Wedding dress fitting in 10 days...

[MsSassyBaskets]

When I bought my dress several months ago I ordered the size I tried on, even though it was just a teeny bit tight in the hips, because the alterations manager said they could easily let out 1/2 an inch in the hip seams (lining only, the lace overlay was perfect), and that it was the best option because the rest of the dress fit so well. Damn my big butt. Since then I've made over my eating habits -- we're eating probably 75% less meat, cheese, and simple starches than before, and like 100% more veggies! -- and I've made it to the gym more often. But weight-wise I haven't budged. I was hoping to lose just a little bit so the alterations wouldn't be necessary, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen. I might have lost like 2-3 lbs at the most. Now I'm resisting the urge to totally crash diet for the last couple weeks, because I know then I would be stressing for the next couple months to keep the weight off for the wedding. Any magic bullets? Recommendations?

[diggitydot]

Weight and body changes are completely different. Don't judge your progress by weight because fat takes up far more space than lean muscle. If you're working out and eating healthier, I'm sure your body has become leaner. Measurements and how your clothes are fitting is better metrics than whatever that asshole scale says.

[medpedspouse]

Weight and body changes are completely different. Don't judge your progress by weight because fat takes up far more space than lean muscle. If you're working out and eating healthier, I'm sure your body has become leaner. Measurements and how your clothes are fitting is better metrics than whatever that asshole scale says.

TRU DAT!! Before you change anything, try that dress on...with the proper undergarments too. I add the last because I once freaked out because after buying a formal dress a month earlier I could not zip up the darn dress....and I needed to wear it in a week! Turns out it was my bra. As soon as I put on the right bra (the one I first tried it on with) the dress fit.

Keep us updated.

[JDAZ11]

I had my first fitting last month. I weighed a little more than I did when I bought the dress - and it was actually huge. Not sure if they ordered it big or whether I was smaller.

I just had my second fitting and had a hard-ish time getting it zipped (freaked out a little, started sweating... Super fun! I'm not really sure why, but the bottom if my rib cage is often an issue for formal dress zippers), but then they got it on and then it was still a little big!

I'm really scared for time number 3 - but in a way, really glad that it's really close to my wedding. Makes me feel like its still their problem if I can't get it on (clearly not true, but what I'm telling myself!).

Anyhow, I stopped judging based on my weight (which fluctuates an absurd amount) and just measure my bust, waist and hips if I'm feeling super puffy - usually makes me feel better.


I've actually been pretty crazy about the whole thing so prob not a great example!- well less about diet and much more about working out. I can not recommend barre classes enough. I'm absolutely amazed at what it has done to my arms and abs (and my butt too, but not visible in the dress - so not super concerned about it at the moment.) I think there are tons of DVDs if you can't find a class in your area. So, I will say that even though my weight hasn't gone down... I looked super fit in the pics my sister took - much more so than even a month ago.

I don't know... Maybe that whole muscle weighs more than fat thing isn't a load of crap.

That's my advice for what it's worth... That And drink a bunch of water a few days before.

But also because it's your first one - don't worry too much about it... They will make it fit (says the girl that worked out at least twice day leading up to her first fitting, ha!).

[JDAZ11]

TRU DAT!! Before you change anything, try that dress on...with the proper undergarments too. I add the last because I once freaked out because after buying a formal dress a month earlier I could not zip up the darn dress....and I needed to wear it in a week! Turns out it was my bra. As soon as I put on the right bra (the one I first tried it on with) the dress fit.

Keep us updated.

This bra thing just happened to me - but it wasn't even just the bra, it was the clasp I chose when putting it on. The seamstress tightened it and the dress zipped.

[diggitydot]

Muscle is far more dense than fat so it takes up less room. A pound of fat is about the size of three oranges. A pound of lean muscle is about the size of three tangerines.

[JDAZ11]

Muscle is far more dense than fat so it takes up less room. A pound of fat is about the size of three oranges. A pound of lean muscle is about the size of three tangerines.

I totally agree. A gym I went to once had a little plastic pound of fat and a pound of muscle in a display case - very different! It's just one of those things that I kind of roll my eyes at when people say it (like - "I've gained 10 lbs," "oh don't worry muscle weighs more than fat.") As someone with a pretty athletic build, I've just always found it annoying. But this is the first time I've ever taken my measurements consistently (or at all!) and I'm pretty amazed by how much my body can change without the number in the scale going anywhere.

Anyhow - I read the original post again. So you are trying to totally avoid alterations? I had to pay a flat alterations fee when I bought my dress - so I'm all about getting my money's worth out of the seamstress

When I diet, I tend to drop weight from the top down. When I exercise more I tend to slim down more evenly. You obviously could be very different. What's your workout routine like at the moment?

If the whole barre class/dvd thing isnt an option - I have a great Tracy Anderson butt/thigh workout that I'll send to you once I manage to find it again. She annoys me, but its a good little lower body routine and all you need is a chair. Doing that in addition to what you're already doing might help slim your hip area (there are lots of similar at home workouts on pinterest). I think I also have some good at home core you-tube videos that my Pilates instructor posted. I think they get my lower - hard to tone- abs pretty well - which could help with the hip measurement. Again - pinterest might have better core workouts too.


This is more of an all over dieting thing, but do you drink a glass or two of water first thing in the morning? I think it makes a difference, and is a really simple diet tweak to stick with (at least it was for me).

What style/fit is your dress? (I'm just curious )


I'm starting to get sad that my wedding is soon and all the excitement of planning (albeit often annoying!!) is going to be over. But I cannot wait to not have to worry about this stupid dress fitting me! Good luck!! I'm sure it will look beautiful!

[MsSassyBaskets]

I honestly have NO idea where I lose weight from, since I've never done it before. Until 3 years ago I was borderline underweight and had undiagnosed celiac disease. Now, with my body actually absorbing nutrients, I've gained probably 20 lbs in 2 years. I'm really happy with my overall size -- I'm within an average, healthy BMI range, and I feel so much better now, but I have gained some flab I'm not fond of. I definitely don't want to "diet," I'm just trying to eat super-healthy anyway. I'd rather get more toned. At this point there's no way I'm avoiding alterations altogether, but because I was so close to the size of the dress I tried on, they actually recommended that I not buy the alterations package and just pay individually instead. I'll probably need only the hip seams let out, and the bustle done. That said, since I've been on a gaining trend lately I still need all the advice I can get to make sure I'm not continuing to gain up until the wedding!

We don't have any kind of barre classes in town, but I do go to spin classes or either run or use the elliptical for about an hour a few times a week. I'm still having a hard time making a habit of it, but hey, I'm in way better shape than I was a year ago, so I'm still feeling good.

My dress is a lace mermaid... I decided to embrace the curves! =) Here it is: http://www.justinalexanderbridal.com/jar/8530

[niener]

That dress is gawgeous!!!

[MsSassyBaskets]

Thanks niener! I searched high and low for something just a little "different" but still classic.

On another note, I had a great 2.5 mile jog over my lunch hour today followed by some of that Tracy Anderson butt workout JDAZ recommended... Holy cow! Good stuff! I'm not big on home workouts, but I may need to check out her DVDs.

[Bittersweet]

Beautiful dress! Tracy Anderson's arm workouts are pretty great, too.

[SoonerTexan]

Love the dress

[JDAZ11]

I love the dress!! So exciting!! I went with lace too - but strapless/ sweetheart neck line (and i think mine is fit and flare - whatever that means). I was just talking to two different girls that said they had a pretty hard time finding lace options that weren't strapless. Apparently a hot style at the moment!

I'm glad you like the Tracy Anderson video. I was seriously sore the first few times I did that one!! I agree that her arm videos I've seen are pretty good too (very similar to barre in that she is all about the light weights). I've never paid for one of her workouts, but I'd be very interested to know if they are worth it. I'll look for those core videos too (she just has you use hand towels and a hard floor surface - free and awesome!).

It sounds like you do a ton of cardio - i think you will be amazed at how quickly you will see a difference by adding in some toning/strength training exercises to your routine. some yoga/Pilates might be good too (although they can get time consuming if you're also doing cardio).

Of course this is just my (pretty uninformed opinion). I was just running for a few months when we moved here bc It was easier than finding a new gym. After awhile it just didn't seem to be doing much on its own.

Have you considered doing one of those bridal bootcamps things? They don't seem to be all that popular here, but there were tons of them in NYC. It's starting to get nice out, so could be a good option (I have no idea how much they cost - and I tend to really enjoy group fitness classes, I know not everyone does....).

[JDAZ11]

This is the Tracy anderson clip: http://goop.com/newsletter/16/

[MsSassyBaskets]

So the fitting went really well! It fits perfectly -- only very minor alterations needed (BUTT). I just need to keep up the workouts & good diet to stop the gain... I'm falling off my gym habit again, but I did run outside several times last week. I definitely need to hit some spin classes to get back on track.