Holy Crap, my dress doesn't fit!

That's all.

Not a big deal really.

Serves me right for buying a dress over the internet, relying on my mother taking measurements and on some woman who looks to have used centremetres instead of inches.

But I'm not panicking, really, I have over four weeks until the wedding, no money left in the budget, no time to look for dresses, and no time to get another made.

No, not panicking at all.

 

Is 11.20 too early for gin?


Vicky

Is 11.20 too early for gin?

No, because somewhere in the world it's already Happy Hour!

It doesn't fit and no amount of alterations will help??

You will find something! Have a drink and regroup!

Is it too small or too big??

I ordered a Bridesmaids dress over the internet that was made for me with measurements sent by email,  when it came it was shapeless and it was HUGE on me, but I took it into a local dressmaker who did the alterations and when it was completed, it was GORGEOUS. Don't panic. Ask someone for the name of a spectacular dressmaker, and get to see them asap! It will be fine.

Oh, big would have been fine, but alas!  It is too small.  I am not sure how, but it is.  I don't think there is hope.

Vicky

Can you take it to a dressmaker to see if they can salvage it at all?

Oh, big would have been fine, but alas!  It is too small.  I am not sure how, but it is.  I don't think there is hope.

How small? Honestly, you'd be amazed how much Spanx can suck it all in - I've had dresses that were at least a size too small that I could fit into wearing them.

And as a dressmaker myself, all hope is not necessarily lost - if it's only a few inches too small around, you can often let out the seams (especially if it's a princess lined dress) a quarter of an inch or so each and gain 1-2" over all. Or if it's got a long train, you can sacrifice some length there to fill in around the bodice.

So if there's no way you can exchange it from the place you bought it, take it to a dressmaker/tailor NOW and explain, and let them take measurements with it on you.

The problem is that it is tight in all the wrong places.  It is tight around my tummy and with no pleating or room to take it out, and it squishes my breasts almost flat.  I also can't move my shoulders in it.

It is also not long enough, which is a MAJOR problem, so even if it could be let out it still wouldn't work.

Vicky

Urggh

I'd still try to see a dressmaker to see if they can help at all

My sister had a bridesmaids dress that she ordered, then found out she was pregnant and would be 8.5 months at time of the wedding- so her neighbour, a talented seamstress, was able to do things with all kinds of fabric and it was amazing. 

Its at least worth a conversation with one.

UGGGH. Suck. 

Drinking sounds good. 

Gah, vick, I'm so sorry! But seconding (thirding? fourthing?) advice to go see a dressmaker. It's amazing what a good one can salvage. My mom dealt with crises like this all the time! (And don't I wish we were in NY cause I guarantee she'd figure out SOMETHING!)

Thanks guys.

I am going off to a nice friendly little dress shop this afternoon, and if there is nothing there I can buy off the peg I will go to a dressmaker.  I didn't spend a huge amount of money on this, so I am not overly concerned with salvaging it, though it is a lovely colour I think it is a funny shape.  Oh, I'm just rambling now.  I wish I didn't have clients this afternoon!!! 


Vicky

I'm a dressmaker as well. My degree is in fashion design...And I teach textiles now.

Anyway, can you describe the dress? Where are the seams? How wide are the seam allowances? What is it made of? Maybe a matching fabric can be found and it can be rebuilt.
Can we see a picture of it? We could give better advise if we could see it.
I don't know where you are, but I am in Bedford. Too far to drive? I'd be happy to see if I could help, no charge.
The Europeans tend to cut their garments differently than Americans, shoulders and arm holes in paticular. Maybe it is just that?

If it's too short, could you have it shortened and make a shorter dress out of it? Or are you set on having a full-length one?

I have over four weeks until the wedding, no money left in the budget, no time to look for dresses, and no time to get another made.

I hate to burst your bubble, Vicky, but you have just over THREE weeks until the wedding!

Maybe a panel could be added to the back? 

Vicky

What a fricken nightmare!!!!

If your not bothered about keeping it after as a keepsake. Don't want to pay huge bucks but want to look wonderful - Hire one