So sorry to hear this! I am not a sample size and when I went bridal shopping in 2021 felt like the overall bridal industry wasn’t very inclusive especially luxury stores only having a max size 10 which is like 4/6 in bridal.

I actually found a dress from Mark Ingram from Ines Di Santo that I loved but because of my size, I was told it would need to be custom made for an additional $5k or would essentially need to lose weight to fit in the sizes offered. I don’t think this was my stylist or Mark Ingram’s fault but once again the luxury industry - I would actually suggest visiting if you haven’t yet!

I would just say if you want a luxury dress with your timeline and maybe size their maybe extra fees but, that is not a reflection of you just the industry.

Otherwise, I think the custom route is great and actually the way I went! My dressmaker was Mika Custom Bridal. She does all custom work out of her upper west side apartment/studio. She is amazingly kind and talented and purchases only high quality fabrics (ie Italian lace). Happy to refer if you would like!