How to choose the dress if the samples don't fit properly?

You will have to take it to seamstress for alterations. I like the bottom one.

I understand taking it to a seamstress to alter it after, but to take that plunge and order/pay for it freaks me right out. I guess Im really asking if anyone had second thoughts about their dress after it came in, I hope not. But curious.

I understand taking it to a seamstress to alter it after, but to take that plunge and order/pay for it freaks me right out. I guess Im really asking if anyone had second thoughts about their dress after it came in, I hope not. But curious.

I find it odd they didn't have samples in your size.

I am awkwardly proportioned, and dresses didn't fit me correctly when I tried them on. To get a dress to fit my chest, I had to order 6 sizes larger than what I'm used to. When the dress came in and I tried it on, well, that was when I had my bridal moment. It was so different when it FIT, and I can not wait to get started on alterations and to see it when it's perfect.

Trust your consultant. They do this every day, and usually know what they're doing. It's scary spending so much on something that didn't fit in the store. But it will work out, and it will fit when it comes in.

I find it odd that David's didn't have dresses in your size to try on. The david's I went to had multiple dresses in a variety of sizes for brides. None of the brides that were there when I was or I were in dresses that were so far off in fit.

I have that issue with the David's by me too. They just don't carry much of anything in the double digit sizes. I'm a size 18 and the consultant continually tried to shove me into size 10-12 dresses because they had literally nothing in my size. That experience was so awful for me and I couldn't imagine spending any money on a dress I couldn't see in my size so I actually found a different bridal shop and called ahead to see if they carried dresses in my size.

Try a bridal shop/boutique. I have found that the davids I have personally went to that they aren't the best at customer service. A lot of them will have sales too if your being price conscious.

My dress is a 16. I tried on tons of 16s. I would try other locations, something is strange about that.

Do you have another davids near you? i find it very strange as well that they didnt have samples in your size either - most seem to have a good selection of size 12 dresses at least.

I'm a street size 8, and my dress was ordered in a 14 (I was in between the measurements for a 12 and 14, so it's easier to take a dress in then pull it out). I tried on a size 8 at the salon (didn't zip). I liked the waist the size 8 gave me...the size 14 is too big. But, I have faith that the seamstress will make it fit perfectly! I still love the dress! Here's a before and after. My dress needs alterations on the right, but it zips easily! (I might hide this post as I don't like posting my dress online).

I bought my dress at a boutique and the only sample they had was a 12, which was too big for me. They clipped me in to the dress so I could (kind of) see how it would fit.

The shop owner then took my measurements and referred to a chart from the designer. She determined I would be a size 4. It came in and it fits almost perfectly! I just need a few minor alterations.

ETA: I see where you're coming from though. Other than David's Bridal, no shop that I went to had anything in my size. So I was super nervous about purchasing something when I didn't even know how it would actually look.

I went to David's first because I heard the same, they would have lots of plus sizes. One dress she brought me was a size 6! I told her she was nuts but she insisted and clipped me in. I felt fat and uncomfortable, the whole time.

I found a few plus size salons in my city, I will try those next. Just the one David's in my city......it has horrible reviews, but I was given the appointment at a bridal show, they insisted on coming in 'just to try'. I have lots of time still, just feeling blah about it now. Not fun anymore.

I went to David's and they had tons of samples size 16-24. Maybe I just got lucky. I fit the size 20 in my dress pretty perfectly, I think the only alteration it will need is shortening the straps.

Also FutureMrsKristenS your dress is gorgeous!

And Tara I like the third dress photo the best.

I tried on a few that didn't zip, and honestly, the way they clipped it to the bra really did mimic how my actual dress currently fits. You might have to let alterations work some magic first, and you might need a long-line bra and/or Spanx under it, but they do know what they're doing with those clips.

But I agree with others that it's ridiculous for the shop to not have larger samples. I guess it's common (my friends in Vegas and Miami have had horrible David's experiences, and the sales girl at my local David's said they only got larger samples somewhat recently when a new manager started there), but it's still ridiculous.

The dress I tried on in store was two sizes too small. Couldn't zip it if my life depended on it. They measured me and ordered based on my measurements. My dress came in and it fits like a glove!! It's perfect. I'll only need minor alterations. It's a shame they didn't have the dresses you wanted in your size to try, but I would trust ordering your dress if they take your measurements.

@HollyC Thank you!!

I'm currently a street 16 & got to try on like 5 dresses at David's. The consultant didn't offer to try anything bigger (or smaller) to get a general idea.

I have a while rant typed up b/c I needed to get out how awful she was. (The alterations girl came out & was helping me more than my consultant was!)