Wedding dress shopping is an exciting moment that manydream of, oftentimes longbeforean engagement! Now that your appointment is on the horizon, you may be wondering how bridal sizing works.
Beinga size 10,youmay beshocked when a stylish hands you a size 14 wedding dress.So, what on earth is going on? We’re here to explain the history of wedding dress sizing, and why many wedding dress sizes run small.
Do Wedding Dresses Run Small?
Long answer short is YES, many wedding dresses DOrun small. This isn't to try to confuse you, or make you feelinsecure about your size. In fact, wedding dress sizing has a long history ~ one that hasn't really changed over time (while everything else has).
The History of Wedding Dress Sizing
Although styles evolve, the wedding industry as a whole is somewhat stuck on past traditions. We talked with Lois Fritz, owner and operator of The Wedding Shoppe, one of the largest wedding retailers in the Midwest for over 40 years. Fritz shed some light on the European size tradition: “Most leaders in the wedding industry have always been, or at least have started off, in Europe, and their wedding dress size charts run smaller than American ones. Even with the companies that are based in America, many of the designers are European, so that’s the bridal sizing they still use.” So, they’re not just trying to make you feel larger than you are!
This is your wedding day. Designers and retailers alike want you to feelbeautiful! Unfortunately, based on European bridal sizing, many women are required to wear up to two sizes larger than their American size. So, don’t stress if your normal size seems snug in a wedding gown or bridesmaid dress. It’s not that European women are so much smaller than American women. The problem is, these size guidelines are based on body types from decades ago. As women have evolved, the wedding dress size charts have not.
Bridal Sizes Vs. Street Sizes
For the previous reasons, your wedding dress size and street sizescan be very different.Street clothing sizes (or clothes you wear on a daily basis) have changed with the times, but bridal sizing has not. This is why you will noticea discrepancy between the two. While you may wear a size 4 in jeans, you will likely beprompted to try on a size 6 or 8 wedding dress. Everyday clothing is also rarely altered, whereas wedding dresses are. Remember that when alterations are expected,a larger sizeis desired.
What Size Wedding Dress Am I?
Unfortunately, there is no universal size chart when it comes to wedding dresses. Since size charts are dependent on the designer, you may not know your dress size until you choose your wedding dress. However, if you have access to your designer’s bridal size chart online, you can measure yourself at home to have a better idea of your size in that certain brand.
Typically, you can expect to go up at least one size from your everyday clothing size. However, it may be more depending on the style of the dress and your unique figure.
Kennedy Blue Wedding Dress Size Chart
At Kennedy Blue, our wedding dress sizingreflects that of American sizing. Meaning if you are a size 8 in regular clothing, you will likely measure into an 8 for a Kennedy Blue wedding dresses. Why? We want to make the shopping experience that much easier, including for brides who shop online.
By carrying sizes that reflect street wear sizes, you can feel more confident in your decision. Note however that Americansizes are not universal, so we recommend takingyour measurements just to be safe. Currently, we offer sizes 0 to 24. With styles and designs to flatter women of every shape and size, you can trust that we have something for you!
How to Measure for Wedding Dresses
At Kennedy Blue, and most bridal stores, your size is dictated by the measurements ofyour bust, waist, and hips. Once you have taken all of the following measurements, we recommend ordering your size based off the largest of the three.
- Bust: Wearing the undergarments that you will wear with the dress, wrap the measuring tape around your back and under your arms at the fullest part of your bust.
- Waist: Stand up straight and bend to the side, the crease created is your natural waist. Wrap tape around the narrowest part of your natural waist.
- Hips: Stand with your feet together, wrap the tape around the fullest part of your hips and seat.
Wedding Dress Measuring Tips
When taking your measurements, we recommend that you have someoneassist you and use a soft, flexible measuring tape. If possible, seek help from a professional,like stylist at a bridal store. Be careful to consider the dresslength (hollow to hem). Always remember, it 's easier to make a dress smaller than it is larger! If you are in doubt, order a size up.
Wedding Dress Alterations: What to Expect
At Kennedy Blue, our size chart is standard! With the wide variety of body types, it is rare to find an exact fit when it comes to wedding dresses. Therefore, alterations are typically recommended to achieve a perfect fit! In fact, you should expect to need alterations on your wedding dress. Note that seamstresses are becoming harder to find, so make sure to book well in advance. This will ensure that you look and feel your very best come your big day!
How Much Do Wedding Dress Alterations Cost?
So if wedding dress alternations are a must, how much will they cost?Budget is a worry for many brides, so it's important to think ahead. Alteration costs will vary, depending on what exactly needs to be done, who is doing the work, and the skill level of the seamstress.If you need full alterations, expect to pay around $350-$600. If you don’t need a hem (length) alteration, you can expect to pay around $150-$350
Before committing, make sure to get an estimate on your dress alterations.This way you can have an idea ofwhat you’ll be spending. However, we do not recommend skimping on alterations - it’s better to pay more for a knowledgeable seamstress than to risk ruining your wedding dress with a cheap and less experiencedalternative.
Tips for Bridal Alterations
Here are just a few tips to keep in mind when it comes to wedding dress alterations:
- Hirea seamstress that alters and presses the dress. Aim to pick your wedding dress up one week before the wedding. If you pick it up sooner, the pressingmay not hold, and you’ll likely have a wrinkled dress.
- Wedding dress seamstresses are extremely busy Aprilthrough October. If you need alterations during that time, book your appointment sooner rather than later. Meanwhile, alteration shops will slower in the winter months.
- When should you get alterations?After you order your wedding dress and get a confirmed ship date, call your seamstress. Schedule your alterations to start 2 months before your wedding. If you have an April wedding, schedule your wedding dress alterations for February. If you have a May wedding, schedule your alterations to happen in March.
Buying Wedding Dresses Online
Looking for a more convenient way to find a wedding dress? Searching for a wedding dress online isn’t as complicated as people make it out to be -especially ifyou know what to look out for! Reputable websites, high-quality materials, and exceptional customer service are just a few things you should keep an eye outfor. Check out our selection of online wedding dresses!
In addition, it's important to know how to spot red flags when ordering wedding dresses online.Look out for poor customer reviews, unprofessional responses from the business, and poor order communication.
Online Wedding Dress Shopping Tips
When ordering online, always take extra time to make sure you’re measuring yourself accurately. Without a professional stylist on hand, it’s more difficult to achieve accurate measurements. Consider having someone at home help take your measurements, and be sure to use a flexible measuring tape. If you fall in between sizes, don't freak. It's more common than you think! If or when this happens, order the size that fits your largest measurement.
Let's Hear From You!
At Kennedy Blue, we wantto make every bride feel securein herchoice of a wedding dress! With a wide variety of styles, designs and sizes, we have something for everyone. We hope that by explaining the history of wedding dress sizes, and why wedding dress sizes run small, you will be able to make a more confident buying decision. Let us know if this information was helpful!
You can visit us at the store, located in St. Paul, Minnesota, or view our entire inventory online. Should you need assistance, one of our representative would be glad to assist you! Happy shopping!
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