How much (realistically) can they take a dress in by??

Hi Gillsy

Sorry I can't help but I have exactly the same worry. I got my dress from ebay and now i'm beginning to worry that I won't be able to find someone to take it in (size 14 to size 10)so it looks right (and without costing so much that it would have been cheaper to buy the dress brand new!)

My dress shop told me that dresses can be altered about 2 sizes each way, but that it depends on the style of the dress.

I'm sure it would be ok, maybe have a chat with a dress maker or the dress shop to put your mind at rest? x x

I think 2 sizes should be fine but every dress is different. Melancholie had her dress taken in by heaps and heaps. I'd ask an alternation shop for advice soon to stop you worrying for the next few months.

I was a bridesmaid last year. My dress was ordered in a size 12 as my hip measurement put me in a 12 but my waist and bust measurement would've had me in a size 8 dress. The whole top of my dress had to be taken in. I got a local dressmaker to do it and she did a great job and only charged me £25 ?

Im really not sure to be honest babe, i really think its down to the dress itself and how much beading and detailing there is, and how much would be lost by taking it in so much.

Sorry I cant help more. x

I had a fitting this evening - she's taken it in about 3 inches. It was a 12, and I was worried about not being able to have alterations to the top as it's heavily beaded. I'm amazed - it looks exactly the same but just a bit smaller, and fits really nicely! Mine also has an overlay, which I believe is quite easy to alter. I'm really impressed, so hopefully you won't have anything to worry about (but I've been worrying this last week, like you do!)

Oh thank you so much girls - that does make me feel better.

I've actually arranged my dress fitting for the end of this month anyway so will find out then I guess. I don't really change size so thought I'd just get it done and out the way just now.

I bought mine off the peg and paid £180 alterations when I bought it as its a 16 and hopefully im going to be a 12-14 when I need it fitted. Mine has a lot of detail which I asked them about it and they said they basically take the dress apart and unpick and re-sow all the detail back on. Quite worrying really! x

Hi

I had this conversation when I bought my dress. I was told that two and a half sizes or about 2 and a half stone if you were loosing weight was "doable" anything more would affect the dress.

HTH

T

Thanks girls.

I know that the alterations people are fab but I just look at my dress and wonder HTF they will be able to bring it in so much and still keep it all the detail and gathering of the fabrics looking the same. I guess I'm lucky that I've got ties at the back so it might be a bit easier.

I think its all worry for nothing so you have all settled me and I'll let you know how I get on when I go for my fitting

BTW - I can't get the emoticon thingys to work when I'm on my computer at work don't know why but insert bit smiling face here!!!!!