What to Do If Your Wedding Dress Doesn't Fit

After selecting your wedding dress, going through multiple rounds of alterations, and picking out the perfect veil (and shoes) to complete your ensemble, you may be excited to finally don your gown on the day of your nuptials. However, as you slip the garment on, you encounter a nightmare scenario: It doesn't fit. Whether it's too big or too small, you suddenly start to panic, unsure of how to rectify this last-minute emergency.

To start, take a deep breath. “These things happen a lot more than you think due to bloating and water retention,” Dafra Sanou, the founder and CEO of JoSaBi Mariées, says. Sometimes, the smallest lifestyle change can make a difference in the fit of your dress. “For instance, adding squats to your workout routine two weeks before your wedding is going to change your hip and thigh shape, which is a problem if you are wearing a mermaid or fit-and-flare silhouette,” says Tina Zimmerman, the director of alterations at Kleinfeld Bridal. Certain changes in your muscle mass can also cause your dress to suddenly be too big.

However, know that there are ways to rectify this stressful situation. Below, Sanou and Zimmerman break down exactly what to do if you're faced with a gown that's too big or too small.

What to Do If Your Wedding Dress Is Too Small

Don't panic—really. “Take a deep breath and take a second to remember that all gowns require two people to help you get into the gown,” Zimmerman says. “Second, pull up the dress, so the waist is in the right spot—at your natural waist. Whichever two people you choose to help you get into the dress should be at your front and your back.” Remember that getting into this garment is a bit more intricate than just slipping a sundress over your head. Here, Zimmerman breaks down a step-by-step process for putting your ensemble on.

• Step into your gown.
• Have person one stand at your front, holding your gown in place.
• Instruct person two to stand behind you and find the small hook and eye at the top of the zipper. Have them hook the pieces together.
• Have person one hold your gown at the waist and push the fabric toward the back. By doing so, they'll give person two more room to zip the dress.
• Take a deep breath in. As you exhale, have person two zip the dress.

“If the zipper is almost there, but you need a little more help, add another person to pull the sides of the zipper closer together and then zip up,” Zimmerman adds. “The most important thing you can remember is to not stress the zipper. The last thing you want is for the zipper to break.” Sanou agrees. “In case the dress is too tight, keep it on for a while, and try to zip it up little by little,” she adds. “The body gets used to the garment, and it may zip up much easier after five minutes.”

4 Alternative Methods to Try

Need some more quick tips and tricks? Consider one of these expert-recommended approaches.

• Slip on some shapewear: Doing so will help the dress slide on smoothly.
• Remove some of the padding in your bra: This will help loosen up your bust area.
• Ensure the gown is in the right place: “The gown should be at the waist, and adjust your bust to sit in the cups,” Sanou says.
• Let your body get familiar with the dress: “When you first zip it up, it will feel tight—don’t be alarmed,” Zimmerman says. “Don’t be surprised if it feels like you can’t take a deep breath—breathe normally, and your body and dress will slowly adjust.”

What to Do If Your Wedding Dress Is Too Big

If your dress is suddenly too big, the same rule applies: Don't panic. Add some bra cups to fill out the bust if it's too large in your chest area, Sanou says. If your midsection is the region with too much room, find a sash to cinch around your waist. You can also consider holding your bouquet over that spot as you walk down the aisle. However, know that once you arrive at the altar, no one will notice the fit of your gown, and, as a result, feel free to let go of your bouquet.

Wedding Dress Silhouettes to Consider for the Best Fit

If you're not yet at the day of your nuptials—but are concerned about the possibility of your gown not fitting, make sure to discuss this with a bridal stylist or consultant when dress shopping. “If you think your measurements will change, then shopping for a corset back gown would be best,” Zimmerman says. “A-line, ball gown, or empire-waist styles would also be more adjustable than fit and flares, mermaids, or sheaths.” Sanou agrees. “Mermaid and trumpet-shaped gowns are cut close to the body for maximum curve and silhouette,” she says. “The ultimate cheat code for a well-fitted dress on the wedding day is, therefore, a lace-up back, A-line dress.” And make sure to keep the fabric in mind. “Stretch fabrics or knit linings will be most forgiving,” Zimmerman says.

What to Keep in Mind at Your Dress Fitting

“If you think your measurements will change for any reason, ask your fitter at your first fitting appointment about changing the zipper out for a corset back,” Zimmerman says. “Not all gowns can be changed, but it is worth asking the fitter. There will most likely be a charge for this design change—however, it may be worth it.”

To avoid any issues with fit, Sanou recommends two sets of measurements a few months apart when it comes to custom gowns. “For dresses bought from a store, always realize the chances of you exactly fitting into a sample size are slim,” she says. And while you're likely focused on what you look like on the outside, make sure to wear the right undergarments. “Have on the ones (or some similar to the ones) you are planning on wearing on your wedding day, so you are fitted well,” Sanou says.