Measurement and Sizing Guide

Hello Last Minute Lovely, here’s everything you need to know about making sure your dress will fit like a glove

We always recommend getting measured by a professional, or at the very least a trusted friend. Do not attempt to take your measurements by yourself. Unfortunately they will be wrong!

All of our wedding dress listings have the Bust/Waist/Hip measurements from the manufacturer’s size chart, and they shouldn’t be compared to your regular clothing sizes (like the everyday wear you purchase at Target or Macy’s).

Ideally you will be measured in your undergarments, a tank top and yoga pants, or garments close to those you’ll be wearing on your wedding day. You don’t want to take your measurements while wearing your jeans and a sweater, your dress would end up being too big.

Keep reading, and we’ll walk you through each step of the measuring process.

Measuring Checklist

Everything you need to know before the big measure (and yes, we all get nervous and hate being measured). This checklist gives you everything you need to show up and get the numbers right, so you’ll be one step closer to your dream-y dress.

90% of dresses need alteration, so it’s OK if they don’t match. Wedding dresses are designed to be altered. Feel free to send us your measurements by email if you’d like additional sizing/alteration advice. 


CLICK HERE and print your Measurement and Sizing Checklist to take with you on your visit to the seamstress, or share it with your trusted friend.


MEASUREMENT GUIDE

Bust: Fullest part of the bust, across nipple line. Be sure to keep the measuring tape parallel to the floor. Wear a bra similar to the bra you will be wearing with your dress. Put arms down by side. Never use your bra size for your bust measurement.


Waist/Natural Waist: Smallest part of the waist, usually 1 inch above navel. Hint: While standing straight up, bend to your side. The part where your waist creases is your natural waist. Mark the spot, stand up and then measure there, making sure to keep the tape measure parallel to the floor.


Hips: Fullest part of the buttocks. Stand with feet together.


OTHER MEASUREMENTS

Hollow to Hem: This is the measurement from the hollow of your neck straight to where you want the hem of the dress to end. Your tape measure should not touch the floor. Standard bridal hem should be approximately 0.5”-3/4” off of the ground with your wedding day shoes on.


Dress Only: This measurement refers to the length of the dress from the top of the neckline to where you want the hem of the dress to end. Your tape measure should not touch the floor. Standard bridal hem should be approximately 0.5”-3/4” off of the ground with your wedding day shoes on.

Sizing Recommendations

Once you have your Bust/Waist/Hip measurements you can easily compare them to the measurements provided with each wedding dress listing. Almost everyone will require alterations by a professional seamstress.

Also, keep in mind that bridal dresses are based off of a different size chart than your street clothes. And each wedding dress designer has their own size chart too. Do not be alarmed if you end up purchasing a dress that is larger in size than the clothes in your closet. Trust us if the number on the tag bothers you, just have your seamstress cut the tag out. ;-)

It is always better to purchase a dress that is a little bigger than one that is too small. We recommend you purchase a gown that fits your largest measurement, and have the dress taken in.

If you are unsure about the sizing of a bridal gown in comparison to your measurements and would like assistance, please let us know. We have been fitting brides for their wedding gowns for 10 years. We’re happy to help and provide as much information about the possibilities to take in/let out a bridal gown to fit.