ALFRED ANGELO ALEXIA BARI JAY BILL LEVKOFF BONNY DAVINCI DEMETRIOS DESSY / AFTER SIX EDEN FOREVER YOURS ILISSA IMPRESSION JIM HJELM JORDAN LAZARO MAGGIE SOTTERO PC MARY'S MON CHERI MOONLIGHT MONTAGE MORI LEE NEW IMAGE PALOMA BLANCA PRONOVIAS RENA KOH RANDY FENOLI US ANGELS FLOWER GIRLS WATTERS & WATTERS SIZE CHART: HOW TO MEASURE It is important to wear the bra and shoes you intend to wear under your gown while taking these measurements. Feel free to e-mail us if you want help deciding what size will be best for you. Keep in mind that most brides will have to have some alterations. This is also true if buying from a bridal shop, and they charge for each alteration. It is better to pick a size that is just a little larger than one that is too small. It is easier to take a dress in then it is to let a dress out. The gowns have a 1-2" seam allowance. This will allow the gown to be let out 1-2 sizes. Measurements Bust: Measure around the widest part of the back, straight across the fullest part of the bust, not under the bust line. Be aware that wearing no bra versus a strapless or regular bra can make quite a difference in measurements. Do not use your bra size measurement since a 34A is a very different measurement from 34D. Plus, note that the time of the month that measurements are taken can cause bust line measurements to fluctuate. Waist: Measure around your natural waistline. Make sure you're not holding your stomach in while you take this measurement! Leave one finger under the measuring tape so that the tape can be moved. You don't want to give us a skintight measurement. Hips: Measure around the fullest part of the hip. Put your thumbs at your natural waist and rest your hands on your hips. The tip of your fingers should be the area to measure for your hips. Extra Length: Extra length is available for most bridesmaid gowns and should be strongly considered if any member of your bridal party is over 5'7" or 5'8". Shorter lengths to measure can be ordered for certain bridal gowns, but are not available for any bridesmaids' dresses. Measure the indented area in the front of your throat (hollow point) to the hem of the gown area. Many manufacturers make their gowns with 58" hollow to hem measurements; however, some manufacturers make their gowns with shorter or longer hollow to hem measurements. Bridal gowns are made to be easily altered by a bridal seamstress. 99% of brides will require some alterations (bust, waist or length). It is not necessary to have alterations done with or at a bridal shop. Independent seamstresses are less rushed & usually do a much finer job then local bridal shop tailors that have too many gowns & too little time! If you do not already have your bridal under garments: It is important to wear a bra with the same amount of padding that you will wear under your gown while taking these measurements. If possible, have someone else take your measurements for you. Feel free to e-mail us with size questions. Keep in mind that most brides will require some alterations. This is also true if buying from a bridal shop, and they charge for each alteration. It is better to pick a size that is larger than one that is too small. It is easier to take a dress in (smaller) then it is to let a dress out (bigger). (even if the bust must be taken in several inches-it is still a common alteration) Check with a local seamstress prior to ordering if you have concerns about how much alterations will cost. If you have not tried on the specific gown you are purchasing: You must use your exact measurements to determine your gown size. DO NOT GO BY YOUR REGULAR DRESS SIZE! Wedding gowns are created smaller then regular dresses. If you wear a size 8 dress it is very possible you will wear a size 12 or 14 wedding gown! If you have tried on the gown you are purchasing at a local shop: If the gown is a new style & has not been tried on over & over...it is usually ok to order the size that fit you the best when tried on. You may also use the recommendations of the bridal shop for your size. (we still suggest that you take your measurements just to be extra careful as we can not vouch for/guarantee the accuracy of other shops) It is important to have yourself measured correctly by an experienced bridal seamstress before you decide what size gown to order. Please be aware that sizing is not an exact science and alterations by an experienced bridal seamstress will almost always be necessary for a proper fit. Bridal attire are special order items and cannot be returned or exchanged. It is important that you obtain accurate measurements before ordering your gown. In addition, you will need to schedule a follow-up appointment with your bridal seamstress to fit your gown before your wedding. Have your measurements taken first. Then cross reference them with the size chart from the designer of the dress (See Size Charts). Choose the size that you feel most comfortable ordering. Please note, it is much easier for a seamstress to take a dress in than to let out the seams. The final decision and responsibility on what size to order is up to you.