The Truth About Wedding Gown Sizing

Wedding Gown Sizing

After 20 years of making bridal dreams come true, we’ve found that wedding gown sizing tends to surprise brides to be. It can be confusing, especially when you’re first jumping into the world of wedding gowns. We want to help make these numbers a little easier to digest.

Sizing is just a number.

Bridal sizing isn’t like typical street wear sizing. While you might be a size 4-6 in jeans, you may be a bridal size 8-10, and if you’re a size 14-16, you’re likely a 18-20.  Don’t worry about it–sizing is just a number! Each designer uses a different size chart as well. So being a size 4 in one designer doesn’t mean you’re a bridal 4 across the board. This is where your stylist comes in. They will be well versed in bridal sizing, so you can just enjoy the ride!

Trunk show dresses tend to come straight from the runway, so they may run smaller.

If you’re shopping during a trunk show, most styles are brought from the designer fresh off the runway. With that, don’t be discouraged if you see a sample in a size 2 or 4—we’ll likely receive our very own sample to try on in a standard bridal sample size 10 or 12 a few months after the trunk show.

Consider your bust size when choosing gown sizing.

Most bridal samples have a B cup size to match, and plus size samples have a C or D cup. Don’t fret if your bust is not that size—as the size of the dress you order increases, so will the cup size. Some designers can customize the sizing and open the cup size to match your proportion as well. Again, your stylist is a pro at sizing and designers, so don’t get too caught up in learning all the details before your appointment. You will be in great hands!

Your measurements and wedding gown sizing can be two different things.

When you say “yes” to your dream dress, we will take three measurements—your bust, waist and hip. Your dress is then ordered to your largest measurement. Because designers do not accommodate a “split size”—meaning you may be a 4 on top but your hip measurement calls for an 8—we’ll order you a size 8 and alter it to fit you to your exact specifications.

Equipped with bridal know-how and ready to shop? Make an appointment.