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.

The style and colors for maids, moms and flower girls should compliment, not match, your bridal gown. You'll only drive yourself crazy if you try to match everything.

Pick a color, any color! The bridal industry offers remarkable color options and some of the manufacturers offer some very unique color combinations. So, if you're indecisive on a color you can choose two. In some cases the skirt can be ordered in one color, the top in another with yet another color as an accent. That would be a total of 3 different colors. Of course, not every manufacturer offers these options. Every manufacturer has different names for their colors, different swatch cards and different options depending on fabric and dress style. Be sure to clarify things before making a decision and getting your heart set on something that may not be available.

Ultimately this is your wedding but it's imperative that you consider the body type of everyone when choosing a dress style for your bridesmaids.

You really can't go wrong with strapless, halters and spaghetti or tank style straps. Tank and sleeved dresses tend to be harder to fit someone with issues in the "girls" department. Be it too much or not enough, if the bust measurement is not in sink with the rest of the measurements there can be issues.

Several brides have opted to let their attendants independently choose a style that looks best on them. Same manufacturer and color, different styles. Separates work great for this as the options are unlimited and they can be ordered size appropriate for the top and bottom.

There are so many new, fun styles, when properly accessorized they can be worn again to other special events.

The junior bridesmaid dress typically matches or at best compliments the bridesmaid dresses.

There's a new trend, female ushers dubbed as usherettes. They've been known to wear the same style as the bridesmaids in a complimenting color, same color but different dress style or some choose to have them wear a nice little black dress.

The flower girls are still wearing the traditional white or ivory miniature bridal gown but there are those who are wearing what's called a mini-maid dress. The mini-maids are an age appropriate replica of the bridesmaid dresses.

I'm frequently asked what the age cut off is for a flower girl. A traditional flower girl dress can go up to a girl's size 16, but I've always thought of a flower girl as being between the ages of 2 and 6 and a junior bridesmaid between the ages of 6 and 12.  

Last but not least we can't forget about moms, who tend to think they can wait until the last minute to get their dress. The truth is, if they plan on special ordering a dress they need to do it at least 3 months before the wedding, depending on the manufacturer.

There are many bridesmaid dresses that work great for moms. They are less expensive and more stylish for moms of the 21^st century. Don't be afraid of color, as long as it compliments the attendant's dress color you can't go wrong.

Mom, check out those sales racks in the department stores. I know a lot of moms who've said they found the perfect dress when they weren't even looking but happen to browse while they were out and about.

For peace of mind and to allow ample time for alterations, I recommend ordering all of your dresses at least 6 months before your wedding. That's not to say that you can't order your dresses in less time. It never hurts to ask if you're planning a last minute wedding.

Your dress style and color options are endless. Have fun with it!

I hope you found this blog more helpful than overwhelming. Join me next time when the topic of discussion will be sizing, ordering and

Shop, Shop, Shop! Ask questions! You not only want to find the perfect dress within your budget, you want to find a bridal store you trust and feel comfortable with. Ask about package discounts, sizing and ordering policies, the contract, if they have their own seamstress for alterations, anything you can think of. Once you've paid for it and signed the contract there's no going back, the dress is yours.

I can't say it enough, "Try everything on!" Trying on dresses is FREE.

Before making a commitment to a bridal gown, take pictures of you in your favorite dresses (even if the sample doesn't fit). Go home and look at the photos before making a decision. Pictures speak volumes over a mirror. Your wedding photos are the grand finale and it's all you have left of your wedding day. I've heard several brides comment that if they could have seen themselves in a photo before purchasing their dress they would have chosen a different style.

The time of year should not influence your choice of one style over another. In other words you don't have to wear long sleeves in the winter and chiffon in the summer. The most common styles are strapless with optional spaghetti straps and halters. A splash of color accents is also very popular; it adds personality and gently ties everything together.

Helpful hits - Because you want to choose a dress style that looks best on you, here are some pointers:

Strapless and sweetheart necklines look good on everyone and you most always have the option to add spaghetti, halter and tank straps.

A halter is very complimentary on the shorter bride, one with broad shoulders or someone who's well endowed.

Rouching or gathering in the midriff area is very flattering for those who might be self conscience of their waist and hips.

Split-fronts are flattering for the full figure bride. It tends to lengthen and compliment the midriff area.

A tank top looks good on everyone as long as it's sized properly. If the bust of the dress is too big it's hard to alter for a proper fit.

Most bridal stores have one sample and size per dress style. If they have a large selection of samples and more than one manufacturer they should have something in a similar style you like to try on. Style meaning halter, tank, strapless, sweetheart, A-line and fitted skirts etc.

There's a dress for every bride and a bride for every dress. You will know when you've found the perfect dress for you.

Stay tuned my next topic will be bridesmaids, flower girls, junior bridesmaids and mother's dresses.

Once you have a realistic budget and a solid guest list it's time to choose the professionals needed to pull it all together.

You want to start by selecting a ceremony and celebration venue which can be kind of tricky especially if you have a specific date in mind. You may need to choose your date according to availability.

Everyone's wants and needs are quite different but for the most part the basics are the same. Depending on the time of year, photographers, videographers, musicians for the ceremony and entertainment for the celebration are usually booked far in advance so you want to reserve them as soon as you have a date set and a venue. Your flowers, wedding cake and professional decorator should immediately follow. As soon as you've made a decision sign the contract and pay the deposit to insure the reservation of your wedding date.

I recommend meeting with potential service providers before making any decisions. Personalities influence compatibility so go with your intuition and first impression. It's also a good idea to ask recently wedded friends, family and co-workers for referrals. If you've got the time, shop around. Once you've paid your deposit you're committed.

Because of the many variables it's inconceivable to expect an exact quote, but you should expect a ball park figure.

Always keep in mind that although you are very important to all of your service providers you are one of many customers. May - October, Thursday - Sunday are very busy times in the wedding industry, regardless of the day it's always best to call and set up an appointment rather than just stopping in. An appointment is a guarantee that the person you need to meet with is available and not at a job site or taking a much needed day off.

Be sure to read the contracts and ask questions. The professionals do this every day and don't expect you to know everything. Keep an open mind to the fact that you may need to compromise some things to stay in your budget. Prioritize your needs and wants, you're the only one who knows of your original intentions.

Until next time which will be shopping for the perfect bridal gown, Happy Planning!