Dress Size - Up or Down!

I would order the 10 since it is in between all of the other sizes if you know you can definitely lose the weight. If you are unsure, order the largest size any part of your body needs (12 in this case) and have the rest altered down.

Losing 20lbs will only be about 1 dress size or 2 to 2-1/2 inches. If you are confident then get the 10, but if you go with the 12 it can always be taken in everywhere else. It's almost impossible to let it out more than an inch.

For my wedding dress my bust was measuring a 14 and my hips a 6. I bought the 14 and had it taken in everywhere else. Seamstresses can work miracles.

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Thank you! I was never going to order the 12 actually, more of thinking between the 10 & the 8. I think it's safer though to give myself grace and get the 10 and take in!

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That's so encouraging! I will probably do the 10 and give myself some grace just in case I don't have the time to work off the 20 lbs! My seamstress sis incredible so I don't have to worry about that part thank you!

View Quoted Comment Good! It’s so much easier to take things in than out. I see posts on here all the time about people thinking they were going to lose weight and didn’t and were stuck with a dress that doesn’t fit!

Definitely don’t get the 8, sizing down is always dangerous. I too gained ~20lbs since meeting my now H and had every continued intention of losing it (even delayed dress shopping as a result). Well....I never did. In fact, NOW I could probably say I’ve gained 30 pounds since getting together (what can I say, he’s a great cook 🤣). Dresses can always be taken in— taking a dress in is WAY easier than letting one out!

I'd go with the 10!

I tried an 8 in a different dress, there is no way I was gonna be able to get into it unless I lost some serious inches!

I've have tried on a 10 where the bust was so huge! But at least it wasn't too small.

Since you know your measurements I'd go with the 10.

DRESS SHOPPING:

Here goes, long but:

1) HAVE FUN!!! And go to a few places!

2) Try on ALL the styles to see what actually does look good on you. And try on white as well as ivory/cream.

3) Bring the underwear, bra, shape-wear, pantyhose, heels and jewelry options for a high and low neckline you will most likely wear.

4) Bring snacks: gum, mints, candy, crackers. As well as water, juice or clear soda. As well as bring any meds you take, even if you don’t think you’ll need them. Aspirin and ibuprofen can be a life saver for you, And your girls/guys!

5) Bring only the top 3 people. Too many can make it not a fun experience. Remind them they don’t have to be catty/petty, but can give advice & comments.

6) Go in with Pinterest, magazine or printed out dresses that you like.

7) What does your closet have more of? Slinky and sexy or full and romantic styles of dresses/gowns? That can always be a good indicator of what you are likely to lean towards.

8) Remember, and why they do this I have NOOOO idea, the dress they put you in is going to be one to three sizes BIGGER than what you normally wear. And the sample is not going to fit the same, as it’s been handled and tried on, many, times before.

9) Tell the stylist what the wedding vision is: Church, barn, beach. Winter, summer, indoor or outdoor. Small or large wedding.... That way they can help guide you and your people...

10) Wear the spray on or clear deodorant and limit perfume/lotion. As well as being the deodorant and feminine pads with you. Light days can double as armpit sweat stoppers.

11) Wear limited makeup- no lipstick!- so as you don’t get it on the gowns. If you MUST be full faced bring a clear shower cap to hold over your face when they are putting the gowns over you head( I model and that is a trick we use!).. Trust me the stylist will love ya for it!

Always go for the bigger and then have the smaller spots altered, easier than trying to add pieces!

So much easier to take in a dress than stress yourself out to lose weight (you’re right, you may put on more because of holidays). I heard a seamstress say it’s easier for a bride to lose weight over the summer because people’s diets are lighter (salad, fruits) then over winter (sweets, comfort food, carbs).

I measured a 6 in the top, 8 in the waist and 10 in the hips. I ordered the 10, have since lost some weight, and the bottom half of the 10 still fit magically. The top does need taking in but my seamstress pinned it up no problem and didn't have any major concerns about it.

Hey Amanda!! Have you made your decision about your dress size? What is your dress like?