Size, Order and Alter? It doesn't seem right that you get measured, pay a lot of money for a dress and then in most cases need alterations. I don't like it anymore than my customers. I would like nothing more than to sell the dresses ready to wear.

Unfortunately, the manufacturers haven't taken into account the average person's measurements when designing their dresses and creating their size charts. It is what it is and because we can't change the manufacturers we do our best helping you decide what size is best for you.

You always want to get measured professionally. Bust, waist and hip are the common measurements needed. If you are tall be sure to inquire about the length of the style ordering and/or if extra length is available. Some dress companies offer extra length and some don't. If at all possible try on a dress from the same manufacturer to help determine your size and length. In most cases the dress you try on to determine size will not be the dress style you are ordering.

Because the average person does not have perfect measurements, the dress you order may be bigger in one place or another. The goal is to get the dress to fit as close as possible with the least amount of alterations. I always take the dress style into consideration.

For example:

Lace up back - You typically have room for error, weight loss or gain with a lace up. With that said you never want to neglect the fit of the hips or the length of the dress. Whenever possible, try a dress on that zips in the size determined. If it zips, even if it's tight, with a lace up you're good to go.

Strapless with the option of spaghetti, tank or halter straps - This style is very easy to alter. I like to try to get as close to the bust size as possible without having to let out in the waist and hips. However, if the bust measurement is more than 2 sizes smaller than the waist measurement, providing there is a generous seam allowance, I recommend ordering one size smaller according to the waist measurement. You will need the waist let out but you will also have less to take in on the bust.

Tank, halter and sleeved dress - These styles are more difficult in determining sizes. The halter is the easiest of the 3 but the basics still apply. If you get the bust too big on either of these styles you will have a massive amount of altering. It's very important that you get the bust to fit as close as possible. Again, only make the decision to order a smaller size if there is ample seam allowance. Sleeved dresses are naughty for sizing. Besides issues in the bust area as described earlier, you may battle with tight sleeves and/or restriction to your arms. The fit of these dresses are not like the normal everyday clothes you wear with sleeves.

Losing weight? - Let it be said, let it be known that in most cases it backfires. I've experienced situations when the customer not only didn't lose the desired weight, they gained more weight. Now you're faced with a dress ordered too small that's going to take an act of God to fit. My message to all you girls out there with good intentions is to lose weight for your health, not for the dress size. If you ask me that's way too much pressure for you and the rest of the wedding party. Order what you fit in at the time of ordering or at best, if the seam allowance permits, order one size smaller. How awesome would it feel when you go to try on your dress for the first time and it's too big? You will feel accomplished and less obligated to the fit of the dress. You can always take the dress in.

Expecting a baby? - Congratulations by the way, babies are a good thing and your dress will fit. Whether you may be expecting at the time of the wedding or you will have just had the baby, I recommend ordering the size of your bust measurements at the time and fabric to re-cut the front or back panels of the dress to fit the midriff area. If it's early in your pregnancy and/or you may be breast feeding at the time of the wedding, order one size bigger to accommodate the "girls". I often chuckle at the concept of ordering a dress to fit the belly. How do we know how big the belly will be and imagine the massive amount of work needed to get the bust to fit?

Get those "girls" up! - No matter what, when sizing and trying on dresses get those girls up. Wear a regular bra so you have something to pull up with and lift up while zipping.

To sum it all up:

First and foremost, anything is possible!

These dress sizes run small, so do not take the size of the dress personal.

Ultimately the size ordered is your decision.

Ask questions.

Inquire about the length. Some manufacturers may offer shorter as well as longer lengths.

Chiffon and organza dresses are not good candidates for letting out.

Almost everyone will at the very least need a hem.

Always check the seam allowances before ordering a smaller size.

Whenever possible, get professionally measured and try a dress on from the same manufacturer as the chosen dress style to insure a closer fit.

If you're unable to get to the bridal store to be sized at least order the size recommended by the manufacturer's size chart.

Whew! That's a lot of information. Once you start the sizing process this will all make sense.

I look forward to next time when I will be sharing alteration pointers with you.