Helpful Tips When Measuring For your Bridesmaid Dress

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Unlike Cinderella's fateful glass slipper, bridesmaid dresses do not require a perfect fit on arrival. In fact, most bridesmaid dresses are in need of a few tweaks here and there to achieve the "perfect fit". Because these dresses are available in standard sizes and not tailor made to specific body measurements, it is important to order the next size up if you are measuring in between sizes. You can then have the other areas tailored in for your best fit.

To keep those alterations to a minimum, it is imperative to get proper measurements of your bust, waist, and hips. Are you worried that you aren't measuring correctly? The Bridal Consultant at French Novelty is here to offer you some helpful tips to keep in mind as you start your online ordering adventure.

• The bust measurement has nothing to do with a bra size, instead, the measurement is the circumference of the fullest part of your bust. 
• The secret to getting the correct waist measurement, is to take the measurement up above the belly button (about 2 inches). You want to capture the smallest part of your waist. 
• Bend sideways and put your hand at the crease. This is your natural waist.
• Hip measurements are taken across the fullest part of the hip area. Usually about 7 or 8 inches down from your natural waist. 
• Make sure that the measuring tape is straight across the back and does not dip down

Once the dress arrives, be sure to try it on in a timely fashion. It doesn't happen very often, but if the dress arrives with an imperfection from the manufacturer, they will always make it right. As your advocate, we just need the time to help rectify the situation. 

If you find yourself in a "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" type of situation and the dress is either too small or too large, DO NOT PANIC! There are all kinds of tricks of the trade , so let us put your mind at ease with these suggestions:

• If your dress is too large, take a sigh of relief. This is the easiest problem to fix. There is usually about an inch in between each size, so taking it in a couple of sizes is an easy fix for any competent seamstress or tailor. Most will take up the extra fabric through seams at the waist or up at the shoulder. Rest assured, you will be confidently walking down the aisle in a dress with a proper fit in no time. 
• Also, keep in mind that unless you are close to 5'9'', the dress will probably need to be hemmed, which again is an easy fix.
• If you are finding that the dress is too small, the first line of defense is always a good seamstress. Most designers allow for a small amount of inseam that can be used to take your dress to the next size up. We also recommend using the extra fabric of a hem, or worse case scenario, ordering extra fabric from the manufacturer to expand the dress in the side seam. 
• **Call French Novelty for fabric price and availability.
• Another option would be to incorporate a corset back into the dress. This is a slightly pricier option but can successfully expand a dress by 2 or more sizes. 
• Of course, if time allows, a new dress in the proper size can be ordered. The bridal team at French Novelty would be happy to check inventory for a comparable style in the correct size and color as well.

Dessy Bridesmaid Dresses

The Bridal Team at French Novelty is dedicated to making your ordering process as smooth as possible. If you have any issues or questions, feel free to give our Bridal Consultant a call at 904-779-9000 or send an email to shop@frenchnovelty.com.