What to Do If Your Wedding Dress Doesn't Fit

Picture this: Your wedding day is finally here! After hours of sitting in the chair for hair and makeup, now is the time to grab your girls and put the dress on. Like most brides-to-be, you’ve likely rehearsed this moment a few times over and over again in your mind, perhaps even trying on your gown once or twice at home. To savor the moment, you slowly slip into your dress and begin to smile as you pull it up. But then you realize there's one issue: It doesn't fit. Within seconds your perfect day feels ruined and you're unsure of what to do.

While this may seem like a fictitious scenario, it's the reality some brides tend to face on their wedding days. “These things happen a lot more than you think due to bloating and water retention,” Dafra Sanou, founder and CEO of JoSaBi Mariées, says. Tina Zimmerman, director of alterations at Kleinfeld Bridal, adds that a change in your workout routine can also cause your body to fluctuate, which can make your gown either too small or too big. “For instance, adding squats to your routine two weeks before your wedding is going to change your hip and thigh shape, which is a problem if you are wearing a mermaid or fit-and-flare silhouette,” she explains. A new routine can also result in muscle mass changes, causing the dress to be too big.

For those who are dealing with the situation right now, in particular, don't panic! There are ways to rectify this issue and help you look your best on your big day. And with the help of Sanou and Zimmerman, here's what to do if your wedding dress is too small or too big. After all, you've made it this far in your wedding journey, so nothing should stop you from walking down the aisle and marrying the love of your life.

Here's What to Do If Your Wedding Dress Is Too Small

First of all, breathe! “Take a deep breath and take a second to remember that all gowns require two people to help you get into the gown,” shares Zimmerman. Although this may seem like a moment that calls for panic, it’s essential to stay as calm as possible. “Second, pull up the dress, so the waist is in the right spot—at your natural waist. Whichever two people you choose to help you get into the dress should be at your front and your back,” Zimmerman explains. Third, follow the below steps:

• “Person one at your front holds your gown in place, and person two at your back should look for the small hook and eye at the top of the zipper and hook them together,” Zimmerman instructs. 
• “Person one holds your gown at the waist and pushes all the fabric of the gown towards the back, giving person two as much extra room as possible to zipper the dress up. Make sure that you take a deep breath and let all your air out while person one does this, deflating your rib cage,” she advises.
• “If the zipper is almost there, but you need a little more help, add another person to pull the sides of the zipper closer together and then zip up," Zimmerman adds. "The most important thing you can remember is to not stress the zipper. The last thing you want is for the zipper to break."

Sanou agrees and also adds, “In case the dress is too tight, keep it on for a while, and try to zip it up little by little. The body gets used to the garment, and it may zip up much easier after five minutes." Simply put, try to let the dress adjust to your body and let it conform as much as it can before attempting to zip it up.

Additional Tips

Need some more quick tips and tricks? Sanou recommends that you should "try slipping on some shapewear if you’re not already wearing any.” (This will help the dress slide on smoothly.) You can also try removing some of the paddings of your bra, as this will loosen up your bust area. What's more, “make sure the gown is in the right place before starting. The gown should be at the waist, and adjust your bust to sit in the cups," she adds.

Lastly, if you were able to get your dress to zip up, but it feels extremely tight, Zimmerman shares that you should “let your body get used to the tightness before thinking the dress is too small. When you first zip it up, it will feel tight—don’t be alarmed! Don’t be surprised if it feels like you can’t take a deep breath—breathe normally, and your body and dress will slowly adjust."

Here's What to Do If Your Wedding Dress Is Too Big

Is your wedding dress too big? Again, don't panic—you can easily make this situation work with a few expert tips. Sanou recommends adding some bra cups to fill out the bust if it’s too large in your chest area. You can also find a beautiful sash to cinch your waist if it’s too roomy at your midsection. Lastly, if there's a particular portion of your dress that doesn't fit the way you'd like it to, consider holding your wedding bouquet over that spot while you walk down the aisle. But once you're at the altar, feel free to let go of your bouquet, as no one will notice the fit of your dress. They'll be too focused on you and your partner exchanging your beautiful vows.

The Best Wedding Dress Silhouettes for the Best Fit

Zimmerman says when shopping at Kleinfeld (or any bridal salon), be sure to tell your bridal consultant about your concerns. “If you think your measurements will change, then shopping for a corset back gown would be best,” she says. In terms of silhouettes, “A-line, ball gown, or empire waist styles would also be more adjustable than fit and flares, mermaids, or sheaths,” Zimmerman adds. 

“Mermaid and trumpet-shaped gowns are cut close to the body for maximum curve and silhouette,” Sanou further notes. She also believes that an A-line shape is flowy and allows for more room. “The ultimate cheat code for a well-fitted dress on the wedding day is, therefore, a lace-up back, A-line dress. Also, be sure to keep the fabric in mind. “Stretch fabrics or knit linings will be most forgiving," Zimmerman explains.

Expert Tips to Keep in Mind at Your Fitting

Before you get too involved in fittings and alterations, “If you think your measurements will change for any reason, ask your fitter at your first fitting appointment about changing the zipper out for a corset back,” Zimmerman shares. “Not all gowns can be changed, but it is worth asking the fitter. There will most likely be a charge for this design change—however, it may be worth it."

For custom dresses, Sanou recommends two sets of measurements a few months apart. “For dresses bought from a store, always realize the chances of you exactly fitting into a sample size are slim,” she notes. One final piece of advice? “Wear the right undergarments. Have on the ones (or some similar to the ones) you are planning on wearing on your wedding day, so you are fitted well,” Sanou says.