Has anyone ever had a beaded bodice taken in 4 sizes?

The best person to speak to is a seamstress. We can’t guide you on cost because it is hugely dependent on how much requires altering.

I will say however, start talking to a seamstress early to see if it is possible because generally speaking, taking in a dress more than 2 sizes can be quite difficult to do without materially altering the look of the dress.

Your best bet is to take it to a seamstress. Your location will also determine budget. For instance, in NJ I paid $500 for taking in a bust slightly and hemming a lace gown, while my SIL paid under $200 for a seamstress in VA to take her dress from a size 14 to fit her (she's a tall and thin street size 4-6). Her gown had some heavy beading on the bodice, and the seamstress was able to do it. However, I think the only way you'll be able to get a definitive answer is by going to a seamstress.

I agree with everyone, take the down in to a seamstress to see how much it would cost and if it is even possible without messing with the integrity of the dress. Most dresses the maximum they will alter down to is 2 sizes. If the seamstress can’t do it then it will give you time to look for a new dress!

Just a tip, in case you don't already know! Seamstresses get very bust during the summer, so if your wedding is during peak season, you'll want to book your appointment very far in advanced. Especially for beading! I just had my fitting appointment today for a wedding in August. With the beading and lace on the top of my dress, it's going to take the seamstress some extra time. I live in NH and it's going to cost me $455 for reference.


I know that it can be tricky if you plan on losing weight between now and the wedding though. Maybe call around and see if you can secure an appointment closer to your wedding date? But definitely book your appointment asap is my advice!

As a former bridal stylist, I am pretty positive that this can be taken in! As a general guideline, most wedding dresses can be taken in two to four sizes- but this will also depend on the fabric, lace or appliques, and boning (if applicable).

Dress sizes are usually to European standards, so you really aren't too far off the mark. I would just say that as a precaution, don't get the dress taken in to the size you hope to be unless you know, and I mean KNOW within yourself that you have the discipline to maintain a fitness routine and can manage some obstacles three months from your wedding.

My suggestions:

1) Leave the dress as is, but ask an experienced seamstress (you have to make an investment on this), what is the latest you can put off taking a dress in (not including hemming) without rush fees, and what is her rate for rush fees by month.

2) I would opt for a corset back because it is more forgiving in terms of fit since you can loosen or tighten the corset ties. This has been the saving grace of some of my former brides.

My wedding dress was ordered in a size 6, by insistence of the salon.

The seamstress, very angrily, informed both me and the salon employee that my bust was a size 2 and my waist a size 00, and my dress should never have been ordered so large.

The top of the dress was covered in beaded lace appliques, and had boning.

Now, my dress had a corset back, which made it a little more forgiving. But the seamstress did manage to successfully bring my dress in enough that when I was laced up on the day, it fit like a glove and you could never tell it had been too large.

Take it to a seamstress and ask them what they think. Corsets are usually more forgiving, so even if the gown doesn't have a corset back you may be able to add one and that will help. Combining that with taking the top in may be plenty to bring the gown in, but there also will probably be a decent cost associated with doing this because you are significantly altering the gown.

View Quoted Comment I was a little worried about the cost, but as is my way I found a way! Let's hope it works out lol. She's an etsy seamstress in Utah and she told my fiance and I how and where to pin my dress over a zoom call. She's going to do it for $150 (not including shipping), and it will be done 2 months before my wedding when we just started planning 3 or so weeks ago for real. She has great reviews locally so I'm hopeful! Thanks for the good news on your dress. That's helpful. Other than the corner you're dress sounds like mine. So it's good to hear it worked out fantastically!