Dressmaker offers advice for brides trying to lose weight for their wedding day

Diana Tran, owner of Diana’s Couture and Bridal, one of Washington’s most prestigious bridal salons, has spent twenty years working with brides to prepare for their special day. “More often than not,” she says, “During the fittings I hear ‘I have gained weight, how can I lose it in time for the wedding? My main concern is to make them look good and feel beautiful in their gown, and I try to help them as much as possible.

Tran—a size 4 herself—immigrated from Vietnam in 1975, and credits her slim figure to eating primarily Asian foods—a diet made up of rice, fish and seafood, herbs and vegetables, fruits, and teas. “When I first meet with brides, I tell them ‘I’ll make you a beautiful dream gown, and you’ll work on your weight.’ We discuss their weight goal, and I share my Vietnamese diet, which seems to help them control their weight and shape for the wedding day.”

Tran has written THE ASIAN DIET: Get Slim and Stay Slim the Asian Way (Capital Books, $29.95, May 2002) with nutritionist Idamarie Laquatra, a book that outlines two weeks worth of menus, complete with recipes, (including consideration for vegetarians) for those who want to begin a healthier lifestyle and lose weight.

In THE ASIAN DIET, Tran offers specific advice for brides preparing for their wedding day:

1.) Plan ahead. Ask yourself “If I plan to lose and average of two pounds per week, how many weeks will it take me to reach my goal? Is this in my time line? Keep in mind that it takes time to get in shape. The more weight you want to lose, the more time it takes. Three to six months is a reasonable span of time to make progress in weight loss.

2.) After you decide on a realistic amount of weight you want to lose, meet with your dressmaker. If you are having a gown custom made, meet with your dressmaker as early as possible and get measured. Discuss the time the dressmaker needs to work on your dress. Mention your diet plan and how much weight you are trying to lose and ask if the dressmaker can work with you throughout the process. Keep track of your measurements and weight and let the dressmaker know your progress—five to eight pounds can make a difference of one to two inches in alteration. The final fitting should be at least two weeks before the wedding date.

3.) If you have purchased a pre-made gown, make an appointment with a dressmaker and have a fitting. Mention your diet plan and ask the dressmaker how much time he or she needs for alterations. Arrange the final fitting and the pick-up date for two weeks before the wedding.

4.) Measure yourself every two weeks. Don’t get discouraged—it won’t happen overnight!

5.) Exercise regularly
“Choosing an appropriate gown design to compliment a bride’s body shape is very important,” Tran says. “Even with a weight loss plan and goal, things do not always work out according to plan, and having a dress that is flattering to start with can make things much easier.”

Tran says that looking good for a special occasion is a great incentive to start a diet plan. “Pick a special occasion that will give you a strong motivation, like graduation, your birthday party, your family reunion, or a school reunion and start. It will take some getting used to and lifestyle adjustments, but I assure you, it will pay off with satisfactory results.”

Born and raised in Vietnam, Diana My Tran immigrated to the U.S. in 1975. She brought with her a talent for preparing the cuisine of her native country. Now a successful designer and dressmaker in Washington, D.C., she has experimented and adapted her traditional recipes to the faster pace of American life. She is the author of 'The Vietnamese Cookbook,' Capital Books, 2000. Idamarie Laquatra is a nutritionist and has worked on the Shape Up America! program.




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