The Fit

A great option in order to avoid a lot of alterations is a lace up back. A lace up can accommodate you should you lose, or heaven forbid, gain any weight. It also works well for brides who have large hips and a small bust or vice versa. Gowns that require zipping, as with a corset, are ordered by the appropriate chart sizing for that dress. If you opt for a zipper, be prepared to possibly need alterations done. Some companies can sew a dress to your exact measurements, but often they prefer not to do this, as it costs more and there is no absolute guarantee it will fit when it arrives. It’s always easier to take a dress in than to let it out. It is extremely important that your consultant measure your bust, waist, hips, hollow to hem, neckline to waist, waist to hem and neckline to hem. All these measurements ensure that a bride gets a prom dress 2013 that fits her torso length and height.

Finding your perfect wedding dress is one of the most amazing and special moments in a woman’s life. You envision that perfect gown, in the perfect setting. You see everything you want for your day and how you want it to go. Sometimes finding that perfect gown can be a long and frustrating experience for some brides, others seem to find “the dress” without much worry or hassle. When shopping for a dress keep your expectations real and focused.


The biggest thing to remember is that wedding gowns are sized smaller than your street label size. A woman who may wear a size 3 or 4 may in fact, be a size 6 or 8, maybe even a 10 depending on the cut and the bride’s largest measurement. Gowns are sewn to specific measurements for their sizing, and not all dress manufacturers follow the same measurements. If you tell your bridal consultant that you are a size 10 and she pulls a 14 for you, she is not trying to offend you, this is most likely your size in that particular wedding dress. A bridal consultant will measure you properly for your dress in order to purchase the right size for you.

Make sure you are wearing your wedding shoes( or shoes that are equivalent to the height of the shoe you will wear) and or crinoline when getting measured. This ensure your skirt will fall to the floor at the hem with your shoes/crinoline on. If a consultant doesn’t measure you, and orders you a dress just going on how the sample fit, be wary, this could result in a gown much too large or too small. As I stated before a dress that is a little too big is easier to fix than a gown that is too small.

The next thing is, your bridal consultant should be helpful, not pushy or leaves you feeling bullied. She may pull dresses that you don’t particularly like the look of, but a dress on the rack has no structure or personality just hanging on the hanger. Try dresses that don’t appeal to you, or a cut you weren’t too big on. This is your day, and the fun part is you get to try on dresses of all kinds. Your consultant does not have a right however, to completely ignore your requests to avoid a certain style of dress, and you should never have to explain yourself. A good consultant works along side you to find the styles and cuts you are fond of, and may suggest some that are on the bottom of your list. If at any point you would like your consultants opinion ask her for it.

Expect professionalism, courtesy, respect and guidance from you bridal consultant. If you don’t get these things, then you are not getting the level of service you deserve. Don’t be offended if a consultant pulls a dress 2-3 sizes larger than your street size, the dresses are cut and sewn smaller than their label size more often than not.

A big part of finding your dress is to stick to the one you decide on. Resist trying on gowns after you have ordered yours. This will only cost you more in the long run if you find another dress, and can lead to heartbreak.

Finally, just have fun, enjoy the shopping experience and make a day out of it. It’s all about you!

If you would prefer she keeps her thoughts to herself, then don’t ask. If she adds her opinion and you didn’t ask it or says something you do not agree with let her know that you disagree. Her opinion only matters if you want it. A consultant should never assume you want her opinion. A good consultant says “How do you feel about this dress?” or “do you mind if I offer my opinion or give a suggestion?” Be prepared though that her opinion may be in regards to the style or shape not working for you. A bridal consultant should be respectful, and remember that she is there to help you, inform you of the shops services, and to work with you to find your dress. Also, respect earns respect, if you are respectful, your consultant should be respectful and vice versa. A disrespectful consultant doesn’t deserve your business and a disrespectful bride, guest or party member may be asked to leave or may not get the full level of service a shop offers.