Shopping for a dress while loosing weight

[lizulrey]

My wedding date is exactly one year from today. I'd like to lose about 80-90lbs between now and then. Just joined the local YMCA, and it's in walking distance, so I have no excuses not to work out now. I eat pretty healthy but am working on eating even healthier.

But how do I do dress shopping? Obviously I can't pick anything out now because I plan on being several dress sizes smaller. But if I wait too long I'll be cutting it really close and that will seriously stress me out. Doing the math, I'd have to lose an average of 3-4lbs a week in order to get there in 6 months. That seems like a bit much, and probably not very healthy. I don't want to starve myself or overwork myself at the gym.

So those of you trying to lose a significant amount before your wedding, how are you handling your dress shopping?

[WebLady]

hmmm ... that is a toughy ...

I think it is usually recommended to order your dress 6-9 mos in advance of the wedding. So maybe try to stick to a healthy diet and exercise plan between now and then and see where you end up.

In the mean time I would also shop around and get recommendations on when to order from local shops and such and then go from there.

:goodluck:

[hmz819]

Like Brandi said I would see where you are in about 3 mos. That is enough time for you to know if you will even stick to your diet/work out plan. (I know I am not very good at that!!!). And if you do stick with it that is enough time for you to have made the diet/work out plan a habit so you know you will continue doing it. (I have been told it takes about 2 months of repetition to make a change a habit). Good Luck!

[gwenshack]

I would wait 3 months and then order a dress in the size you are in at that point. Planning a wedding is stressful and you never know what will happen. You can always take a dress in, but taking it out is a pain in the butt! Just concentrate on the being the happiest and most beautiful you, at whatever size you happen to be. :flower:

[SkippyNXC]

i agree w/the others... remember you can always have a dress taken in... but u can't add fabric... so worst case scenario u have some fabric removed to make it fit u better :)

call around to local stores tho n see what they reccomend

[lizulrey]

Thanks for all of your advice. It really makes sense.

I guess I need to stop worrying so much about where I'll be 6-12 months from now, and concentrate on right now.

[WBandMe]

Hi! I have family near Belleville :) That aside, heh, I think you have a few months give before you need to order your dress. Like the others have said, 6-9 months out is a good timeframe. When I ordered mine my consultant said that 20 pounds is the difference between dress sizes. Remember, as you lose weight, it'll get harder and harder for it to come off, since there isn't as much excess to lose. So, if you find in these first few months you're losing a lot, you can't necessarily plan on that continuing once you order your dress--therefore, you don't want to buy a dress significantly smaller than what fits you. And while they can be taken in, I think it's only two sizes before it alters the look of the dress. Imo, your best bet is to lose as much weight as you *safely* can in the next few months, then when you order your dress focus more on maintaining rather than losing. You can also work on toning up... at the gym, focus more on strength than cardio. You might still trim out a bit more as fat turns into muscle, but it won't be as significant as if you were doing hard cardio.

Remember also that your fiance loves you and proposed to you at the weight you are, and to him you will be beautiful no matter what. Don't drive yourself nuts trying to lose a ton of weight, because weight is just a number and will be the last thing on your mind at your wedding!

[lizulrey]

Remember also that your fiance loves you and proposed to you at the weight you are, and to him you will be beautiful no matter what. Don't drive yourself nuts trying to lose a ton of weight, because weight is just a number and will be the last thing on your mind at your wedding!

I'm really not trying to lose the weight for him. I've been wanting to do this for a long time, and getting married is really just a motivator at this point. It kind of gives me a deadline so I won't sit around thinking about getting in shape instead of doing it. If I can lose even half the weight I want to by then, I'll be happy.

And thanks for the advice, it's really helpful.

[bridesmaid101]

Hi!

Congrats on your engagement! And way to go to be motivated to lose weight! I know you mentioned you were worried that you might lose weight in an unhealthy manner. You might want to consider joining Weight Watchers. That is always an effective weight loss plan for me - helps me stay focused and lose weight healthy. They are also very encouraging and supportive. :)

Anyways, I would say, see where you are weight wise in 2-3 months, but remember you are going to lose the most weight quickly at first and then it comes off more slowly. It's always better to order the dress too big rather than too small....ANyways, good luck!!! And congrats again on your engagement!!!!!