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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Bridesmaid Dresses

36 replies

TunaSalad · 14/06/2022 14:36

OK more of am I being silly -

I have 6 bridesmaids for our wedding next year. Its a good 18 months away yet.

I have seen the perfect dresses massively reduced and I am tempted to buy them. If I bought 6 + 2 spares of alternative sizes for weight loss/gain it would still be under half the original budget!

They are currently size 16, 14, 14, 14, 12, 8 - they have all said they want to lose weight apart from the size 8 bridesmaid.

would I be crazy to take a chance and buy 8 dresses in sizes 14 x 3 12 x 3 10 x 1 and 8 x 1

The total for all 8 dresses would be just over £200 so not a massive amount to lose if they all drastically change shape in the next year. Plus dresses can be taken in/let out fairly easily?

YABU - wait and see closer to the time and buy the dresses at twice the cost.

YANBU - take a risk but be prepared to throw £200 down the drain.

OP posts:
Palavah · 14/06/2022 14:37

But the dresses at their current size. If they lose weight they can be taken in.

CRbear · 14/06/2022 14:38

Agree with palavah! Maybe make one of your spares an 18 too

Palavah · 14/06/2022 14:38

What are the chances of any of them getting pregnant between now and the wedding? If they're that cheap then buy a couple of spares in larger size.

Original poster
TunaSalad · 14/06/2022 14:41

No pregnancies are likely they have all completed their families now with 2 or 3 children a piece.

The dresses don't go up past a 16.

OP posts:
Zpoa · 14/06/2022 14:51

Buy current sizes and get them taken in if needed.

whoruntheworldgirls · 14/06/2022 14:55

If they are a style which could be taken in i'd buy at the current sizes.

sonjadog · 14/06/2022 15:03

I would definitely buy current sizes.

jevoudrais · 14/06/2022 15:06

Dresses rarely have much material to let out. Better to buy their current size and take in a size or two but even that can be tricky depending on the design.

I think you just have to be prepared for it to be lost money, and not be shirty with them if any of them drastically change shape between now and the wedding.

roses2 · 14/06/2022 15:08

I'd also buy current size. If they do loose weight it's not very noticeable if the dress is one size too big. But they can't fit into smaller dresses if they don't loose the weight!

Vapeyvapevape · 14/06/2022 15:11

What if they put on weight ?

Original poster
TunaSalad · 14/06/2022 15:12

Definitely wouldn't be shitty if they are lost money, it's a chance we are taking and its only £200 if it goes wrong. we could probably sell them on ebay if necessary and get a bit of it back too so fully prepared for the risk.

Current sizes seems to be the general consensus. I think they would be easy enough to take in too.

OP posts:
Original poster
TunaSalad · 14/06/2022 15:13

Vapeyvapevape · 14/06/2022 15:11

What if they put on weight ?

That's why I would buy a couple of spares.

OP posts:
Aprilx · 14/06/2022 15:20

To be honest I think it is too early to buy any, but you definitely shouldn’t be buying them too small. Talk about pressure!

Original poster
TunaSalad · 14/06/2022 15:31

Aprilx · 14/06/2022 15:20

To be honest I think it is too early to buy any, but you definitely shouldn’t be buying them too small. Talk about pressure!

that is at their request, they are all planning on dieting between now and then. I am reluctant to buy smaller personally because I know how hard it is to stick to a diet under pressure.

OP posts:
TempName01 · 14/06/2022 15:42

Yes make sure you buy some of size 16 though as may run small and like pp have said you can always take them in if a little big

abblie · 14/06/2022 15:44

Thats a bit more extra pressure on dress 16 to lose weight of the dresses don't go up that size

drpet49 · 14/06/2022 15:45

I would wait until closer to the time to buy dresses. Yes they might lose weight but they might put on weight.

Original poster
TunaSalad · 14/06/2022 15:50

abblie · 14/06/2022 15:44

Thats a bit more extra pressure on dress 16 to lose weight of the dresses don't go up that size

I think the size 16 bridesmaid would drop out if she put weight on, she is already unsure about being bridesmaid because she isn't happy with her size. and is adamant she doesn't want to be the biggest. I think they are all going to look lovely regardless of size and there isn't that much difference in sizes for anyone to stand out, but I wouldn't want anyone to feel uncomfortable either!

It's a minefield buying dresses for others. I was bridesmaid last year, bought the dress in march and I gained 2 stone during April and May - I had to diet like crazy to get back into the dress for August, it was so stressful!

That's why I am wondering if the potential savings is worth the potential risk.

OP posts:
motogirl · 14/06/2022 16:00

Buy current sizes, they tend to run small anyway plus far easier to make smaller than bigger. Ensure they lady who is size 16 can actually fit into it now, I'm a 16 and had to buy a size 20 evening dress to accommodate my bust

Sandinmyknickers · 14/06/2022 16:08

It's easier to take in a dress then let it out so I would also vote for buying current sizes.

also, a lot can happen in 18months. Are they saying they want to lose weight purely for your wedding or is it coincidental and they are trying to lose weight in general? I think if it's just for your wedding, they are less likely to do it (despite good intentions). It's different if they are on a weight loss programme and committed to long term life changes

Staffy1 · 14/06/2022 16:12

Maybe change one of the 14s to a 16, so if the 16 doesn’t lose weight she has something to wear, or better yet, as PP have suggested, just get their current sizes which can be taken in if necessary.

Diam0ndsareagirlsbestfriend · 14/06/2022 16:17

@TunaSalad Buy the dresses at their current sizes, if they lose weight they can be taken in!

Can I ask where you're buying them from? I marry in November and still looking for my bridesmaid dresses x

Original poster
TunaSalad · 14/06/2022 16:19

They are from ASOS, already in the sale and then an extra 20% off with code JUNE20 They are lovely grey long sleeve dresses (ours is also a November wedding)

OP posts:
Original poster
TunaSalad · 14/06/2022 16:21

They are all constantly on and off diets but have said they will be trying harder before the wedding. No judgement here, I am the same, up and down the same stone.

Going to buy current sizes and if its a disaster nearer the time I will sell them and cut my losses.

OP posts:
Diam0ndsareagirlsbestfriend · 14/06/2022 16:24

Yes exactly! And congratulations on your wedding Flowers I get married November this year Smile x