I found my dress and the sample in the store fits me *perfectly* except it's a little tight across the thigh (it's a mermaid style). I was thinking of asking if it's possible to take that part out a bit (I only need 1/2 inch) and then buying the sample...but you really don't save much money doing that at this store.
I just think it's silly to buy a size up because of 1/2 an inch in the thigh. I don't have any weight to lose there so it's not something I can even consider trying (even though I'd never want to count on losing weight to fit into my dress anyway).
Would you buy the size up and have it altered or would you look into having it let out a bit?