MEASURING TIPS

                          Customarily your bridal gown size will have not much
                          in common with your regular dress size.  We don't know
                          how or when this practice started, but bridal gowns
                          generally run smaller by one or two sizes.  For this
                          reason, it is imperative that you review each
                          designer's size chart and choose the size that fits
                          your largest measurement.   Before you place your
                          order, have your measurements taken and compare them
                          to the size chart from the manufacturer. If your
                          measurements fall right on the edge of two sizes,
                          order the larger size.  Therefore, if your bust equals
                          a size 14, your waist a size 12 and your hips a 12,
                          you would order the size 14 gown.  Remember, it is
                          easier to take a dress in than it is to let it out or
                          to try to lose that last inch!
                          Now, you may be wondering about how to have your
                          measurements taken.  We recommend you have the
                          professional seamstress who will alter your gown take
                          your measurements.  DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TAKE YOUR OWN
                          MEASUREMENTS - THEY WILL BE WRONG!  You can also have
                          someone else take them if you follow the instructions
                          listed below.  When you measure, wear shoes with a
                          heel height similar to what you plan to wear on your
                          wedding day, wear a similar bra or bustier and, if you
                          have one laying around, wear a similar petticoat. 
                          Wearing all of these will help ensure your
                          measurements are correct.  If you do not have all of
                          the accessories, just make sure add a couple of inches
                          to your measurements to accommodate them.
                          The designer's size charts do not generally have all
                          of these measurements, but it is a good idea to take
                          them all and familiarize yourself with them:
                        
                        Bust
                        Take the tape around your back and bring it across the
                        fullest part of the breast. Your arms should be relaxed,
                        down at your sides.
                        Waist
                        This is the smallest part of your waist. Typically, it
                        is located an inch or so above your belly button.
                        Hips
                        Take the tape around the widest part of your hips,
                        across the hip bone.
                        Hollow to Hem
                        Start the tape at the hollow (base of your neck) and
                        measure down to where you want the hem. If your skirt
                        will be full, be sure to measure out at an angle to
                        allow for the fullness. Also, be sure you’re wearing the
                        same height heel you'll wear on your wedding day.
                        Inside Sleeve
                        Start the tape in your armpit and measure your straight
                        arm to the wrist.
                         Arm Width
                        Relax your arm and measure around the largest part of
                        the upper arm.
                        Shoulder to Shoulder
                        This is the measurement from shoulder blade to shoulder
                        blade.
                        Nape to Waist
                        Measure from the base of the neck in the back to the
                        natural waist.