If you’re asked to be a part of a friend’s wedding party, remember that this is a huge honor that demonstrates how much your friend values your special bond. One way to show your gratitude is to stay on top of your bridesmaid duties, which include making sure your dress fits properly. For help, scroll down to learn how to measure for bridesmaid dresses.
How to Measure for Bridesmaid Dresses
Visit the Bridal Salon
If possible, it’s best to visit the bridal salon in person and rely on the expertise of the dress stylists. You won’t need to learn how to measure for bridesmaid dresses because your stylist can take care of it for you. With their experience in measuring gowns to flatter all figures and sizes, the dress stylists will make it easy for you to select the perfect size. For example, many bridesmaid dresses run small, so stylists know to select gowns accordingly.
When you check the size chart for the designer of your bridesmaid gown, don’t be alarmed if you find out that your personal measurements don’t correspond exactly to any one size. Choose the size that fits your largest measurement, and plan on having your dress altered. It’s much easier to take in a dress than to let a dress out. Also, let the dress stylist or seamstress know about any size changes you anticipate between now and the wedding. For example, if you’re pregnant, in the process of losing weight, or bulking up, you may need to select a larger size and then have it adjusted to fit before the wedding day.
Find a Seamstress
Once your dress arrives (which will typically take 12 to 14 weeks), you may need to visit a seamstress to have it tailored. At your first appointment, you will try on the dress so that the seamstress can mark the exact adjustments that must be made for the garment to fit properly. Don’t shy away from telling your seamstress about your concerns and personal preferences as well. For example, are you worried about your chest being overly exposed? Do you feel the sleeves are too tight? Are you concerned about how you’ll wear a bra with your backless dress? Let your seamstress know! He or she may be able to work some magic.
Tips for Out-of-Town Bridesmaids
For those bridesmaids who have a long-distance friendship with the bride, it’s not always possible to make a visit to the bridal salon where the dress is sold. You will need to take some extra steps to make sure your dress fits.
Check to see if the bridal salon has an out-of-town bridesmaid form. Normans Bridal provides this form to make it simple for out-of-town bridesmaids to order the right gown. The form asks for your contact information, the bride’s name, the dress style and color, and sizing information. To ensure the fit is accurate, you are asked to send the measurements of your bust, weight, and hips as well as your height, weight, and bra size. There is also a box where you can provide additional information about your size (for example, this is where you might disclose a pregnancy). For help, check out our Appointment and Measurements page.
If you DIY your measurements, there is a strong chance that you will make an error and order the wrong size. So before filling out the out-of-town bridesmaid form, schedule an appointment with a professional seamstress or formal wear specialist so that you can be measured. Most stores will provide this service for a nominal fee. Once you have your measurements, you can consult the designer’s sizing information for the dress and select the right size. If you have any questions, just call or visit the salon.
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Now that you know how to measure for bridesmaid dresses, are you ready to start shopping? Whether you’re a bridesmaid or a bride, check out Normans Bridal, a full-service bridal salon located in downtown Springfield, Missouri. We carry an enormous selection of bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses, and our knowledgeable stylists love what they do and look forward to helping you select the perfect dress. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment or fitting, please call us at 417-866-9800 or contact us through our website.