When the sample gown doesn't fit

eruthora

Dear Ladies,This is my first post on the Knot.  I'm sure I'm not the only one to have this problem so I could use some advice.  I have been seriously looking for a wedding dress for about a month now and I haven't found a dress I love, a few I like, but none I love.  Part of the issue is I don't fit into the sample size and so I'm not sure how I will look in the dress.  I am a size 16 and most of the places I went to so far have a 10 as their sample.  At one store I tried in NJ, my folks live in NYC, I couldn't fit into most of the samples and the consultant held them up and asked if I liked them.  I am definitely not buying a dress that has only been held up to me.  At other salons I could tell how the front looked, but not the back because it was not even close to closing.  I just feel I shouldn't buy a wedding dress unless I really know what it will look like on.  So here is my question (s).  Has anyone else been frustrated by the same problem and if so, what did you do?  I live in Colorado Springs and if anyone knows of a bridal salon that has larger sample sizes in the area, could you recommend them?  Thanks in advance and sorry for the long post.

jforeman5

I understand your frudtration but I don't really have any good advice other than be patient, and try not to be super picky if you can help it. I am only 5'1 so all the sample dressed I tried on were at least 6 inches too long, and fit all wierd because the bodice was too long as well. I just bought my dress on good faith that they would make it true to my measurements, and when it came in it was almost perfect! D'Anelli Bridal in Lakewood has size 12 samples, and I know David's has most sizes available in their stores. GL!

LesPaul

Try Bridal Elegance.  East side of Academy Blvd just south of Maizeland.  My friend bought her dress there.  Mine wasn't really a wedding gown - I got it on Macy's.com

hmmcleod

I am so with you! I am not a size 10 either and it was not fun to try on dresses at many boutique bridal shops in Denver because of this. I actually found a place called Bonnie Bridal that stocks samples in other sizes besides teeny (I'm a 14). The shop was not super fancy, but I had a much better time trying on dresses that actually fit. They also carried quite a few designers.David's Bridal is another option. Again, the atmosphere and service is not the best in the world, but you can actually try on dresses that fit to get an idea of how they look on you. I went and checked out dresses first and then narrowed it down to three dresses that I really liked, then I brought in my bridesmaids and mom to help me decide. I found one I absolutely adore and am so excited for it to arrive! I hope this helps. We both deserve to be able to see how beautiful our dresses look before we spend lots of money. Have a great day!

skiingstark

I was a size 14 (now size 10, lost some weight for the wedding) and 5'1 so everything was way to long and most could not close. I am going to second the idea of a Davids Bridal shop. They carry bigger sizes so you can see how the dress fits.But if you can get the dress on and it just could not close all the way l you can get a pretty good idea what will work. For example I knew I wanted a Maggie dress cause I wanted a corset dress. So I went to a dress store to find what looks good on me and then I went on line and bought I used dress. So technically I never even tried on my dress, but I found out what would look good and what my basic size was. And it looks great on me. So it does not need to fit really to get what you would like.

eruthora

Thank you all for your suggestions.  They will really help when my mom comes out in the next couple of weeks.  I was just finding the whole things more stressful than fun because of the sizes of the dresses.  Thank you all again!

layla1704

I wouldnt recommend Bridal Elegance. I would go to Danelles and Something New Boutique.

LesPaul

thanks for the recommendation about Bridal Elegance, layla.  I didn't shop there (went in once, but they didn't have anything in the style I was looking for).  my friend got a nice gown there.

layla1704

Bridal Elegance has some nice dresses but didn't have a great selection in larger sizes (I'm a 14) and was also overpriced. They were selling my dress for much more than any other shop I visited.

Nicolette456

Amanda's Bridal in Arvada has an entire section onf 16 and up samples. They are great to work with too!

jeepin bride

I am not sure what your budget is, but Priscilla of Boston has all of their dresses in both small (size 8) and larger (18ish) sizes.  I was a street size 16 when trying dresses on and they had one that was too big on me :)If you find the cut of a dress that looks good on your body at Davids or something, then you might be able to imagine how other dresses of that same cut will look on you.  Just remember... a really good seamstress can make the dress look fabulous!  Shop at stores like Davids, PoB, or the others that everyone has mentioned to try on dresses in your size and if you don't find one at these places, at least you will know whether you look best in a ballgown, mermaid, a-line or whichever. 

RavenBrooke

Some bridal stores in Colorado Springs are Danelle's, Bridal Elegance, David's, De Ma Fille Bridal, and Sylvia. I'm not sure about their sample sizes. I do know a wonderful lady that can alter anything to fit perfectly. Find something you like and make sure it is ordered in your size - go by the biggest measurement. It's a lot easier to take up rather than let out. Of course, you can always convert the back to a corset if it's too small. Cathy has lots of experience with alterations on any body type. You can reach her at (719) 433-4877.