Bridesmaid outgrown dress

[Yeahthatthing]

Wedding next month. 3 bridesmaIds. Dresses ordered a couple of months ago. Bridesmaid A has done really well at losing weight (3+ stone) and ordered a dress that only just fit. As she was doing so well losing the weight we didn't think anything of it. Dresses tried on yesterday and A has gained weight. Hers doesn't o on. Doesn't go over her hips (down or up) and doesn't zip.

They aren't matching dresses, more 'varition on a theme'. We've paid for the dresses, shoes, jewelry and will be paying for hair and makeup on the day. This is huge portion of a very small wedding budget. A is mortified but hasn't offered a solution. The way I see it:
A) she can drop out of bring a bridesmaid and I suck up the lost money
B) she can order a new dress and pay the extra for express service. This is only possible if done this week. We can't really afford it and would need her to at least pay for the dress.
C) she could buy an off the rack dress in appropriate colour/style. It'll be obvious it isn't the same as the other bridesmaid but as they aren't all matching won't look horrendous.

How do I approach this with her? Any other solutions?

For those interested, this was the sort of theme we were going for. Autumnal colours, different shades. One satin, one chiffon and one velvet.

One satin, one chiffon and one velvet.

So she gets the satin one? What size is she? Do either of you care about the style? Bias cut is very unforgiving even on super-slender figures. Does it have to be bias with spaghetti straps? You know MN's going to come up with a couple of dozen of suitable dresses by 7 o'clock.

ASOS have some nice dresses if she agrees to pay for one.

What about this one?

ThatLibraryMiss she wanted the satin. She has a great figure, hour glass, very smooth, puts weight on evenly. You'd never have thought she had 3stone to lose until she lost it. She isnt overweight unless she's put all 3stone back on, just doesn't fit the size ordered.

I didn't make them pick those dresses/ fabrics/ styles. Just gave them ideas of what I liked in terms of colours and themes and let them get on with it! They could have chosen all the same dress if they wanted, or 2 in one dress, 1 in another.

It's really interesting that everyone is assuming she's fat. You can gain weight and not be fat!

I'll find out what size she is tonight. We ordered a 10. So I'd say probably a 14 now. I don't really care about style right now but worry she'll feel out of place if it's not in keeping.

OP can I suggest that before you talk to her tonight, you post on the Style and Beauty board and ask for help finding something similar that can be bought asap. They're brilliant at that over there, know of all sorts of brands I've never heard of, and you could then offer your BM some alternatives (on the understanding that she's paying).

Wonkybanana that's a great idea, thanks.

OP, you've done everything right, this is not your fault at all and you both seem lovely. It was just a bit of a mistake and because you've moved it forward (totally understandable) you've lost your wiggle room.

Are you sure you won't regret not having a photographer though?

so-can she marketplace it/ebay/gumtree. then obtain similar\colorguided. She might not intentionally have upsized,but fact is she has.she needs to step up to plausible soloution.not put it on you.

ps.i love these

walkintheparc a friend who is a professional photographer has said they'll take photos. They do corporate not weddings though so won't be doing the formal shoot but have promised to get plenty of me and my dad. We just can't afford a professional photographer without cutting something else significant.

OP, I don’t think you’ve done anything wrong here at all. I think a simple ‘Sorry the dress didn’t fit. I’m afraid we have nothing more in the budget so I’ll need to leave you to source something you feel comfortable in’ will suffice.

Sorry about you having needed to bring the wedding forward.

So glad you've heard from her. Just chat, she's your bridesmaid so obviously is a good friend. She's obviously mortified it doesnt fit. Just be honest and say you can't afford another dress at this late stage and she can turn up in a bloody bin bag for all you care. Tell her you know she'll have to get something to wear now but she'll get some cash back when original sells. Simples. You'll be fine. She'll be fine

Ebay? eg
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GORGEOUS-JOHN-LEWIS-CHERRY-SATIN-LONG-EVENING-DRESS-SIZE-14/183994107071?hash=item2ad6e744bf:g:SysAAOSwiv5dofJv

So I've just spoken to her. She's really apologetic. Says she knew she'd relaxed a bit with her diet but hadn't quite realised how much. She thinks she may lose sufficient weight to get in it by the wedding but isn't prepared to bank on it (phew, I didn't need to raise that one!) So she's ordered a few she found on the internet last night. She's going to email me links. I've also been looking and will email her links. She suggested she gets them all on her credit card, gets her partner to photograph her in the best ones and we make a final decision. She suggested we sell the dress if she doesn't wear it. I explained about the shop offer and we agreed this is the best option. She's going to contact them tomorrow and see when the sample sale is and whether she's really likely to get back in it. She thinks she's a 14 currently.

So great resolution really. Fingers crossed we find something she's comfortable in.

Excellent outcome, OP; as said, I knew you'd sort something between you and it's especially good that she's now taking the initiative in ordering some dresses

Onwards and upwards

Glad you have a resolution. The autumnal colours are fabulous. Lovely idea !

Fingers crossed we find something she's comfortable in

Shouldn't that read 'Fingers crossed she finds something she's comfortable in' - let her off to sort it. You have enough on your plate.

So pleased it's getting sorted.

Excellent.

Hope you find a good solution and that your wedding day is lovely.

Great resolution OP.
Recently married on a shoe string with roses and gypsophila bouquet made by me cheaply. If you need ideas ask.

Excellent result. Sorted out without any hoo haa, by the sound adults you both apparently are. (Bet some of the argumentative posters on this thread are mighty disappointed about that! )

Wishing you all the best for your wedding

@MadameButterface Do you just go on threads to purposely be rude? So many have pulled you up on this yet you continue.

How on earth was the OP being shady by stating the sample dress barely fit?

You really are something else.

Wonderful update OP, no drama, no nonsense. Hope it all works out and you can recuperate majority of the money from the dress.

Have a wonderful wedding, I wish you and your husband to be all the best.

I'm so glad it's sorted. I hope you have a lovely wedding and a perfect day. I bet all your bridesmaids will remember this as a great time, as you will.