I have no personal experience with this situation, but I'm sure the folks working in the bridal shop have dealt with this before. If they're any good at their jobs, they will make sure there isn't a lot of awkwardness.
Also, it's not your fault for being "too big for their dresses," it's their fault for not having a plus sized version around, so try to keep that in your mind. Not "I won't fit into any of their dresses" but "They foolishly do not stock dresses that will fit me."
meh, i just let the other, sample size bridesmaid try on the dress. it was no biggie, she was cool about being the model. it's almost easier if there is only one dress to focus on so you can make a decision.
This! Last time I was a bridesmaid a few other of the ladies tried on the dresses because they fit them properly. It removed any pressure from me to try and squeeze into something much too small for me that would look nothing like it should and allowed me to see how the dress would likely fall on my own body.
David's Bridal carries at least to a 24 in many dresses. Smaller bridal shops indeed tend to carry just one or two sample sizes, usually a 6 or 10. It sucks, I know but w good shop will at least have catalogs with a variety of sizes and will have an idea of fit. Good luck!
I think the best thing you can do with regards to the other bridesmaid is to not react when the dress doesn't fit. Also, likely what will happen is the shop will just take your measurements and order the dress in your size. It won't be a big deal. Most shops -- especially a shop that will order dresses up to size 34 -- really try to make all customers feel welcome and attractive. I just got married a few weeks ago, and had very positive experiences shopping for myself and for my bridesmaids at the shops we went to. I went to David's Bridal, which does stock many-sized samples, but, even if they hadn't, I'm sure they would have just measured me then ordered the dress in. Also, almost every dress needs alterations anyhow, so, you're really just going for "good enough to be altered to fit" on fit for bridesmaid dresses.
I was a size 22/24 when I got engaged. I went to David's Bridal (and ended up purchasing my dress and the bridesmaids' dresses there, also) They had many dresses in my size available for me to try on so I would definitely receommend going there if your friend is open to that. They are super affordable..the bridesmaid dresses I chose were only $100. And they were very nice about everything, in fact, I gained weight closer to my wedding day and needed a larger size. They exchanged the dress for me, no questions asked. Great customer service! :)
I also went to a smaller mom-and-pop bridal shop and they, too, had plus sizes in stock. And that was 8 years ago when I was looking at dresses...but a girl I work with got married last year. She is a size 28/30 and told me every store she went to (all smaller bridal shops) had dresses in her size. She ended up getting a gorgeous strapless gown and looked fabulous. So, I really think you will be fine. Enjoy the day with your friends. :)
Comments 12
Reply
Also, it's not your fault for being "too big for their dresses," it's their fault for not having a plus sized version around, so try to keep that in your mind. Not "I won't fit into any of their dresses" but "They foolishly do not stock dresses that will fit me."
Reply
Reply
Reply
Reply
So, in summary, chin up, it will be fine.
Reply
I also went to a smaller mom-and-pop bridal shop and they, too, had plus sizes in stock. And that was 8 years ago when I was looking at dresses...but a girl I work with got married last year. She is a size 28/30 and told me every store she went to (all smaller bridal shops) had dresses in her size. She ended up getting a gorgeous strapless gown and looked fabulous. So, I really think you will be fine. Enjoy the day with your friends. :)
Reply
Leave a comment