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Trying on Wedding Dresses for Smaller Girls

Hi! I tried to go shopping to try on wedding dresses for the first time this weekend... unfortunately none of the shops had my size in their in-store samples. I had no idea that it would be hard to try on my size as I am 5'7" and 120lb so I don't think of myself as that petite. I am really hesitant to buy a dress before trying it on, but it seems to be hard to find shops with 2s. What have other smaller brides done? I ordered a few dresses that I could return online just to see for sizing. Thanks for the help!

Re: Trying on Wedding Dresses for Smaller Girls

  • I'm around your size, and the one time I did go try stuff on in person they just clamped me into the samples (8s?) with the dress clamp things.

    it's not quite the same but it worked.

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  • I'm a pretty small person so there weren't any samples for me too. When I went wedding dress shopping, they actually put me in dresses that were 4 or 6 times bigger than me and clipped them in the back so that I could get a good picture of what it would look like in my size. 

    I'd suggest making an appointment and letting the consultant handle it, he or she can do the same as mine. It doesn't cost you anything just to try on dresses. And then you can order the one you like in your size (they're probably not going to put you in a dress that can't be ordered in your size since they want to make the sale).

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  • edited October 2014
    Lots and lots of clamps. I find that's the norm when dress shopping as most stores I visited didn't carry anything below an 8 or 10. Also, when you're ready to order your dress, make sure that you look at the size chart very carefully. I've heard of a few stores getting the gown a few sizes too big so that you would have to have major alterations. Yes, many wedding dress sizes tend to be bigger than street sizes and you shouldn't be ordering a smaller size than you can fit into, but ordering much bigger is going to cost you in alterations.
  • Typically samples are between sizes 6 and 10.  If the dress is too big your consultant with just clamp the back so that you can get an idea of how it will fit you when ordered in your correct size.

    When you find your dress your consultant with measure you (ask them to measure you twice just to make sure they noted the right measurements) and then refer to the correct size chart according the designer and then figure out the best size to order.  You will want to order the size dress that fits the largest part of your body.  So if your bust is a size 8 but your hips are a size 10 then you won't to order the 10.

  • Aw, what a disappointment! I had a really hard time imagining around the clips with the dresses I tried on. I always imagined sliding into the perfect fitting gown when I found it... @amelisha did you end up trying on gowns you found online? I found some places that would ship a smaller gown to me at a cost. Not thrilled about having to pay to try something on, but it's better than not trying on something before buying.
  • Oh, and thanks everyone for the advice/ answers!
  • Like others said, they normally clamp the back so you can see what it would look like in your size and then you have to order blindly. Unfortunately, I know how much that sucks. I was absolutely terrified to order something for $1300 that I couldn't try on and no refunds. They took my measurements and said they'd order the 4. I just didn't feel comfortable with it. I told them my booty is always a 6 and that bridals usually run small so I insisted on the 6. When it came it, it fit perfectly, and the 4 definitely would have been too small. So don't just go by their measurements, go by your gut as well.

                                                                     

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  • Aw, what a disappointment! I had a really hard time imagining around the clips with the dresses I tried on. I always imagined sliding into the perfect fitting gown when I found it... @amelisha did you end up trying on gowns you found online? I found some places that would ship a smaller gown to me at a cost. Not thrilled about having to pay to try something on, but it's better than not trying on something before buying.

    I just went to get an idea of what might look okay, no research or anything really. And then I just bought one online that I hadn't tried on anyway, lol, just from my measurements and the size chart. I'm probably the wrong person to ask because I didn't care much (really just doing a dress for the families' sake) and I bought one of like 4 styles David's had in a 0 in the clearance on their website...

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  • I agree with everyone else. I am the exact same size as you (5'7" 120 lbs). Dress shops usually only carry a few sizes in each dress and you can never expect them to fit you. This is the norm. They're not going to carry dresses in every size because it would be extremely wasteful. When I went dress shopping, the clamps worked wonders. I had no problems ordering a dress that way. You also have to expect that no matter what dress size they order you, you will have to have alterations. So don't worry about that. Once you pick your dress, they will take your measurements and order you the correct size based on the designers size recommendations. I haven't heard of anyone having a problem with that. Your dress will fit perfectly on the day if you have a great seamstress.
    "Judging a person does not define who they are. It defines who you are."
  • I did my shopping at David's Bridal and was trying on 4s and 6s. Ended up ordering a 6. Sample sizes tend to be a bit stretched out from so many people trying them on. Also, you need to compare your measurements to bridal sizing. If you are a street size 2 you probably will wear a size or more up in wedding gowns.
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  • Yea, my dress shopping was like this too. I'm about the same size just a little taller.  You really do just have to envision it without the clamps, all altered to fit you.  I went to DB and ended up buying off the rack because the dress was being discontinued.  I'll be making up for the discount in alterations though,  Its a size 6, I was bridal shop measured at a 2. 

    I found that once the lady puts all the clamps up the back you get a very good idea of what it's going to look like from the front.  The back can be a little harder to imagine though.  If it's the back of the dresses you're having a hard time invisioning, maybe ask the consultant to clamp it on the sides so that you can get a better look at what the back will be like.

                                               

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  • GiaspoGiaspo member
    Knottie Warrior 1000 Comments 25 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited October 2014
    I am the same size as you (5'7.5" 120) and everything was clipped. You'll get the hang of it and when you find the right one, it won't matter. I agree with PPs to order what your gut says... I measured a 2 for most places except hips that were closer to a 4. I got the 4 and was glad I did because even though it was big, I was petrified the 2 would be too small.

    Two more things to note... If the gown you select has any kind of detail at the hem, ask if you can special order a hollow-to-hem gown. I had to do this because my gown couldn't be shortened. The only trouble is it's a little nerve wracking... I went back to the store and got measured twice just to be sure. Also... If you are not blessed in the chest, padding will be your friend!  I wound up with not one but two chicken cutlets sewn in there, and one was folded in half!  Good luck and have fun. 
     


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  • The truth is unless you are a perfect sample size you will likely have to do some imagining when you try on dresses at bridal shops. I personally am a little bigger than sample size, which is also hard to imagine around. 
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  • they dont make samples that small you can find them but they are very hard to find and unless the salon requests smaller your out of luck. i am plus size and there were some gowns that had to be clamped to me yes crazy but i was able to see how they looked.

    ask them to clamp the sides for the back some styles run very small like mermaids so the size 8 you try on might not need to be clamped at all 
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