Really Concerned About How My Dress Will Fit In Chest Area...

Also worried about how expensive it will be since I am trying to lose weight and I am already pretty big in hip area. Although I have heard hip size doesn't change much, lol.

Relax. Trust the professionals and know that alterations will fix any issues when the time comes.

Trust your seamstress. I had a meltdown last week thinking my dress wasn't going to fit for my wedding. The seamstress showed me how I was supposed to put the dress on and it fit perfect.

It wasn't the seamstress but who I had my appointment with. They contract it out to someone for alterations.

I would just do what you normally do, and see what your seamstress recommends around the end of January. If you've lost or gained weight by then, they should be able to adjust the dress accordingly. Don't stress!

OP, I have similar measurements to you. I purchased a size 8 dress off the rack (36 in the bust) and needed it taken out to 39.5. My seamstress somehow was able to make it work. As others said before me, trust the professionals!

@Waren I am just concerned because it is a fit and flare style and I don't want all these alterations to mess up the design.

@OP, I have an a-line dress so that wasn't an issue for me. I've seen some crazy dress transformations on the forums so a good seamstress should be able to make it work. Do you have someone in mind to work on your dress or are you going with who the store contracts out?

I am most likely going with who they contract out. I might look around and see if someone can do it for cheaper but I am nervous about that as well. The bridal salon has excellent reviews but it will probably be expensive and that is another concern. I really have no doubt they will be able to fix it but I can foresee it being $500 dollars.

Ally,

I'm pretty sure that's Ava Clara in Va Beach. If I'm wrong ignore this. I'm an Ava Clara bride as well. The woman that they contract alterations out to is good at her job but she takes on too much work for herself. My final alterations appointment was a nightmare but by the end of the 11 hour day my dress was perfect.

ETA: My alterations were $400. I got: the straps shortened, entire dress taken in (I measured in at a 2,4, and 6 so they ordered me a 6 because you can take it in easier than you can take it out), and a 16 pt bustle

@Flying I might see if I can find someone else. Milk and Honey had a good alterations lady and she seemed affordable. Do you think it would be rude to go to her even though she knows I didn't buy a dress from her bridal store? I just feel like Ava Clara might be offended if I don't go with their contractor, lol.

Ally- there were a lot of Milk and Honey dresses at the seamstress that Ava Clara sends their brides to. The woman is amazing at her job and the whole last fitting, although frustrating, actually turned out to be good. I also don't know if a bridal store will let you use their seamstress if you didn't buy your dress with them.