Need urgent advice to lose weight quickly- bridesmaid dress doesn’t fit!

[AngeloMysterioso]

I’m due to be bridesmaid for a good friend next Saturday. She’s just been round to drop my dress off, and I tried it on while she was here- we couldn’t get it done up!

I’m 5’ 5.5” and according to my scales I weigh 64.7kgs, or 10 stone 2lbs and 10oz. My clothes are mostly a size 10. So I’m not exactly big- I’ve got a 9mo baby that is still breastfed but I’ve just checked and back in February when the dresses were first ordered (and I was weighing myself regularly to see if the baby weight was coming off) I was 62kgs!! But I don’t weigh myself that often now as I tend to just go by how my clothes fit, and whilst some things are a little on the tight side atm there’s nothing that I can’t get into.

My friend has taken the dress home to see if she can get it altered to let it out a little bit, but we had a look and there isn’t really any extra fabric to play with and the style of it means that it would be quite complicated to make any big adjustments to. So basically I’ve got a week to lose enough weight to fit into this dress.

Help!!

Could a dressmaker maybe add in a lace panel at the back? It could look pretty and if the dresses are all different styles it won't look out of place?

Remember you will need to be able to breathe, eat and enjoy the day!

Low carb/keto- you will lose so much water weight in a week.

@AngeloMysterioso there are some wrap treatments that some salons offer that give a temporary loss of cms due to science magic I don’t get (water retention?? No idea!).

I’d also suggest evil shapewear that restricts breathing. It does depend on where the problem area is on you. The zip being at the side would be a blessing for me as it could have a little Complimentary fabric added to both sides of it and made invisible still. If you have a wrap or aren’t fully side on in pics it won’t be obvious

@AngeloMysterioso

Which is your nearest large town, OP?

I was just looking at the website of someone who does alterations to bridesmaid dresses as part of her work, but I'm not sure whether she covers your area.

Going gluten free when not essential is certainly fashionable, that's for sure.

This! No fads, maybe just a dress that fits.

Shape wear can do wonders

She BFing!

FFS some of these suggestions are borderline irresponsible.

It's pretty repulsive to think that fitting in a dress is more important than a mum's and baby's health. 6 pounds in a week while BFing isn't a great idea. OP, get a seamstress and/or a new dress.

How far does it not zip up? Could be a case it’s up boobs from breast feeding? And a different bra might help? Sauna and steam would help to reduce water weight, lymphatic drainage massage also helps reduce inches by reducing, what inflammation they’re really good for women after pregnancy as well!

20k steps, clean food

Is there a central seam down the back?
can you very very carefully unpick the seam and see if you can get in the dress. It could be possible to then sew the back of the dress into a deep V?

You need to find a local seamstress now. It will be easy for a good seamstress to alter the dress. Honestly it's ridiculous to try and starve yourself to fit into it. Not being able to zip it up it way more than a couple of pounds loss and what will you do if you don't lose enough and you get to the day with no dress? Go on nextdoor or similar and ask for recommendations for a seamstress, there are quite a few in my local area

OP can you take a photo of the dress?
also you could get it couriered over to the person who did the flower girl dresses, most firms will do next day, for about £5 to £10 pounds. A new panel doesn’t have to match, can be nude mesh.

Where are you in your cycle?

I planned and got married within 2 weeks and when I bought the dress I was just about to come on my period and it fitted perfectly. Put it on on my wedding day and I had to use copious amounts of padding and boob tape not to have a massive gaping hole there because my boobs and belly had shrunk!

If you're on/nearly on your period you might be less bloated next week and it might fit more easily anyway.

Hi op, is there particular area of the dress that doesn't fit? Just asking as I went up a dress size just solely due to my boobs getting bigger when bf. So if that's part of it maybe try going braless?

Maybe try and meet with a seamstress to see if they could add in a little side panel or something? I'd agree with others walk lots, drink loads of water, eat really clean no salt or greasy fatty foods which can cause bloating and maybe increase your protein and reduce your carb intake. As others have said you can't crash diet while breastfeeding or you might risk your supply.

I empathise- I’ve been there OP!

it’s a multi-pronged approach needed. Cut out carbs, no alcohol, try and do shakes and protein heavy dinners. Carbs and sugar this week are not your friend!

Get some decent shapewear-I found bodysuits the best to slim everything and you’ll feel more confident if it’s all smoothed over.

But also consider getting a panel put in the dress or have what little there is, let out. If you do all theee of these, the worse case scenario is it’s a bit big and you can eat a hearty breakfast and lunch at wedding and indulge, the best case is it fits comfortably!

Hmmm - not on your period are you OP/due imminently? I only ask because my weight shoots up as mine is about to start until 4 days in. Last week I was 5lbs heavier whilst on, and has disappeared now I’m off so this could effect it.

Other things to try - 2/3 litres of water a day, healthy food and avoidance of anything salty as this will rid you of any water retention which again could very reasonably be 2-3kg’s.

A slightly extreme thing my friend did before her wedding day when her dress suddenly wouldn’t zip was go for a colonic - this worked and dress zipped perfectly for the day. Although understandably probably not a preferable choice!!

No carbs, lots of water, fish or chicken and veg

Spanx and mega low carbs. You’ll lose a lot of water weight but it’s a bit miserable. Good luck! xx

If u weren't breastfeeding, I'd recommend the water diet or egg diet , but I wouldn't do it whilst ur bf.

Or this is a good option too

Lots of power walking and drink drink drink drink drink drink lots of water!

Hey love, I totally understand how stressful this situation is! First off, don’t be too hard on yourself—you're juggling so much already, and it's easy for things like this to slip by. Losing a bit of scale weight in a week is doable, but as you said, it might not make enough of a difference in the fit since it’s more likely water weight than actual fat loss.

I'd say, focus on what you can control. A good seamstress can work wonders, and it sounds like your friend’s aunt might be a great backup plan if needed. Shapewear could also help a bit, but comfort is key—you don’t want to be uncomfortable all day.

Another idea is seeing if the dress can be adjusted slightly in areas where it’s tighter, like adding a small panel or altering the seams. Since the styles are different, a little tweak here or there won’t be obvious.

And remember, the most important thing is that you feel good on the day. You’re going to look gorgeous no matter what, and your friend will just be happy to have you by her side. Sending you a big hug—take a deep breath, you’ve got this! ❤️

You don’t need spare matching material to add eyelets and a ribbon

I’m so cross with myself for not being more careful and at least keeping a closer eye on my size. I guess it’s all well and good going by how your clothes fit, but it doesn’t mean much when I spend a large portion of my time in sweatpants!

No no no. I've been a bride myself, this is not on you. It's the risk she took when she ordered from abroad, a risk I thought of myself when I chose where to get them from. Don't beat yourself up about it, honestly.