One of the most common questions brides have when shopping for their wedding dress is about sizing. It's a big topic for most brides - and a confusing one, at that. With so many different bridal gown designers, each with their own size charts, it can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry - we’re here to help you navigate through it all so you can feel confident when selecting the perfect wedding gown.
We often have brides shopping with us at our Los Angeles bridal store who are confused on how bridal sizing works. They want to know what size chart bridal designer use and how to ensure they will order the correct size wedding dress for their body. The short answer is that there is not a simple answer or a magic formula to determine your wedding dress size. Each bridal designer operates off their own size chart so this is one area that working with a bridal stylist when wedding dress shopping can prove to be invaluable. Let's break down how bridal sizing works and what to expect when you begin trying on wedding dresses.
Video: Wedding Dress Size Charts Explained
If you are a bride is who ready to begin wedding dress shopping or perhaps has already begun shopping for your dream wedding dress and are wondering how bridal sizing works and how you can figure out what size wedding dress is right for you so you can order the correct size, don't miss our latest advice video explaining wedding dress size charts.
Bridal Sizing Isn’t Like Regular Clothing Sizing
Let’s start with an important point: bridal sizing is very different from what you might be used to when buying regular clothes. A size 4 in everyday wear doesn’t translate the same way to wedding dresses. Why? Well, each bridal designer uses their own size chart, and those charts can vary greatly in terms of measurements. No matter if it's a high end bridal designer or a less expensive line of bridal dresses, each designer and factory uses their own wedding dress size chart.
When you look at a bridal gown size chart, you’ll notice it typically includes bust, waist, and hip measurements. But here’s where it gets tricky: one designer’s size 8 could fit completely differently from another designer’s size 8. Some bridal designers start their sizing at a size 0, while others may start at a 2, 4, or even 6! So, it’s essential to know that your wedding dress size won’t be the same across the board.
For brides who fall into the plus-size category, it’s important to know that the definition of “plus-size” can also vary by designer. Some bridal designers consider certain sizes to be plus-size, while others may have different guidelines. What’s more, some designers will charge extra for plus-size gowns due to the additional materials and construction required, while others will not. There are so many variables that go into bridal sizing and there is unfortunately not a streamlined answer to what size wedding dress you need to order. Don't let that stress you out while wedding dress shopping though. We'd recommend to not even pay attention to the size on the tag when trying on wedding dresses - your bridal stylist will work with you to order the correct size once you've found your dream wedding dress.
How to Determine Your Bridal Size
When you are ready to say yes to the dress and it comes time to select your bridal size, your bust, waist, and hip measurements will be taken by your bridal stylist. They'll use these measurements to align you with the closest size on the particular bridal designer’s size chart. It's also important to note that your wedding dress should be ordered in the size that will accommodate your largest body measurement. Let's say you measure a size 4 in the bust but a size 6 in the hips. You will want to order the size 6 in order to fit your hips and then during alterations, your gown can be tailored in the bust to fit you properly. It's much easier to take in a gown than it is to try to squeeze into a wedding dress.
To make things even more complex, the country in which the dress was made (the US, Canada, Australia, etc.) can also affect sizing. The important thing to remember is that bridal sizing is not universal, so be prepared to consider each designer's size chart as you shop.
What If the Sample Dress Doesn’t Fit Perfectly?
When you try on wedding dresses, you may notice that the sample gowns on the racks likely do not fit you exactly as you expect. But don’t let that discourage you! If the sample dress is too big, bridal stylists can use clamps to secure the fabric in place so you can still get a good idea of how it will look on you. If the sample dress is too small, there may be plus-size options to try on or stylists can even use a bungee attached to each side of the zipper to hold the dress in place, allowing you to see the overall silhouette.
We always remind our brides: if you love how the sample fits, you’ll love the final dress even more once it’s altered to your exact measurements. Remember, wedding dresses are made to be altered, and you won’t get a perfect fit until about two weeks before your wedding, when the final alterations are complete. Trust us—this is part of the magic of wedding dress shopping!
The Right Size Matters for Alterations
It’s also important to remember that choosing the right size is essential for getting the best results during alterations. Some brides think they can order a smaller size as motivation to lose weight before the wedding, but this is a risky move. While some brides may lose inches, others may gain muscle or experience weight redistribution as they prepare for their big day.
When you place your wedding dress order, it’s best to go with the measurements you have at that moment. Your stylist will guide you through this process, and together, you’ll select the most suitable size. It’s better to order a dress that’s a little too big than one that’s too small. Dresses can be easily taken in, but if they’re too small, there isn’t much we can do.
More Helpful Wedding Dress Shopping Advice
We hope you have found this advice helpful when it comes to understanding bridal sizing and what to expect when ordering your wedding dress. For even more helpful advice when it comes to shopping for your dream wedding dress, be sure to check out our past posts:
- Why Every Bride Needs a Bridal Stylist While Wedding Dress Shopping
- Newly Engaged Brides: Top Must-Know Things Before You Begin Wedding Dress Shopping
- How To Handle Body Changes Leading Up to Your Wedding Day
- How to Buy Your Wedding Dress & Accessories
About Lovella
If you're shopping for your perfect wedding dress, come visit us at Lovella Bridal in Glendale, CA. We carry wedding dresses in all sizes and styles, including plus-size bridal gowns and a full selection of veils and accessories. Lovella Bridal is the premier, luxury bridal wedding dress shopping boutique located in Los Angeles, California. Lovella features couture, feminine, modern and chic bridal gowns in all sizes from the best wedding dress designers. Schedule an appointment to find the wedding dress of your dreams at Lovella Bridal. We can't wait to help you!
About Wedding Fashion Expert
Our wedding dress shopping tips and advice are from Nayri, Lovella's own, in-house wedding fashion expert. Nayri is truly the expert when it comes to bridal fashion and wedding style. As the Wedding Fashion Expert, Nayri is the top bridal fashion stylist and the best-selling author of the book "I'm Getting Married And I Have Nothing To Wear," the ultimate guide to helping brides find their wedding day style and their perfect wedding dress. You can subscribe to her YouTube channel or listen to her podcast for more helpful and practical advice on wedding dress shopping.
