Caution: Objects may be larger than you appear!

I’m about to let you in on a dirty little secret—one that every bride needs to read, understand and internalize BEFORE hunting for the perfect dress. Those who do not heed this warning may want to bring a box of tissues…

Gown sizes (brides and bridesmaids) run about 2 full sizes larger than ready to wear clothes! Did you catch that? That’s right, I said GOWN SIZES RUN 2 SIZES LARGER THAN YOU DO! No, your thighs did not pack on an extra 20 lbs overnight (though some of the fluorescent lighting may make you feel that way). This is normal! Not only that, but dresses must be ordered according to your largest measurement, which can make things even worse (all of a sudden your dress size just got 4 sizes bigger). Of course, alterations will be needed to make the rest smaller and bring everything back down to size.

Just remember: you are perfect the way you are, and you will be the prettiest bride to ever have walked down any aisle in the eyes of your groom. Work out if you want to, diet if you like, but you are NOT a gargantuan. It’s the dress’s problem, not yours.