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Bridal Gowns Add Waivers as GLP‑1 Drugs Trim Brides

Wall Street Journal US Business •
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New GLP‑1 weight‑loss drugs are forcing bridal boutiques to rethink fittings, and some designers now attach liability waivers to gowns. Nicole Hamilton, a New York product designer, chose an A‑line dress and asked for a waist three inches smaller than her natural measurement. Having shed roughly 50 pounds on GLP‑1 medications, including 15 pounds since her engagement, she expects further loss before the ceremony. The waiver protects shops from alteration disputes.

Bridal retailers cite unpredictable size changes as a liability, prompting legal teams to draft consent forms that shift responsibility to the bride for any post‑purchase alterations. Such waivers mirror trends in the fashion industry where rapid slimming drugs disrupt traditional sizing standards. If a dress no longer fits, the shop can refuse costly refitting, preserving profit margins.

Consumers face a trade‑off: the allure of a slimmer silhouette versus the risk of outgrowing a costly custom dress. Industry analysts warn that widespread waivers could deter price‑sensitive brides, nudging them toward off‑the‑rack options or rental services. For now, designers gamble that the GLP‑1 boom will boost sales despite the added paperwork.