How much is too much?

[sparrowfell]

Just wondering, what is the cutting off point for taking in a dress, say, from a plus size to a size 8 or so?

[WebLady]

I have no idea; I would guess it depends on how the dress is made :notsure: :geek:

ETA - Maybe our resident seamstress member VenusElaine (http://forums.onewed.com/member.php?u=1034) will see this and have a better answer for you.

[EarlyBird]

well if an 8 is your street size then maybe your wedding dress will actually be around a size 10 or larger. thats usually how it works as wedding dress sizes are not the same as street sizes. it also depends what size the "plus size" is.

[Measha]

I'd say it really depends on the dress, how the sizing, etc. Anything over a size or two is stretching it on a lot of things.

[Chele&Chris]

I think a good seamstress can do anything.. When I was in my Aunt's wedding when I was 17.. there was a girl who was supposed to be a braidesmaid and was plus sized... the dress was ordered a size 26 and then the girl dropped out of the wedding.. the girl who took her place was tiny. The lady who did our alterations took that dress from a size 26 to a size 2 and you couldn't even tell.

[erika85]

It really would depend on the style of the dress but most can be taken down (pretty easily) 8 sizes. If you put in a lot of time you can certainly make it even smaller but it would take a lot of reworking.

[Goin2thechapel]

My seamstress told me an average dress can only be taken in 2 sizes...And that's average. If there's more detail etc, then the chances are slimmer to have it taken in much more.

[Jacklynn]

well if an 8 is your street size then maybe your wedding dress will actually be around a size 10 or larger. thats usually how it works as wedding dress sizes are not the same as street sizes. it also depends what size the "plus size" is.

This is sooo true! I am a size 4 or 6 depending the store in street clothes, but some of the dresses that fit me were all of the way up to size 14! I think the dress I picked ended up being like a size 10 or something, but ITA that the sizes are sooo different.

I agree with a lot of the people that it depends on the person doing the alterations, but 2 sizes is probably what is the norm. Beading and such can make a difference though.

[shawnsgirl]

I agree with all of the ladies.. Two sizes taken is the general rule of thumb depending on embelishments, the style, etc. However, letting a dress out is another story..It's a lot easier to take a dress in than it is to let it out. It's rare you can let a dress out two full dress sizes just because of the way most dresses are made.

[bichonlvr]

I think if you find the right person you can have any dress re-made, it might not look the same!

Are you losing weight? If so, congrats!

[VenusElaine]

Most gowns can be altered down two sizes, up one. After that, remaking is the alternative, and the expense is sometimes as much or more than the original cost of the gown. Remember, most gowns are still mass produced. Alterations and redesigns are custom work.
Consult and engage an alteration specialist NOW. July is only six months away, and I have already booked gowns for May and June.
It would help if you posted pictures of the gown and what you wish done. Also feel free to PM me for individual consultation. I enjoy, and am here, to help. Thanks Brandi, for the referral.

VenusElaine

[sparrowfell]

Eh, nothing that definite. Just a line of thinking started by seeing a gown that is the closest I've seen to my dream gown, but it happened to be a size 18 on Ebay. No weight loss or anything. :)

[Whitewater]

Did they post the actual measurements of the gown on Ebay? Those are generally more accurate than the size numbers. Alternatively, did they show the size tag in the listing? Would they be willing to email you a jpg or something *proving* that it's a size 18? Also, if it's an American size 18 will probably be your standard 40" waist etc but if it's any other country, watch out!

Size #'s aren't nearly as accurate as actual measurements. If they can't give you the measurements of the dress, I'd be very hesitant. Additionally, alterations depend a lot on *where* the alteration needs to be made. For example, if you're petite and you need the hem taken up six inches, but the hem is covered in beadwork, that is going to be far more expensive than just a plain hem. Taking in a side seam, on the other hand, is generally a lot less work because it's more normal for the side seam to not have any decoration.

Etc.

All this talk about alterations and so on is why I'm getting my dress custom made. It's just easier that way.


Whitewater

[todaysdestinationwedding]

I am no seamstress, but where I purchsed my wedding gown, they told the story of a size 6 wedding dress being made into a size 22....they said any wedding dress can be made to fit anysize with the right seamstress.