By Tara
So...I have a problem.
See, one of my very favorite people/former college roommate is getting married on November 3rd. And way back in March, she asked me to be in the wedding. And I said yes, because...of course I want to be up there with her when she gets married!
And then, a couple of weeks later, I found out I was pregnant. With a due date of December 7th. Which will make me all of 35 weeks pregnant at her wedding.
(I did give her the option of demoting me to something less...involved...in all of the pictures, with no hard feelings on my part, but she's too awesome for that.)
She even found a gorgeous version of her chosen bridesmaid dress in maternity form, so I'm all set. Except...
Well, the dress is strapless.
And when I'm not pregnant? I run a pretty solid D-cup. So, while I avoid strapless dresses at even the best of times, I do have an emergency, corset kind of contraption that I love because it has enough support to keep everything where it should be, for as long as it should be there. Unfortunately, that's not an option right now, given how big my stomach is.
So, my question is, what do I do?!?!? Does anyone have a go-to strapless bra for the DD+ size I am showcasing right now? The bride-to-be's sister suggested that I get cups sewn into the dress, just to make things easier. But, is this a thing? A thing that will work? And do I have to have the cups with me when I go to get the alterations, or is this something the tailor should have on-hand? And why do bras have to be so complicated?!?!
Help!
I would contact the company/person doing the alterations and explain your situation. I would assume they've dealt with similar situations in the past and would be able to help.
Posted by: Em | October 02, 2012 at 01:17 PM
Where is the dress coming from? If it's a bridal store, the tailor there should have cups (this is a pretty common request). If not, ask when you call tailors if they have them. You can pick them up at Hancock's or another fabric store for very cheap.
Posted by: Arina | October 02, 2012 at 01:19 PM
I run pretty busty on a regular basis and I've found that the best strapless bras for bigger women are from cacique with lane bryant. Of course in your case, you probably won't need it except this one! But that's my go-to store.
Posted by: Ashley M. | October 02, 2012 at 02:13 PM
It's a thing women do in pageants ALL THE TIME! Bras are sewn into swimsuits, costumes etc. Any tailor can help you with this. Also, hit up the bra section at walmart. They have an entire wall dedicated to helping the girls stay in place. There are stickers that are supposed to be used as a bra (I would look into using them with your bra to help feel like you are being held together.) There is also use on fabric, double sided tape that can help hold the dress still so you aren't having to unattractively pull up your dress all day long.
Posted by: Amanda M. | October 02, 2012 at 02:49 PM
I don't know about the cups-in-the-dress thing, but I agree with the previous commenter about Cacique bras from Lane Bryant. They will measure you in the store and I LOVE my Cacique bras, both without and without straps.
Posted by: Ashley | October 02, 2012 at 03:20 PM
Oops, that should have been "with and without straps".
Posted by: Ashley | October 02, 2012 at 03:21 PM
I just had cups sewn into my wedding dress and it added about $20 to the alterations. Definitely more comfortable than a strapless bra, but I'm a B cup, so I don't know how much support they offer. You should be able to try them before they're sewn in to see how they feel/look.
Posted by: Danielle | October 02, 2012 at 03:30 PM
Yes...I can't remember the name of it, but I too have huge boobs, and for my wedding, I went to Nordstrom and got fitted for an amazing strapless bra. I think it was a Chantelle. Not cheap, but held me up beautifully and is comfortable.
Posted by: katie | October 02, 2012 at 03:31 PM
go for a fitting at Nordstrom- they have all of the big sizes in the back. if they don't have something that will fit, they will order you one. My fav brand is Freya and I have enormous, unforgiving boobs and they stay at attention in this brand.
Posted by: Christina | October 02, 2012 at 04:44 PM
I second the Nordstrom advice! I am a 34G which is ridiculous really, and its the first time since I had my son that I have bras that REALLY fit! Even a strapless!! Freya is awesome, and they have a bunch of other brands that are great too.
Posted by: Kaci | October 02, 2012 at 08:53 PM
I recommend going to a specialty bra or lingerie shop!
Posted by: Moira | October 05, 2012 at 01:04 AM