My son will be getting married in the fall in a very fancy wedding. I would like to splurge on a gown but here’s the thing, I am about a size 14 (O.K. maybe I’ll make it into a 12 by then) so what to do? Do designers cut in my size? Is my best bet a department store? Local dressmaker? Please advise
0 Answers
Mary Robinson wrote on :
I am in a similar situation and had great luck at Nordstrom. It was the first store I tried, and I bought there, then compulsively went to every bridal/ mother of the bride store trying to “beat” what I purchased there and couldn’t. The mother of the groom also bought there (just recently, the wedding is in April, and was delighted with the service and in house alterations. Good luck, and best wishes.
Fancy Cat wrote on :
Whenever I think of splurge, I think: consignment shop. Not sure where you live but one of the best in my area is Recycled Rags in Corona del Mar, CA. Nice selection in a wide range of sizes. Good luck
Kyt Eubanks wrote on :
NOT David’s for sure. Try something glamourous and brilliant… http://citronclothing.com/ (Also carried at Nordstrom’s) You gave him birth, diapered, schooled, raised…. you deserve to shine like the constant flame, not flash like a shooting star. Congratulations! I know you’ll be beautiful. Kyt
Mary Ellen Haigh wrote on :
David’s Bridal Shop has some wonderful gowns/dresses for Mother’s of the bride and groom.
Cheryl Wilson wrote on :
All of the recommendations here are good ones. The only thing I would add is to be REALLY honest with yourself about going down a size by the Fall. You will be attending showers, parties, etc. and that diet might just go right out the window. When trying on these gown, buy the one that fits you NOW. It can always be taken in as you get closer to the wedding date but making it larger just might ruin the cut of the gown and ruin your plans too! Have a wonder-filled day at the wedding and we all rejoice with you on your son’s wedding. Now, on a personal note, can you find a gal for MY son?
penmore wrote on :
Hmmm, I have a single fabulous 34 year old daughter….By the way, I like what you said about the sizing issue. I had come to the same conclusion. I am a vegan, exercise regularly already and I’m not good at starving for long.
Anne Hartson wrote on :
I saw these dresses on outblush.com today and thought of you. They are all so pretty. Good luck with your search and, above all, enjoy the wedding.
1 – Jill Stuart Belted Gown ($368)
2 – Ralph Lauren Georgette Ruched Long Gown ($194)
3 – Ralph Lauren Jersey Off-Shoulder Knot Dress ($170)
4 – Amsale Ruched One Shoulder Chiffon Gown ($310)
5 – JS Boutique Cutaway Shoulder Beaded Waist Gown ($158, in four colors)
6 – BCBGMAXAZRIA One Shoulder Gown ($328)
7 – Issa London Long Dress ($760)
8 – ML Monique Lhuillier Twist Shoulder Chiffon Gown ($238)
penmore wrote on :
Thank you Makinalist! This is a new resource for me and I will check these out. I went downtown today and tried on some gowns but didn’t love anything. The Nieman’s sales associate did tell me that if I found something even close, I could buy it, keep receipts and tags on, and return in October if need be That’s good service.
Anne Hartson wrote on :
You’re very welcome! I went through this for my son’s wedding 3 1/2 years ago, so I know how hard this can be. Good luck!
Marylyn Haspel wrote on :
Tadashi makes wonderful, flattering stylish dresses…you can find them at Neiman Marcus, Saks, Bloomingdales and Nordstrom, and they are very well priced for what they are–lots of look for the money.
Rose Soriero wrote on :
I went to boutique that specialized in MOB and MOG dresses. They can order in any size and there are color options. You need about 3 or 4 months lead time. Good Luck!
penmore wrote on :
Thank you all ,Ladies! I see that I have many options and that size should not be an issue if I have enough lead time. I live near San Francisco so have many retail options. I just know that when I have browsed the designer gowns previously, mostly on the sale racks, that the sizes all seem tiny so that scared me. I’ll let you know what I find.
Robin Roth wrote on :
My daughter had a black tie optional wedding last March. I knew I needed a size 12 so it could be properly fitted. I went to Saks, Loehmann’s, etc., then ended up at the boutique where I got my wedding dress over 30 years ago. I found a stunning dress on the rack — on sale for 50% off. I had two fittings there and the seamstress outfitted me with the right longline bra, which made me feel especially confident on the wedding day. At the boutique, I also had the option of ordering a variety of gowns in the style, color & price range of my choice, with size based on their measurements. Hope you have as much luck and happiness with your outfit as I did!
Mary Evenson wrote on :
Best wishes to your son and his soon-to-be wife!
I think your options depend on where you live – big city with lots of choices or small town with fewer choices.
The other ladies have offered you some excellent advice. I guess mine is a little different. I have three gowns, 2 sons and a sort of daughter weddings, that just sit in my closet and have since I wore them, I got them at dept. stores and liked them, but have you considered separates? Perhaps, a long dressy skirt with a top and a jacket? Then you could use any or all at some time in the future. And don’t rule out having them made for you if you have a good seamstress nearby, then it could be made to fit. I’m not a splurger for gowns because we just do not have occasion to use gowns again.
Good luck to you and you are lovely so you should have many great choices!
sherylandrea wrote on :
I am a size 12 and got a fabulous gown at Nordstroms- their customer service was fabulous and I would highly recommend going there- they had a lot to choose from (though I actually went back to the first thing I tried on!)
Good Luck with your search- and enjoy it!
Pamm Peterson wrote on :
Have fun. I’m the mom of the bride. Go online and type in mom of groom dresses. You’ll see it all. I went to a trunk show found the perfect gown for over 3,000 $$. I’m trying not to spend that on my dress. I was hoping to find a knock off Hollywood gown nothing so far. Our wedding is in June. I need to get cracking. Good luck.
Mary Montgomery wrote on :
LOEHMANS BACK ROOM is a favorite place of mine. It’s a best kept secret of NY’ers who are in the know. Fabulous designer finds at great prices. Sacks, Lord & Taylors may all satisfy your desire to sparkle and shine at your son’s big event. start looking now.
mzloveyd1 wrote on :
Congrats…….you want to make this an exciting time in your life so dont worry about your gown….. I have seen many designer gowns in youor size… Donna Karan makes a nice selection and her cut is roomy. There are many other designers that you do not deal with for everyday clothing that strictly do evening and formal wear.. Start shopping those depts and stores .. A local dressmaker is also a fun way to go. They ca copy styles that you lije that do not come in your size, should you see something you like and they are usually less money than the original item .
HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!!!!!!! Enjoy this time!
Sherrie Mathieson wrote on :
There should be plenty of choices in your size off the rack. So the rest is your taste and budget…
Marsha Harris wrote on :
Oh yes, designer’s cut in any size. You may have to special order, but you have a lot of time to do so. Sak’s 5th Avenue & Neiman-Marcus will be your best choice for this outfit, unless you have a fabulous boutique in your area. Start looking in all the magazines, on style.com through all the fashion shows which are listed by designer, and visiting the local stores. The bridal magazines always have features on MOB and MOG dresses. If you have a specific color in mind, you need all the time in the world to find the perfect one. As for your diet, for me the Adkin’s works best in my modified way: no white carbs, none; no sugars, no alcohol; & eat 3 meals a day, 2-3 little protein heavy snacks. The weight should drop off. It’s difficult to give up pasta, potatoes, rice, but so so worth the results. Stay strong & committed and you’ll do it. Hope this helps.
Marsha
Lori Ann Robinson wrote on :
How exciting! I bet you excited with all the preparations. Fall is a good time for a gown with fall fashion in the stores. My suggestion is to start with off the rack. Make friends with a local sales associate( try to get to a major city store for best selection, e.g.Saks,Neimans) and let her know what you are looking for so she can call you late summer when fall gowns come in. Yes designers cut in size 12. Not to worry 🙂