Exclusively Bridal — Local services in Drain

I was recently asked to be the maid of honor in my friends wedding. I was helping to call around and make appointments for her to shop for dresses and for the bridesmaids to shop for dresses and called Exclusively Bridal. During the call, I explained that I took my own measurements but wasn’t sure how accurate they were. I told them typically I wear a size 14 in pants and an XL in tops. I don’t remember my measurements now, but told them what they were with a disclosure of “they may not be accurate though, I don’t really know what I’m doing!” The lady told me that based on my measurements (she clearly didn’t listen to my sizes) that there would be no dresses that fit me. She said “with that large of hips, we will have to take two dresses and sew them together in order for it to fit you.” I was devastated. As someone who struggles with body image every day of my life, being told they would have to sew TWO DRESSES TOGETHER in order for it to fit me sounded horrific. I made appointments at a lot of places, but ended up finding a dress the first place we stopped - at David’s Bridal. They had plenty in my size to try on. And the dress I bought, believe it or not, was a size 14. 🙄

So I guess if you struggle with body image, are looking for a supportive environment, or have curves… I don’t suggest you go here, they won’t have anything that fits…or they’ll have to Frankenstein together a dress to get something...

Do not dismiss this little boutique in the middle of nowhere. The ladies there are so helpful and kind. When the manufacturer sent my dress in what was supposed to be champagne ( the dress was offered in 2 colors and the one I tried was too pink underneath) but was actually green (pics of dresses below) they went to bat with the company and were able to swap out materials from one dress to the other to fix it without charging me. They also worked with me on scheduling since I was coming in from the Portland area and could only do weekends. The in house seamstress Sherri was also amazing and did great work at a very reasonable price. She even offered to drop off my dress at my mom’s in Eugene since she would be in the area to save me a trip back down. *Note the 5th picture is the exact moment I spotted the dress of my dreams across the store on...

If you're looking to lose a few hours to be passively told that you're fat, then Exclusively Bridal is meant for you. Located in the drain of Oregon, the shop features a seamstress named Dorothy who will bring you to tears.

In all seriousness, I would never recommend this shop because my best friend was publicly degraded and brought to tears- in what should be a safe and intimate experience. There were numerous sly remarks that were opposite to playful. She was also told, "You're hips are just too big". Now my friend is thin and fit, but regardless, women of all sizes should be made to feel like royalty while preparing for such a grandiose occasion.

Synopsis: The drive is long, the selection is small, and the service will leave you festering in...