I did not accept the dress, and the shop called the manufacturer and was able to produce the correct dress within 2 weeks. Make them take responsibility. Rush replacements can come in very quickly. I didn’t deal at all with the exchange. When I went for my try on appointment and found the dress in the wrong color, I didn’t leave with the dress— I left it with them for them to call the manufacturer and get it sorted. They did. I was nervous there wouldn’t be time to replace it as I was definitely less than 2 months til my wedding, but that timeframe was not a problem at all.

Is it possible that you’ve gained weight since the dress was ordered? I can easily gain and lose a couple of inches in my waist in a matter of weeks and even more in my hips/thighs. It can all depend on if you’re bloated as well and carrying extra water weight.

The part about ordering smaller though, as others have mentioned, is absolutely incorrect.

Just a pound or two, which I can lose before the wedding but the sample I tried on had significantly more fabric on the back, there was also more fabric above the belt which made for a more flattering look. I feel like even if I lost a few poinds it’d still look very off in this size. Im attaching pics of what I expected back to look like

View Quoted Comment That’s odd wording. Does it not actually specify size or measurement on the contract? Mine listed the size they recommended “based on measurement” and I had to initial my approval. Does it have that information anywhere on any receipt? My dress exchange was super simple because the correct color was clearly listed on the signed contract, so there was no question. It might be tougher if it was never actually spelled out anywhere or specifics in writing .

Exact wording is: I approve the size that is being ordered, based on my measurements, which I have signed off on.

it just feels unfair that I’m supposed to “sign off” on their measurements. Was I supposed to take the measuring tape and double check?!

MOST dresses have two inches of extra fabric in the sides so that they can be let out. Since the ship is being a pain about it, I would ask about that. Ask their seamstress too.
That said, they should have ordered based on your LARGEST measurement. Ie if your waist is a 6, busy is an 8 and hips are a 10, they should order a ten.

To answer your questions

1- no. I’ve heard David’s bridal will do this.
2- that depends on the designer. I would guess not in two months bc you’ll need time to altar. The only other option is to purchase a sample or second hand dress (can you look for your dress in an eight on preownedweddnigdresses.com)
3- ya, no, they’re wrong, it’s easier to take in then let out.
4- yes. Preownedwedsingdresses.com or thrift shop. You definitely will not get what you paid for it
5- most places, including Nordstrom, will not allow returns on special occasion dresses. David’s bridal might be the only exception.

Best advice. Breath. It will work out. I would try to work with the bridal shop as best you can. Did you pay in full? Partial deposit? What dress did you get? Perhaps you can find the same one on a preowned site.

Every shop I've been too says to order the bigger size when in doubt, because you can always alter the dress to be smaller, but usually not bigger.

A good seamstress can fix this with a little, small, tiny bit extra fabric in the back and an embellishment to hide it! Don't worry- you have options. By the way- they aren't supposed to button those buttons in the back until the big day to avoid stretching them out. This shop obviously doesn't have a clue what they're doing.

What happened???? This is the same style as my daughter’s dress.. same size 6 ordered and it’s too tight! No returns or exchanges. Please tell me what have to battle!