How to Take Your Measurements for a Made-to-Measure Wedding Dress

With a made-to-measure wedding dress, your measurements are the blueprint for the whole gown. Taking them carefully is the single most important thing you can do for a perfect fit.

Who should measure you?

We recommend having your measurements taken by an experienced seamstress. They know exactly where to place the tape and how firmly to hold it. If that is not possible, ask a friend or family member to help - it is very hard to measure yourself accurately.

What you will need

• A soft fabric tape measure (not a metal one)
• The underwear you plan to wear on the day, or something similar
• Flat shoes, plus the height of your wedding shoes for length measurements
• Our step-by-step guide, which we send you with your order

The golden rules

• Measure snugly, not tightly. The tape should sit flat against the body without pulling in.
• Keep the tape level. For bust, waist and hips, the tape must be straight all the way round.
• Stand naturally. Relax your shoulders and breathe normally.
• Do not add extra. The workshop builds in the right ease for your dress. Give us your true measurements.
• Measure twice. If two readings differ, measure a third time.

Why not just choose a standard size?

High-street sizes vary widely between brands, so a UK 10 in one shop may be a UK 12 in another. Bridal sizing is different again. Measurements remove the guesswork completely.

What happens next?

Once you send your measurements, we check them with you personally before production begins. If anything looks unusual we will ask, so nothing is left to chance. Because your gown is made to your own measurements, most brides need no alterations at all.

Have a question about measuring? Get in touch - we are always happy to help.

Every Aeternum gown is made to your exact measurements by our European workshops, with free tracked delivery worldwide. Explore the collections or book a video call with Kate.