Karly’s Corner - Gown Sizing, Alterations + More!

- SIZING -

Karly: "When you say 'yes' to your dress, your size is then taken down for ordering, but how do they pick a size? How do you know what size you are?

The consultant will measure your bust, waist, and hip; every designer has a size chart and will differ. Many brides are under the misconception that when we take your measurements, we'll actually be ordering the dress per your measurements, and that is not unfortunately how it works. Consultants will pull out the size chart and will go based off of each of those individual three measurements and figure out what the bride is closest to. That being said, when the dress comes in, it is going to very, very rarely fit perfectly.

And it’s just part of the process.

Brides will need to alter it. This is to their height with the shoes they're wearing that day, a bustle, and other things. The size chart is not an exact science in the sense that the bride will not fit precisely into a sample size. If your bust, for example, is measuring at a 10, but your waist is measuring at a 6 and your hips are measuring at a 14, we’re getting you a 14. But don’t worry, the dresses are made to be altered, and they can definitely be made down smaller. Better to have it big than too small. Trust us!"

- TIMING -

"Each seamstress is different, but 12 weeks is a comfortable time for your seamstress to work on your gown. Your seamstress will typically be working with other brides as they get their gowns altered too. 12 weeks also gives you enough time so that if you need any other adjustments, your seamstress can make it happen! If time is an issue, depending on the seamstress, there can be a faster turnaround time; double check with them though! Brides will generally have 3-4 appointments on average between those 12 weeks. If you are on a shorter time frame, there would be less. Here is what your appointments may generally look like, but each seamstress works differently, so it may vary."

• Appointment 1
  • "This is going to be a pin fitting. So you’re going to put the dress on, with your shoes and your undergarments. And they will actually just pin the dress everywhere that you need it taken in or let out a little bit, pin the hem up, and pin the bustle up potentially.
• Appointment 2
  • "You'll go back and they will have altered what was pinned. Then they’ll see, 'Oh, the hem is still a little long,' or, 'We need to take it in a little more' -- wherever there still needs a bit more hemming or loosening to be done."
• Appointment 3+
  • "Depending on you and your seamstress, your third appointment might mimic your second, or will be your final pickup. They’ll have you sit, they’ll have you walk around, they’ll have you throw your arms up to make sure nothing is popping out anywhere. All those kinds of stuff so, if everything is good and you’re fairly close to your wedding, this could be your final time to pick up your dress."