how do i start looking for a dress?

[Deighton]

Dallas brides- where is Lulu's??

[gkashmira]

Quote:

Originally Posted by brecluse Great list Kash, one thing I disagree with is getting exactly the right size. It's not as simple as that for some of us. If you are not a sample size and you end up liking and having to order a gown then the chances are pretty good it will need to be altered, wedding dress sizing (J Crew excluded) is not regular clothes sizing. If you are in between sizes (my issue) then err on the side of caution and order the larger size. It's much better to make it smaller than bigger, and DO take the alteration cost into consideration. Also, go to at least one full-service bridal salon, make an appointment, give them your budget and then let them pick some stuff for you and try it on even if you think you'll hate it. You might be surprised. Most of all you should enjoy the process as much as possible so even if you end up getting something unconventional you at least experienced the whole deal.

I just meant do not buy a dress that for example is a sample but is actually too small. I would actually ignore the sizes inside the dress entirely and let the sales person measure you and match your measurements with the designers size chart. However just remember that the dresses you are trying on are stretched out. So if the size 8 or 10 you are wearing fits you perfectly it is very likely that if you order that dress it will be a bit smaller (this happened to me and in the end I had them let out the dress).

[-Kate-]

That is a good point Kash. Remember that the samples are tried on by 100s of brides so they stretch out. If the sample just fits you and has been on the floor for a month, there is a good chance it is way stretched out and you should go up a size. Eg- when I tried on one of my top 3 dresses the first time it fit perfectly. I was only the 2nd person to have tried it on. When I went back with my mom 2 months later it was way too big in the bust bc so many other girls had tried it on.

 

Back to the bringing people thing - make sure who you bring is a good enough friend that they will be honest. And tell them that they need to be brutally honest before you get to the salon. I just have this vivid memory from a salon I was at of a bride walking away in a dress with a friend following her saying "maybe if the bust was altered and the straps were different...I do think it looks great on you though." I wanted to grab the bride and yell "Your girls are busting out of the top of the dress and the dress does nothing for your booty" because that was the truth!

[brecluse]

Kash, I totally get it now. I really never thought of the samples being stretched out since most of them were so not my size to begin with.

[gkashmira]

Quote:

Originally Posted by brecluse Kash, I totally get it now. I really never thought of the samples being stretched out since most of them were so not my size to begin with.

No need to bop yourself on the head! You are absolutely right -
if you have any doubt about what size to order it's best to get the size up - it's easier and cheaper to take a dress in than to let it out!