​Bust size: Measure around your chest, at the fullest point of the bust (not under the bust).
 
Waist size: While standing up straight, bend at the waist to one side. The crease that forms is where your natural waist is located; measure there.
 
Hip size: Standing with your feet together, measure around the fullest part of the hips. 
 
Hollow-to-Hem Measurement (Length)
 
Your hollow-to-hem measurement is determined by measuring from the center of your collarbone (hollow) to the bottom (hem) of your dress. We highly recommend that you have a formal wear professional perform this measurement.
 
It’s very important that you wear shoes with a similar heel height to those you will be wearing with your gown, and you will also need to take into consideration the fullness of your gown’s skirt. For example, if your gown is an A-line with a full skirt, you will need to move the measuring tape away from the body to ensure that your gown will be the correct length.
 
Most dresses come in a standard hollow-to-hem measurement, based on the size of the dress, which varies from designer to designer.

How to measure dress size and read a size chartCompare your bust, waist, and hip measurements to the designer’s size chart. It’s very important that you order the largest size that corresponds to your measurements. For example, if your measurements are as follows:
 
Your bust fits a size 12
Your waist fits a size 10
Your hips fits a size 8
 
We would advise that you order a size 12, and get the dress altered down to custom fit your body. Ordering the size that fits your largest measurement will ensure that your dress has the most flattering fit possible. 

Wedding apparel is typically sized differently than retail clothing, so it’s not uncommon to find yourself requiring wedding apparel one or more sizes larger than your normal dress size. ​

Looking for the 'perfect' dress is pretty much the first thing many of us think of after the the engagement ring comes out.  There is nothing more beautiful and magical than sharing that moment with your mom, best friend and/or maids of honours.  Below are a few tips that may help you when the day finally arrives to shop for your gown.

Undergarments can drastically change the look of a dress. 
You already know that wearing a strapless bra or a regular one with clear straps is non-negotiable. Even so, I’d recommend getting your measurements taken before you start this process, especially if you've lost weight recently.

Wear just enough makeup to feel pretty—don't go overboard.
Being surrounded by a billowing sea of white fabric makes you hyper-aware of your appearance. Under-eye circles that were barely noticeable are now present. Pale pink lipstick is drowned out by fluorescent lighting. You don't have to get dolled up for your consultant; apply just enough so that you feel presentable. But whatever you do, DON'T apply self-tanner in the days leading up to your appointment, in order to avoid damaging any of the dresses. Also wear your hair the way you've planned it for the wedding.

Consultants can't read your mind. 
To assist you properly, you need to tell them how you really feel about the dress.  Saying that each one is 'beautiful' does nothing to help narrow down your choice. Their feelings won't be hurt if you don't like something about the dress. Be honest about what you like (and don't like) about each dress so that you won't regret your choice later on.

Do "the aisle test" to make sure the gown looks good from every angle. 
Before making a final decision, it's recommended to walk around with your dress. Go ahead, sit, shimmy, and even twirl in the gowns while trying them on—if it's the right one, you should feel as if you never want to take it off.

Make Mom love you forever by trying on a dress she recommends, even if you hate it.
If Mom has been looking forward to this moment ever since you played dress-up as a little girl, oblige her just this one time and try on one of her recommendations. It's a win-win: Either she'll see that you were right about lace looking all kinds of wrong on you, or you may shock yourself by purchasing one of her picks.

You have to try on more than 10 gowns before finding 'the dress.' 
Wedding dress shopping always appears easy on TV and in movies.  People are smiling, sipping champagne and commenting on how stunning you look.  That isn't always the case.  Don't despair if it takes four, or five, or six visits before you find anything that even remotely feels like you. 

Listen to your inner voice
You're (hopefully) only going to shop for a wedding gown once in your life—drown out everyone else's opinion and you'll hear a silent little voice tell you which one you should choose. It's great to have your family and friends offering their opinion, but ultimately, it's your special day and it's all about what YOU want and what YOU think is beautiful.