If you've ever stepped into a bridal shop and been told you’re a size (or two) bigger than expected — don’t spiral. You’re not alone. And no, this isn’t a cruel industry trick designed to crush your spirit. It’s just part of the labyrinth of modern sizing systems — and we’re here to help you transcend the confusion.
Why Bridal Sizes Feel So Weird
The truth is, modern mall brands have shifted sizing down over time to make shoppers feel better — and boost sales. It's called "vanity sizing", and it's why you might be a size 6 in one store and a 10 in another. Some brands have ditched the number system altogether and just go by waist measurements now (which, honestly, makes way more sense). Bridal designers haven’t followed that trend. Many are still using size charts created decades ago. Some have updated to reflect modern sizing — but others haven’t.
So depending on the designer, you could be: A size 14 in one gown A size 18 in another — and both might fit beautifully!
💡 Bridal sizes are typically based on bust, waist, and hip measurements, and your final size is usually chosen to fit your largest measurement. This is totally normal, especially for curvy bodies or those with more than one size across their frame.
Let’s Be Clear: Your Size Is Not Your Worth!
We say this with all the love: A size tag will never define your beauty, value, or bridal magic. Every body — every curve, dip, edge, and softness — is worthy of celebration, not comparison. Our boutique is a place where: You are seen as whole and beautiful, right now. We focus on how a dress feels, not what number is inside the label We center joy, expression, and comfort — not arbitrary standards.
You deserve to feel radiant, not squeezed into a number that was never meant to define you!
Custom Size Ordering = Major Win
For gowns that are order-able (not off-the-rack), we can often order your dress in a custom size — meaning it’s made to your exact measurements, rather than selecting the closest size from a chart. ✨ This is especially helpful if: You fall between sizes You’re much smaller on top or bottom You want a more personalized fit from the start Custom sizing reduces the need for major alterations and makes the fitting process smoother overall.
You Don’t Need to Know Your Size
“Here’s one thing that drives me nuts about sample‑sale culture: size‑extenders. You know—those little elastic bands meant to ‘just hold it closed’ when a gown doesn’t fit? I hate them. They’re deceptive, uncomfortable, and they hide the real fit of the dress. At High Vibe Bride, we’ll never pressure you into a gown that doesn’t zip up. We want real fit from the start—because that’s the only way you can feel confident saying ‘yes.’”
A few other things to know: Some of our dresses are off-the-rack only, meaning we can’t reorder them — but we’ll always let you know up front. We aim to pull dresses that are a good starting fit, so you don’t have to imagine what it might look like closed. Different designers = different size charts — but that’s our job to navigate, not yours.
That’s why: We do all the gown pulling for you, We skip the “grab-it-off-the-rack” chaos. And we focus on your fit, your comfort, and your joy!
Let’s Make It Magical - Not Stressful.
All of this starts with a Discovery Call — it’s how we get to know your style, your vision, and your needs before you ever step foot in the boutique. That way, we can be 100% ready to serve you and make the dress magic happen!
✨ Schedule your Discovery Call
What real brides are saying- I am very thankful to have found High Vibe! Janay has created a space that is calming, welcoming and just easy to fall for the right dress. She took the time prior to the appointment to understand what I wanted (dress wise and wedding vibe wise). She had some dresses waiting for me to try. Then during the appointment was very intuned to what to my thoughts were on the dresses. The dress—My dress—was one that she had prepared for me! Such a great experience!
~Tara Smith, Read Bride, via google review on 6/10/25
Let’s create your dress experience — grounded, beautiful, and totally you.
✨ Love, Janay
Your intentional bridal shop owner 💫
High Vibe Bride