We have started to see a lot of brides lately coming in here needing to buy a second wedding dress, often with little time left. They've ordered a great dress somewhere on the internet that's not fitting right, and now they need another one. Or, it's just not as nice in person as it looked in picture. Yes, we can help!
Let's take a possible quick fix first, then more complex, plus how to avoid:
1. My wedding dress just doesn't look as great on as it did in the photo online.
In the case of a full gown, your dress may simply have been photographed with a great petticoat. (Yes, those big puffy slips - go on, try one on! How many times in life do we ever get to wear one - am I right?).
- Many styles such as the ball gown are simply meant to be worn with a fantastic puffy slip underneath. It smooths and fills it out as it was intended. If it's a bit too long, it can also pull the dress up and away from your feet a little bit and now it's just right. We feel strongly around here about avoiding tripping, especially with our expectant brides.
- You can RENT petticoats. They take up a LOT of room in your suitcase, your closet, and they don't have the sentimental value the dress has so why not? You can buy one at most any bridal shop. With tax they could tack another $80.00 onto your costs. We rent them for $25.00 locally.
- While we're at it, a great bra and other lingerie can help "smooth out other issues" that you're not happy with. Tada!
Another Buying a Wedding Dress Online Tip: Ever noticed that a lot of different websites seem the have the exact same photo of a dress? Insiders know that some manufactures actually use a designer's catalog photo, and are making a dress "like" that gown. Some will even say it in the tiniest fine print no one reads. Just a clue as to why it may not be the exact dress in the picture. Not to say you're not getting a great deal compared to the designer price though! We've done it too.
2. The dress I ordered online doesn't fit!
- If it's too large it may be worth paying a good seamstress to alter it. Simple taking-in usually isn't too expensive or time consuming, depending on the style. Hemming is very common, make sure it can be done without losing decoration near the hemline.
- Second: Chances are it's too small. Wedding gowns are generally built to be altered a bit, you can look at the seams and often you can see a bit of allowance/extra fabric for letting out. This work can seem costly, or it might be worth it if you got a great buy and you have the time to allow her to redo it well. Caution: ask if this will look obvious, leaving seam marks. A good seamstress can at times hide it, it's a matter of cost vs just getting another one. This job requires a really skilled tailor or seamstress to look right.
- Try to get a quote before you leave your dress, including how long it will take and how many fittings are needed. Time & Money - consider all possibilities.
- Many sellers online (us included at times) are measuring a dress flat or on a mannequin, which is only getting rough estimate. They also may not know if it has been altered from the tag size, you can't always tell! Check those measurements, get yourself measured properly and also try to look up the designer or store for their posted size chart before you order.
- Assuming you can't return the first dress, or it's too costly to do so - some stores may charge a restocking fee or simply don't take returns, you can gift, donate or sell someone the first one. But don't wait too long, it could lose value quickly as it could go out of style.
- Lastly, consider just buying another dress that you've tried on and buy right "off the floor" like you can at Laughlin Bridal.
