All right, let's jump into a topic
that I think a lot of people have strong feelings about,
but maybe haven't thought about too deeply.
And that is wedding dress sizing.
Oh yeah, yeah.
So whether you are a bride to be,
or you're just fascinated by the hidden quirks
of the fashion industry,
or maybe you're having a friend
who's going through this process,
this deep dive is gonna give you some insider knowledge.
I think it's a great topic.
Because it really gets into so many different things
like body image and industry standards.
Oh yeah, for sure.
Expectations.
It can be a lot for brides to.
Totally.
Yeah, and we're gonna unpack all of this
using some really cool sources,
including insights from a bridal shop in Pennsylvania
called Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo.
Oh wow.
They're known for their commitment to size inclusivity.
Okay.
And we're gonna get into
what makes their approach so unique.
Yeah.
But first, let's just talk about the elephant in the room.
Okay.
Bridal sizing itself.
You know, it's so interesting
because it's almost like bridal sizing
exists in its own universe.
Yeah.
Completely separate from like
Totally.
Sizes we see in everyday clothes.
Totally, and it's not just the bridal sizes run large,
which is already confusing enough.
Yeah, yeah.
But our sources point out that like
different designers use their own sizing scales.
Oh wow.
It's kinda like how a size eight shoe.
Oh right.
And one brand can fit totally differently.
Yeah.
From a size eight in another brand.
Exactly, and it gets even trickier than that
because we're not just talking about slight variations.
Okay.
The way that a garment is constructed for bridal.
Okay.
Like all the boning and the layers
and the, you know, the way it's designed to censure flow.
Oh yeah.
That plays a role in how a size translates
from the tag to your body.
Yeah, like how is a bride supposed to shop confidently
when sizes are this inconsistent?
Right.
It's nerve wracking enough as it is.
Exactly, and that's where understanding
these little nuances becomes really important.
So for example, let's say you're trying on a ball gown.
Okay.
The sample size might fit your bodice when it's clipped in.
Okay.
But then the skirt volume is gonna be totally different
once it's tailored to your actual size.
Oh, that makes sense because the proportions would change.
Exactly.
Depending on the size.
Yes.
So even if you love that dramatic princess-worthy skirt.
Yeah.
It's not gonna have the same effect.
Right.
In a smaller size.
Exactly, and it's not just ball gowns.
Think about a mermaid silhouette.
Oh yeah.
Which is all about hugging the curves.
Yeah.
A larger sample size may not actually reflect
how that dress is gonna contour to your body
in your true size.
Yeah, so it's not just about finding a dress that zips up.
Right.
It's about understanding how the style and the proportions.
That's right.
Translate across sizes.
And this is something that
Darian and Bridal really emphasizes.
Okay.
And we talk about how the lack of inclusive sample sizes
can be deeply discouraging for brides.
Trouble.
Especially those who maybe fall outside
of that average range.
Yeah, and it's not just about offering
a wide range of sizes on paper.
Right.
It's about actually having those sizes.
Yes.
To try on in the store.
Yeah, imagine walking into a bridal salon
and it's supposed to be this experience
that's all about you feeling special and beautiful.
Yes.
You can't even try on a dress.
Right.
In your size.
That's awful.
That's incredibly disheartening.
Yeah, and it makes brides feel like their bodies are wrong.
Yeah.
Or less than.
It's supposed to be a joyful experience.
Yeah.
Not one that makes you question yourself.
Totally.
Yeah.
So Darianna's approach really is refreshing.
Yes, it is.
They've been very vocal about the need
for size inclusivity in the bridal industry.
Yeah.
And they've taken steps to make their shop
a welcoming space.
Yeah.
For brides of all sizes.
So let's get into what they're doing.
Okay.
Because I'm so curious to hear about this.
Well, for starters,
they carry a really impressive range of sizes.
They have in store from a size two to a size 32.
Wow.
But what's really remarkable
is that they also offer special orders
for sizes zero to 32.
That's a huge commitment.
Yeah.
Like they're really invested in serving a diverse clientele.
It goes beyond that though.
They have over 60 plus size sample gowns.
Wow.
For brides to try on.
Okay, that's impressive.
So this allows brides to actually get a sense
of how a dress will look.
Yes.
And feel on their body instead of just having to imagine it.
Okay.
Based on a smaller sample size.
I mean, most bridal shops have like very limited
plus size samples, if any at all.
And they did this even before
it was like a trend in the industry.
They saw a need that wasn't being met
and they decided to invest in that.
That's amazing.
They're really walking the walk.
Yeah.
It's one thing to talk about inclusivity.
Right.
But it's another thing to like actually invest in it.
Especially when it goes against the grain.
Exactly.
Of what everyone else is doing.
And there's another detail I thought was really interesting.
Okay.
They don't charge extra for dresses
in sizes 18 and up.
Seriously.
Why is that even a thing?
You know, unfortunately it's a practice
that reflects a deeper issue in the fashion industry.
Totally.
It kind of perpetuates this idea.
Yeah.
That there's this standard size
that deserves preferential treatment.
Right.
While other sizes are somehow outside the norm.
Yeah.
And so you have to pay.
It's like you have to pay a penalty
for not fitting into a certain mold.
Exactly.
And Dariana is challenging that.
I love it.
But you know, refusing to participate in that practice.
That's fantastic.
Yeah.
They believe that every bride deserves to feel beautiful.
Yeah.
And valued, regardless of her size.
I love that.
And they've actually noticed some interesting things
about like what sells in their shop.
Okay.
So sizes two to six and 28 to 32
tend to sell out the fastest.
Okay.
Along with long sleeve dresses.
That's really interesting.
Yeah.
I mean, gives us a glimpse into what brides
are actually looking for.
Yeah.
And it makes you realize like shops really have to stay
attuned to their customers' needs.
Exactly.
Before we move on,
I want to touch on something you mentioned earlier.
Okay.
The emotional aspect of all of this.
Yeah.
Finding a wedding dress is about so much more.
It is.
Than the garment itself.
Mm-hmm.
It's about feeling beautiful and confident.
Yes.
On one of the most important days of your life.
I mean, when you add to that,
the complexities of bridal sizing
and you know, the potential of feeling excluded or judged.
Yeah.
And the pressure to conform to beauty standards.
Totally.
Oh, it's a lot.
Yeah.
It's no wonder that some brides can feel really overwhelmed
by this process.
Yes.
Yeah, it's like, you're not just buying a dress.
You're buying into this whole cultural narrative.
Totally.
About what a bride should look like.
Yeah.
And if you don't see yourself reflected in that narrative,
it's just so disempowering.
Exactly.
And that's why it's so important to remember
that you're worth as a bride.
As a person is not defined by your dress size.
Yes.
You are beautiful just the way you are.
Love it.
You deserve to feel confident and radiant
in a dress that reflects your unique style and personality.
Yes, I love that so much.
And we're gonna continue to talk about this more
in part two.
That was good.
So stay tuned.
All right.
You know, one of the things that I was thinking about
while we were going through these sources
is how powerful language is.
Okay.
Like the way we talk about bodies and sizes
can really have a big impact on a bride's experience.
Absolutely.
Yeah.
I mean, we've all seen those articles
or social media posts that are all about
flattering certain body types or hiding flaws.
It just makes you feel like you have to conform
to this very specific ideal.
Right.
And it's almost like we've been conditioned
to view some body types as good and some as bad.
Right.
And when you bring that into wedding dress shopping.
Oh my gosh.
Yeah.
You can just make it so much harder.
Totally.
So what can brides do to challenge these negative messages
and approach dress shopping with a more positive mindset?
You know, I think it starts with surrounding yourself
with a supportive team.
Okay.
Whether it's friends, family,
or a bridal stylist who really gets you.
Right.
Having people who make you feel confident
in your own skin can make a world of difference.
I remember when my sister was shopping
for her wedding dress,
she had a couple of friends who kept
pointing out things that they thought she should hide
or minimize.
Oh God.
And it really got to her.
Yeah.
But her maid of honor was amazing.
Oh.
She just kept reminding her
that she was beautiful the way she was.
Yeah.
And that she should choose a dress
that made her feel amazing.
Right.
Not one that tried to fit some
Exactly.
arbitrary ideal.
It's about shifting the focus
from what you think you should look like
to what makes you feel authentically beautiful.
I love that.
And confident.
Yeah.
So it's not about the right dress.
Yes.
But what feels right for you.
Exactly.
And that might mean
trying on styles
Yes.
you wouldn't normally consider.
Yeah.
You might be surprised by what flatters you.
Totally.
It makes you feel amazing.
So it's all about experimentation.
Yes.
Keeping an open mind.
Don't be afraid to try on different silhouettes.
Right.
Fabric styles.
And this is where a bridal stylist can be really helpful.
Okay.
Let's talk about stylists.
Okay.
How can brides find one that's a good fit?
Well, I think it's about doing your research.
Okay.
And asking the right questions.
Okay.
So before you even book an appointment,
check out the shop's website.
Yeah.
Social media.
Yeah.
Do they showcase a diverse range of brides?
Oh, that's a good point.
Do they talk about inclusivity?
Yeah.
Body positivity?
Yeah.
Do the stylists seem approachable?
Right.
It's like doing a background check.
Exactly.
To make sure their values align with yours.
Mm-hmm.
And once you've found a shop that seems good,
call them.
Yeah.
And ask about the stylists.
Ask, do they have experience working with brides
of all sizes?
Oh yeah.
What's their approach to helping brides find a dress?
Yes.
That makes them feel confident and beautiful.
I love that it's so important to feel comfortable
with the person who's guiding you.
Yeah.
Through this whole process.
It is, because they're gonna see you
in some vulnerable moments.
Totally.
Yeah.
So you wanna make sure that you can trust them.
Exactly.
Yeah.
Okay, so once you're at the appointment, what then?
Communication is key.
Okay.
Be open with your stylist about your concerns.
Mm-hmm.
Preferences, budget.
Okay.
You know, let them know what you're anxious about.
Right?
What styles you're drawn to.
Yeah.
What parts of your body you wanna highlight or downplay.
Sometimes I think brides are hesitant to speak up.
Yeah.
Because they don't wanna seem difficult.
Right.
Or demanding.
But the more information you give them.
Yeah.
The better they can help you.
Exactly.
Yeah, it's like anything else.
It is.
The more informed you are,
the better decisions you can make.
Absolutely, knowledge is power.
Totally.
And when it comes to something as personal
as wedding dress shopping.
Yeah.
It can be really empowering.
So we've talked about having a supportive team.
Mm-hmm.
Finding a stylist who aligns with your values.
Yes.
Communicating your needs.
Yeah.
But what about the actual fitting process?
Okay.
Are there any tips for that?
Yeah, one thing that our sources mentioned
was to be realistic about alterations.
Okay, let's talk about that.
Yeah.
Because I think there's this misconception.
Yeah.
That you can just take any dress
and magically transform it.
Right.
Into something completely different.
It's tempting to fall in love with a dress
that's not quite right.
Totally.
And think, oh, a seamstress can fix that.
Yes, exactly.
Aren't this a good thing?
It's a good thing.
But alterations are really meant to fine tune the fit.
Okay.
Not completely reshape the dress.
So you can't take like a size 12 ball gown.
No.
And turn it into a size two mermaid dress.
Right, like talented seamstresses can work wonders.
Right.
But there are limits to what can be adjusted.
Yeah.
Without messing up the design.
So if you're trying on a sample size
that's significantly different from your own.
Yes.
You really need to have a realistic conversation
with your stylist.
Exactly.
About what's possible.
About what can be done.
Yeah.
And what's non-negotiable.
Yeah, for example,
if a dress has really intricate beading or lacework.
Right.
It would make drastic alterations to the bodice.
Yeah, you might ruin it.
Exactly.
Yeah.
So it's about finding a dress
that's already a pretty good fit.
Mm-hmm.
In terms of the overall silhouette.
Yeah.
Proportions.
It's about enhancing the fit.
Yeah.
Not forcing a dress into a shape it wasn't designed for.
Okay, so it's all about finding that sweet spot.
Yeah.
A dress that you love.
Mm-hmm.
Makes you feel amazing.
Yes.
But also one that can realistically.
Right.
Be tailored.
And don't forget.
Yeah.
It's expensive.
Oh yeah, that's a good point.
So factor that into your budget.
For sure.
From the beginning.
Okay, so let's recap.
We've talked about the power of language.
Yeah.
Having a supportive team.
Mm-hmm.
Finding a stylist that gets you.
Yes.
Communicating your needs.
Yeah.
Being realistic about alterations.
I think the theme here is really empowerment.
Yes, I love that.
It's about taking control of your journey.
Yes.
And making choices that feel good to you.
Okay, I love it.
And stay tuned for part three.
Where we'll delve into even deeper insights
and inspiring stories from brides
who've really navigated the world of wedding dress sizing.
Okay.
Okay, so we're back.
We are.
And in this final part of our deep dive
into wedding dress sizing.
Yes.
I think it's time to hear from the real experts.
I like that.
The brides.
The brides themselves, yes.
You know, one of the things that's been so inspiring
about this whole process.
Yeah.
Is seeing how brides are really.
Yeah.
Acknowledging the status quo.
Yeah.
Redefining what it means to find the perfect dress.
They're embracing their bodies,
their styles, their individuality.
It's beautiful.
And they're not letting anyone tell them
what they should look like on their big day.
And a lot of these brides
are actually sharing their stories online.
Oh, that's great.
You know, offering support to others
who might be feeling discouraged.
Yeah, because sometimes you just need to hear
from someone who's been there.
Yeah.
Someone who understands the struggle.
Right.
And who can be really validating.
Yes.
Especially for brides who maybe haven't seen themselves
represented in traditional bridal media.
Yeah, or who've been told, you know.
Right.
You have to look a certain way.
Exactly.
And it's like finding a community.
Yes.
Of people who get it.
Yes.
And who celebrate the beauty of diversity.
Okay, so one of the themes that keeps coming up.
Yeah.
In these stories.
Yes.
Is the importance of letting go of perfectionism.
Oh, that's so huge.
I mean, it's so easy to get caught up.
It is.
In trying to achieve.
The wedding industry kind of thrives on that.
Yes, exactly.
Just picture perfect fantasy.
And you know, it's easy to fall into that trap.
Yeah, like everyone's trying to recreate
that perfectly filtered Instagram post.
Right.
Rather than just focusing on what actually matters.
Right, like how do you feel in the dress?
Yeah, how can brides let go of that pressure to be perfect?
Well, I think it's about shifting your perspective
instead of looking for the perfect dress.
Yeah.
What does that even mean?
Look for a dress that feels right.
Okay.
For you.
I love that.
Because there is no perfect dress.
Right.
And what matters most is how you feel when you wear it.
Yeah.
Do you feel beautiful?
Yeah.
Do you feel confident?
Do you feel like yourself?
You feel like yourself.
Yeah.
Those are the important questions.
Okay, so trust your gut.
Yes.
Choose a dress that makes you happy.
Yeah.
Don't be afraid to break the rules.
Oh, I love that.
Like who says you have to wear white?
Right.
Or a long dress.
Or a dress at all.
Or a dress, yeah.
If you want to wear a jumpsuit or a pantsuit
or a bright colored gown.
Yes.
Go for it.
It's your day.
You should express yourself.
I love that.
Okay, so as we wrap up this deep dive.
Yes.
We want to leave our listeners.
Okay.
With a few final thoughts.
You like it.
You are beautiful just the way you are.
Yes.
Do not let anyone tell you otherwise.
I love it.
Don't let the fashion industry's narrow standards
dictate your worth.
It's so true.
Or your happiness.
Okay, what else?
Do not be afraid to challenge the status quo.
Yes.
If you see something that doesn't feel inclusive
or empowering.
Yeah.
Speak up.
Use your voice.
Yeah.
Advocate for change.
And finally remember that finding your wedding dress
is a journey.
Yes, it is.
It's not a destination.
It's gonna have its ups and downs.
Yeah, there will be moments of doubt.
Yeah.
And there will be a few tears along the way.
But ultimately it's about finding that dress
that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.
Yes.
Yeah, a dress that reflects your unique style
and personality.
I love it.
And when you find that dress.
Yeah.
All that stress and anxiety.
It melts away.
So you're left with pure joy.
Yeah.
And excitement for the incredible day ahead.
I love it.
Thanks for joining us for this deep dive
into the world of wedding dress sizing.
Thanks for having me.
We hope you learned something new
and that you feel inspired and ready to take on
your own dress shopping adventure.
Have fun out there.
With confidence and a whole lot of style.