Wedding Dress one size too small

Get the dress altered to fit you! I'm about the same exact size and ordered an 8, but still super subconscious about my belly in the dress. But in the end..the dress needs to fit you. Not the other way around. There's a solution to every problem. Do whatever you need to do to feel beautiful!

Did they recommend an 8? Or a 6 which is what you ordered?

I ordered mine this week, they didn't ask what I wanted, they measured me and wrote down the largest size I measured (my bust and waist were a 12, hips between a 12 and 14, so they ordered me a 14).

You have plenty of time to lose the inches, drink lots of water and walk more often. Don't let it stress you out too much, that will make it harder to shed the inches. Talk with your seamstress, don't live and die by the scale, mind your eating and move more. It will be okay!

Don't let this effect your self-esteem. Easier said than done, I know, but this is an issue of a dress being *one* size too small, not several. Also, your measurements are still about the same when you ordered the dress, so nothing has physically changed about you. Clothing sizes are weird and I've learned bridal dress sizing is even weirder.

Take your dress to a seamstress and see what can be done. It's trickier to take a dress out than to take it in, yes, but it's not impossible. I would go and see what can be done about it.

This is definitely not worth a self-esteem hit!! First of all - put the numbered sizing out of your mind, it does not mean anything! Wedding dress sizes are different that normal clothes sizing, and they tend to run smaller (so you're ordering a higher dress size) - who knows why they do it that way!

Wedding dresses can fit weird, and everyone requires alterations! A seamstress should easily be able to let the dress out in the places you need!

I would totally be calling them to see if they could exchange it for the right size. A dress that fits is so much better than one that *almost* fits. Good luck!

You really should have taken your consultant's advice on this.

Lurkers: Sizes for wedding dresses and bridesmaids dresses are the same as when you get a pattern. It's by measurement. When you buy clothes in a store, the sizes are no longer standardised, they are vanity sized. For instance, in the majority of stores I'm between a 2-6. If I have a dress or clothes made or make something for myself, it's a size 8-10.

You should see if they can exchange the dress for the next size up. You will need a very good seamstress who can let it out. It's easier to take it in.

I wear a size 10-12 in pants...I ordered a size 16 wedding dress...it is what it is.

I would have a seamstress let it out a little bit and just be careful not to gain weight in the next few months!

You should always listen to them and size up. For my dress the biggest size they had was a 14. I usually wear 10/12. I know with David's Bridal sometimes the dresses are always small so we ordered the 14. It fit really well and it was still loose around the waist so I guess I'll see where I am next year at a fitting. I think it's always best to order a size up especially if you're in between sizes because a lot of dresses can always be taken in but they can't be let out.

When is the last possible date your seamstress could begin a fitting (if you have a seamstress already)? If you think you'll lose weight (not that you need to but it seems like you'd like to) before that time then wait until then to make a decision and at that time they can let it out a bit for you if it is only a bit tight. If it's very tight, try and exchange.

Would you have time to exchange the dress for a larger size? You might lose a little bit of a weight, but you might not, so it seems like a safer bet to get the size 8 and then plan to take it in. As others have written, it's easier to take in than let out. As for the size numbers, when I tried on dresses, some were two sizes larger than my street clothing size, some were one size larger, and some were the same. The numbers should really not mean anything.

My measurements were all not one size but I was in between a 6 and 8 so I went for the 6, but I guess looking back now I should have stuck with the 8. I am going to see a seamstress in February and see what she recommends.

You really cannot let a number affect you - I am a street size 10... my wedding dress was ordered in a size 20 TWENTY. My mom and I just laughed at the ridiculousness of it, no skin off my teeth.

Going down a size in 5-6 months is not unrealistic, you still have some time! And a good seamstress *should* be able to let it out one size

As others have said, sizing in bridal is a whole other animal than street sizing. We typically end up ordering gowns in 2-3 sizes above what the bride's regular sizing is. But it is just a number and at end of the day all that matters is that you feel beautiful and love your gown on the outside...ignore what the tag may say on the inside

Also, depending on where you purchased your gown, exchanging may not even be an option. You're more likely to be able to do that at a nationwide store, like Davids. A local boutique it is probably not likely. ESP if you went against the size they recommended. Sorry

Thanks for all of the words of encouragement! I appreciate everyone's input and will put it all to good use!

DO NOT let this affect your self esteem. I am normally a size 4 and ordered my dress in a 10 because my measurements are all over the chart and I was told it was easier to take the dress in than out. (For comparison I'm 5'2" and give or take 125 lbs) Don't even worry about it. Get it altered to fit you and don't worry about the size.

I had my first fitting yesterday and I feel your pain and stress. Part of my problem was the corset/bra I had on. It had boning in it and was too thick. When I put on a different one the dress fit better. So maybe try it with a different brands and avoid Salt for a few days before the fitting. Other than that have the dress altered to fit you and only do what you are comfortable with.

When I was measured for a dress I was like wtf when they told me the suggested size, because it was like 2 sizes bigger than my normal size. But they know what they are doing and all the dresses they brought me to try in the suggested size fit.

I know it stings a little to have to upsize but really when you think about it, not one other single person is going to know, or let alone care what size your wedding dress is when you walk down the aisle.

You will be beautiful no matter what! Size and weight are just numbers, not measurements of your beauty or self worth! Enjoy your day and enjoy your dress!

I don't understand why vanity sizing exists in daily wear, but not bridal. You'd think if ever a woman needed to feel good about her body, it's when putting on her wedding dress lol

I can totally relate. I had to size up for my dress and gave me a complex, too. Like you I'm petite and had to order an 8 when I wear a 4 or 6 in clothes!

I basically have the same measurements as you and I remeber that I made them double check and show me why they were recommending a size 8. Just a few weeks before that I was a size 4 for my friends bridesmaid gown.

Wedding dresses are funny sizes! A good seamstress will make all the difference!!

Everything will be fine!!!