My lumpy midriff immortalised in wedding photos

[rainbowowl]

My youngest Dsis is getting married (fingers crossed) in September this year. Eldest Dsis is abroad, and will not make it to wedding because of the travel restrictions where she lives.

She's asked me to be one of 3 bridesmaids, my eldest DD is a flower girl.
I'm happy to be, and especially as Dsis can't make it, I want to make sure I'm doing everything to make sure her wedding goes smoothly and she enjoys the day.

But good Lord. I look like a sack of potatoes in the dress. I'll also be standing next to two, slender, beautiful 20-somethings, as a 5'2" mid-30s mum of two - one of whom quite recently left my potato body!

I've lost around 40lbs, very happy with that, but any advice on what I can do to help the entirety of my lower half (where the dress clings) I'm intending to eat well and exercise until the day - recommendation on anything... apart from running... I'll try it if I really have to!

Any excellent shapewear? The kind that doesn't roll up or down, preferably neck to ankle and one where you don't wet yourself trying to go to the loo.

I'll post a pic of the dress if that helps?

it's some time away, so exercise will go a long way.
alternatively can you get the same or very similar fabric and get something more flattering sewn for you that isn't too far off the original style?

My goodness, hardly anyone could wear that dress without issues!

Is it just me who can feel it pulling over my hips just from looking at the picture...it's even uncomfortable to look at. Sympathies, OP.

I think you'll be fine if you size up by a couple of sizes and then get the top taken in. Wear a good strapless bra. And you can get Spanx that start under the bust, they are called Higher Power Shorts. Take no VPL comfy pants with you and take off Spanx and change into them later on after the service when no one will be looking at you.

Oh god that is SUCH an unforgiving dress. Ten years ago when I was a tall, willowy 20 something, I tried on a similar style for my actual wedding dress and had to instantly dismiss it as it was so unflattering.

Honestly I don’t think there is a shapewear solution out there that would solve that dilemma so I would just focus on feeling comfortable and as confident as you can be. Good hair, good makeup, big smile!

Will there be flowers? Hold the flowers strategically! Grit your teeth and remind yourself you are helping her enjoy her day, lumpy middle and all.

And a gauze scarf/drape to add shadow/edges and break up the shape.

Sit ups, cross over sit ups, bit of jogging and if you still want more, light weights whilst doing the first 2. Obviously you can add more exercises if you feel inclined. My dd made me a 5 minute routine and it really helped with lumps and bumps, the running and dieting helped with overall size.

You have lots of time thankfully

They are horrible dresses.

Why does your sister want three adult bridesmaids who look like they're wearing crappy satin nighties?

I'd feel humiliated being asked to wear that at a public or family event. Just no. No way.

Like others have said, she needs to change tack on this and you need to be honest.

Ps that dress is beautiful but will make slender 20 year olds look fat! M&S is good for foundation underwear, they were super friendly when I went for some

That is a very tough dress.
I considered that style as a wedding dress and decided it was impossible for normal humans to look good in it.

A very good strapless bra and spanx.
Also a glass of champagne.

@HappyHedgehog247

Couch to 5k will sort this for you.

Are you joking? Couch to 5 k will do zero for a problem like this!!

Couch to ultra marathon runner will not make a 5 foot 2 pear shaped person look good in that dress.

Sorry OP

Oh fuck.
Get pregnant now so that you either a) need a different dress or b) your pooch turns into an obvious bump.

I think that dress is stunning, wish I could pull it off!

I would tactfully but firmly explain that that dress is made to flatter a specific body shape, and in terms of fabric and shape is not designed to be flattering on photos on other shapes.

I wouldn't wear that dress and I am tall.

I would ask if you can wear a dress in the same / similar fabric but in a different style.

This is the worst bridal behaviour I’ve seen on here! What is she thinking?! Poor you OP. I think three pairs of Spanx and the associated permanent internal organ damage might be the least worst option.

Just want to add that you can't spot reduce fat, so cardio is the best way to go. Crunches etc only build the abdominal muscle but won't shift the fat on top, and are pretty inefficient for burning calories.

Jesus Christ 99.88888% of the female population will struggle in this, even with all the shape wear in the world.

I vote for nice floaty thing on top and make sure you get ENORMOUS bouquets to hold for photos.

@TheQueef

Can you get away with spanx?

This would be my suggestion. Or magic lift tights.

Are you joking?
Couch to 5 k will do zero for a problem like this!!
Couch to ultra marathon runner will not make a 5 foot 2 pear shaped person look good in that dress

This! Oh OP, I feel for you. I run ultras and am a size 8-10 but I would look like a sack of spanners in that dress. As would just about every person in the world. Even Kendall Jenner would probably look at that unforgiving satin and skinny straps, and panic.

Therefore, I suggest you think "fuck it" and just enjoy yourself on the day without a second thought as to how the dress looks. Drink champagne, have a dance, catch up with friends and family, and care not about the photos.
You could diet, lift weights, and run from now until the wedding day but you still won't make that dress flattering.

That dress is unforgiving everywhere - tummy, hips, boobs, upper arms. Horrible dress to choose for other women to wear.

Pashmina plus large bouquet. Plus take a lovely flattering outfit to wear for immediately after service - you'll want to be able to eat something without faffing around with a pashmina.

Oh no! I see why you are worried but with a good bra and shape wear I'm sure you'll look lovely.

What colour is it, and is there the option to exchange it for another colour or dye it?!

There's very few people who would look good in a dress like that! Can you change it?

God it's like a bloody nightdress. My only unhelpful suggestion is perhaps you give up eating between now and September.

I think it's better to just refuse. I'd rather pay for the dress than appear in it!