When to Buy a Wedding Dress if Losing Weight

Getting hitched? Congratulations! While the excitement is through the roof, you're probably also thinking about how you will look on the big day. Maybe you've set a weight loss goal. If so, that's awesome! The million-dollar question is, when should you buy that dream wedding dress if you're planning to shed some pounds?

You don't want a dress that'll be too big, but buying something too tight is a risky game. This article will help you figure out the best time to buy your wedding dress if you're planning to lose weight to look and feel amazing on your big day!

When to Buy a Wedding Dress if Losing Weight: General Rules of Thumb

Knowing the right time to buy your wedding dress can be a big deal, especially if you plan on losing weight before the big day. Here, we’ll guide you on when to buy your dress, depending on how much weight you plan to lose.
 

Losing 5-15 Pounds

If you want to lose just a bit of weight, between 5 and 15 pounds, start your dress shopping around 9 months before the big day. Losing this amount of weight usually means you'll go down 2 sizes.

Most tailors can handle these kinds of alterations if you start the fitting process 2 months before your wedding. This way, you’ll get a dress that looks like it was made just for you.
 

Losing 15-30 Pounds

If you aim to lose between 15 and 30 pounds, wait longer to buy your dress. Start window-shopping early so you know what you like. But hold off on buying until you have to lose 15 to 20 pounds more.

Losing 30 Pounds

If you want to lose 30 pounds or more, wait until you have 20 pounds left to lose.

In this case, we recommend buying a dress off the rack. If you're losing this much weight, you don't have the luxury to order custom dresses that take months to arrive. You can usually find a great off-the-rack dress even a month before your wedding, making it a less stressful option.

Losing Weight? Styling Tips to Keep in Mind

When losing significant weight before the wedding, knowing when to buy a wedding dress isn’t the only important thing. You've also got to be aware of the fabrics that can be easily altered and the styles that will work best for your changing body shape.

Fabrics: What's Easy to Alter and What's Not

Choosing the right fabric for wedding dresses can save a lot of headaches later. Some materials are easier to alter than others. For example, satin and tulle are more forgiving. These fabrics can be easily taken in or let out to fit your new size.

On the flip side, beaded dresses, for instance, can be really tough to alter. The beads are often sewn in intricate patterns, so if you take in or let out the dress, the design can get messed up. Likewise, lace can also be tricky because of its detailed patterns.

Silhouettes: Which Styles Complement Weight Loss

Picking the right silhouette can make a huge difference in showing off the new you. For example, if you're losing a lot of weight around your waist, a dress that cinches in at the middle can really highlight your slimmer figure. A-line dresses are often a good pick because they're easy to alter and flattering on many body types.

A sheath dress is another great option. This style is relatively straightforward to alter because of its simple lines. It's a particularly good choice if you're looking to show off a more streamlined figure.

But it's not just about what looks good. You also have to think about what's easy to alter. Some dress shapes, like ball gowns with many layers, might be harder to alter. So, if you're planning to lose a significant amount of weight, maybe keep it simple.

Go for a style that's not only flattering but also allows for easy changes. That way, as you get closer to your weight loss goals, altering the dress to fit your figure won't be a big hassle. We recommend checking out a collection that has a wide variety of styles, like Sherri Hill’s bridal collection, so you can find your perfect fit.

Final Thoughts

If you want to lose between 5 and 15 pounds, start your dress hunt around 9 months before the big day. For those aiming to shed 15 to 30 pounds, hold off on making that purchase until you've got just 15 to 20 pounds left to go.

Furthermore, if your goal is to lose 30 pounds or more, it's best to wait until you're about 20 pounds away from your goal weight before buying a dress off the rack.

Choosing the right dress isn't just about how it looks but also how it'll fit your changing body. Pick materials like satin and tulle that are easy to alter. Stay away from tricky fabrics like lace or dresses with a lot of beads.

As for the style, go for something that's not just beautiful but also easy to alter. A-line and sheath dresses are often good choices.

Remember, the most important thing is how you feel on your special day. No matter what dress you choose or how much weight you lose, your happiness and comfort are what truly make the moment unforgettable.

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