Most of us have had fantasies of our future wedding day at one time or another.

(Can you ask guests to gift you money instead of housewares?

Should you let your maid of honor bring the guy she’s been dating for two weeks?)

Woman trying on bridal gown

We also tend to underestimate the stress that goes into choosing a wedding gown.

The most confusing thing about wedding gown shopping is the size issue.

So what’s it all about?

woman holding wedding gown

Expect to buy a size larger than your norm

AsKleinfeld Bridalexplains (and they should know!

), the size of a wedding gown is simply a number.

The other part of the equation is the style.

hands measuring wedding gown

Bridal experts also advise against trying to lose weight just to fit into a smaller size.

This will give the staff an accurate idea of what size you’ll need in your preferred style.

This style is forgiving enough to accommodate a last-minute body change such aspre-period bloat.