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
We’ve Got You When you shop with us at High Vibe Bride: You don’t need to know your size in advance. Your stylist will guide you based on fit, feel, and your vibe. We aim to pull gowns that are close to your size or slightly bigger, so your first try-on isn’t frustratingly small. We never use size extenders (you know, those awkward elastic straps across the back to "hold" a dress shut — yikes). We believe in representing the actual fit of the dress so you can truly envision yourself in it. Our Inclusive, Intentional Inventory We stock gowns up to size 28, and we’ve helped brides up to size 5X feel radiant and celebrated. If you're beyond size 28, we can order a custom gown to your measurements in many styles — just ask!
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 only 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 free 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!
✨ Click here to schedule your Discovery Call: https://highvibebride.com/appointments
Let’s create your dress experience — grounded, beautiful, and totally you.
✨ Love, Janay
Your intentional bridal shop owner 💫
High Vibe Bride