Help my wedding dress is too small

It’s beautiful ! Definitely try to see if the tailor can fix it for you. It’s worth a shot

A seamstress can usually alter a dress up or down 2 sizes, but of course it depends on the designer and the dress. Definitely worth a try!

Its a beautiful dress! Their isn't much difference between a 4 and 6. It looks like the back not closing is the only concern. You're already small. Personally, instead of spending all that money on alterations, I would go on a liquid diet, for a week or 2 before the wedding. Then, you will definitely fit the dress.

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I was going to suggest as well depending on how far out your wedding is maybe just work on a diet? I hear it is more to take a dress out but see what a seamstress can do and go from there. So sorry but it still looks nice on you. Maybe see if there are easier, cheaper fixes to keep the back up.

Go to a good seamstress. They will let out what they can, but you may have to accept changes to the back. My grandmother was a seamstress. She has had to convert the back of a dress with a new, lower zipper and add a modest panel and cross crossing to get the back to close. Don't panic, but go to someone reliable to discuss these alterations.


Good luck, hun ❤

I would talk to a talented and trusted seamstress. I think you’re at a healthy weight and think it would be ridiculous to put yourself on a crazy diet to fit in a dress, even if it’s your dream dress. I think it looks gorgeous on you in the front. Maybe having a corset added to the back would help give you the room in your hips.

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THIS! Weddings are stressful enough, and you look amazing. Definitely talk to a seamstress before you put yourself through an unnecessary diet!

View Quoted Comment Thanks for the support. I know for me losing weight is still a goal, but the reasons are because I’ve put on some weight in the last year and I don’t want to buy new clothes, I am overweight as is, and because I run and losing weight would make my running faster and better on my joints. I did not try to lose weight just to fit into a dress. My FH loves my curves at exactly the weight I’m at, but I still don’t like too tight jeans.

Thank you all for the advice and support, I really appreciate it ! Yes I will talk with a seamstress. I don’t want to go on a diet because I actually have been working for years to gain weight lol, and I am at my goal.


The seamstress said she could fix the back and let out the hips. I’m a little worried about the cost because the dress is being let out.

The back has almost like a nude mesh on it that you can see and she will be adding that fabric with buttons.

My dress was taken in twice....then my wedding got cancelled and I gained 7 lbs in quarantine. Now my dress doesn't fit and there is no material left to let out

Gorgeous!!! I definitely would not put yourself on a liquid diet. That’s a good way to land yourself in the hospital. Start with the steam stress!

For you and Selena (OP):
I do not know your gown makers. But the great majority of name gown makers, ( not online only from Asia) will sell 1-2 yards of each material that you need, so you can have an exact match. For all of those who just found out they are pregnant, want to wear an older sister's gown, need stronger straps or sleeves, or part of dress to tight . Most gowns you cannot let out more than 1/4 inch at a seam. Why you can go down two sizes easily. But can only go up if you have a source of material. Some, like OP, can add a side panel. first the lining dress, then the lace outer overlay, would be cut under the arm, down the side, and a piece maybe 1 1/2 -2 inches wide at underarm, increasing a little A line in hips, would be added. Called adding a gusset. Done carefully, the seams are no more noticeable than in the original dress.
Another way is to add a panel, like a v where cleavage is showing, or a band all the way round the waist, or at the midriff of a surplice or empire waisted garment. Add numerous inches in one place, or one dimension. Check the maker's own website. As long as a dress is in production, or for the next year after, they may sell you the materials. Priority mail size envelope will hold it, so fast shipping is easy.

View Quoted Comment Congratulations for being at your goal! 🥳 and I'm so happy to hear about the dress! Keep us updated! The costs are nerve wracking, I totally understand! If it ends up being a lot, maybe you can make adjustments in other areas of your budget?

View Quoted Comment Oh nooo quarantine 😣 when is your wedding ? I feel your pain :/

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It was April....now it is in August!! I am freaking out.

View Quoted Comment Thank you for that great info! I will look into all of that about adding the gussett and ordering fabric.

View Quoted Comment Wow soon- I think you will be able to fit into your dress! Don’t worry, just try to see if you and your fiancée could do some home workouts together and eat healthy. Even little walks help help get us moving like our pre quarantine lives. You can do it, just 7lbs pounds is not too much! Mine is September and the dress issues are stressing me out a ton too 😭😯😦

View Quoted Comment You have 2 full months, which is plenty of time for what you need done, a few hours work once you have materials.