Altering Bridesmaids dress
 

Hello, all! I'm in need of some advice. I'm going to be a bridesmaid next September, but the bride would like us to order our dresses ASAP. I Have already lost 14 lbs since Jan 1st and I'm still going strong. I fully expect to be 2 sizes smaller by the time the wedding rolls around. I've elminated "try" from my vocabulary. I WILL do it! So, what size do I buy my dress in? If I get one that fits me now, can they alter it down two sizes? Can they alter it down one size? I'd be perfectly comfortable getting one size smaller than I am now. Even if I slow down on the weight loss or plateu for a while, I am 100% sure I can lose at least 1 dress size. What would you do? Thanks for any advice!

You can definitely size down two dress sizes. Harder to alter up than down. Good luck!

I am a seamstress and costume maker-and they can definitely alter the dress down 2 sizes. The only thing is...the alterations if done in the bridal shop will cost a lot.

If you are going strong and are sure that you will be a size smaller or two-order ONE size smaller-but not two just in case.

Did you say NEXT September...as in 1 year and 7 months from now???? Or in September 7 months from now? If it is the year and 7 months...I would insist that she wait a while before having you all buy the dresses-too many variables can happen in a year and a half's time-pregnancy, weight losses and gains, a new crop of dresses that she likes better...:lol:

I feel for you...I am in my SIL's wedding as matron of honor next June...and I have a strange feeling that I am going to be a lavendar nightmare. ;) I have been putting a bug in her ear to let me and the bridesmaids all wear the same color and fabric-but different dress styles-my taste is totally different than the other two bridesmaids.

Thanks so much for your input. That was very helpful! It's in 7 months, not a year and 1/2, but I am doing great on my weight loss plan. I've lost 14 lbs in 7 weeks, and I haven't lost one bit of motivation. On average I exercise for an hour, 6 times a week. I'm on Weight watchers and have only went over in points twice -- and I didn't go completely nuts either of those times. I know I can lose a dress size. The bride hasn't found the perfect dresses yet, so I'm hoping I still have a little bit of time before ordering them. It is comforting to know that they can be altered down. I guess I'll make the decision on what to do when we're ready to order. Thanks again to both of you!

Good luck to you. It is comforting that she hasn't actually chosen the dresses yet. If she does soon and you are still going strong, a size down should do it. If she waits until 6-8 weeks before the wedding though...I would get it in your current size. :)
Good luck-you're gonna look beautiful.

I am in a wedding in June, and the dresses came in 6 weeks ago. I knew when we ordered that I was going to be smaller. They wanted to order 1 size larger than my measurements to play it safe, but I insisted that they get the size that I measured. When they came in I had lost 10 lbs, and the dress was too big. I have now lost another 10 lbs, so I imagine it is 2 sizes too big. Our bridal shop has a limit on how much the alterations can cost (THANK GOD!) so you might want to ask about that. One bridesmaid doesnt need ANY alterations! I feel like I am the lucky one though because I am THRILLED that I need to have the dress made smaller. I fully intend to lose another 20 lbs - good luck to whoever has to alter my dress!!! :)

alterations in MOST bridal shops ONLY take 2 weeks- don't let them tell you they need any more than 3 weeks! (I called around to see how soon before the wedding I could have it altered because I was still losing)

I was married at the beginning of the month and ordered my dress in Feb 2004 (13 months before the wedding) in the size I was then. I had to have 2 alterations, but it was worth it! (the estimated size of the dress is now a 10 from a size 16 ordered- I asked so I could advertise if I decided to sell it later on- so yes they can do it!)

order it the size you are now or 1 size smaller- not 2 sizes though- nice to be optimistic- but what would make you feel better? getting a dress that's too small when the time comes or having to have it brought in a bunch?

The time needed for alterations can greatly vary depending on how busy the seamstress is. *I am a seamstress and costume maker!*
If the wedding is at a busy time of the year-they may really need more time than 2 weeks-because most likely the wedding party you are in is not the only wedding party getting alterations. ;)
If you were contacting me for instance in November-I could have gotten your dress done and in right away-but if you would have called me in the beginning of October (Halloween season) or right now (spring through beginning of summer) I am outrageously booked and have many jobs to get to before yours.
No-it doesn't take 2-3 weeks to alter a dress-but the seamstress could have 7 dresses scheduled in front of yours.