Junior Rasmussen
Plus-size wedding dress shopping can be a daunting task, with many bridal boutiques not carrying a range of sizes and styles. However, the landscape of plus-size bridal fashion has changed significantly in recent years, with more diversity in styles and access to designer dresses. When choosing a plus-size wedding dress, it is important to first identify your body shape and the styles that will flatter your figure. Consider the season and venue of your wedding when selecting fabrics to ensure comfort and aesthetic appeal. It is also crucial to research bridal shops that carry plus-size samples and their size ranges before scheduling an appointment. Keep in mind that bridal gown sizing may differ from regular clothing sizing, so focus on how the gown fits and makes you feel rather than the number on the tag.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Body shape | Apple, Hourglass, Inverted Triangle, Pear, Rectangle |
| Apple Shape | Broad shoulders and a fuller midsection |
| Apple Shape dress style | Empire waist or A-line dress with a V-neck or sweetheart neckline |
| Hourglass Shape | Well-defined waist with balanced hips and shoulders |
| Hourglass Shape dress style | Mermaid or trumpet silhouette with a sweetheart or scoop neckline |
| Inverted Triangle Shape | Broad shoulders and narrower hips |
| Inverted Triangle Shape dress style | A-line or ball gown silhouette with a detailed skirt |
| Pear Shape | Narrow shoulders and fuller hips |
| Pear Shape dress style | A-line or ball gown silhouettes with detailing and embellishments on the bodice |
| Rectangle Shape | Straight and balanced proportions from shoulders to hips |
| Rectangle Shape dress style | Sheath or empire waist dress with embellishments, ruching, or a belt at the waist |
| Fabric | Chiffon, lace, etc. |
| Sizing | Typically size 14 and up, but varies by designer and retailer |
| Online communities | Blogs, social media, and message boards |
| Designers | Essense of Australia, Stella York, All Who Wander, Truvelle, Rebecca Schoneveld, Laudae, Loulette, Aesling, BHLDN, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Identify your body shape
It's important to identify your body shape before you start your wedding dress search. Knowing your body shape will help you select dresses that accentuate your best features and create a balanced silhouette. Plus-size body types include:
Apple Shape
Broad shoulders and a fuller midsection. If you have an apple-shaped body, look for an empire waist or an A-line dress with a V-neck or sweetheart neckline. This will flow gently over your midsection and elongate your torso.
Hourglass Shape
Well-defined waist with balanced hips and shoulders. If you have an hourglass figure, choose a mermaid or trumpet silhouette with a sweetheart or scoop neckline to show off your curves.
Inverted Triangle Shape
Broad shoulders and narrower hips. If you have an inverted triangle shape, opt for an A-line or ball gown silhouette with a detailed skirt to balance your proportions.
Pear Shape
Narrow shoulders and fuller hips. For a pear-shaped body, consider an A-line or ball gown silhouette that will balance your proportions. Look for detailing and embellishments on the bodice to draw attention upwards.
Rectangle Shape
Straight and balanced proportions from shoulders to hips. If you have a rectangle body shape, a sheath or empire waist dress will help create the illusion of curves. Add embellishments, ruching, or a belt at the waist to define your waistline.
Remember, each designer has their own size chart, and bridal gown sizing can be different from the size you usually wear, so don't get too caught up in the numbers. Focus on how the gown makes you feel, and consider the season and venue of your wedding when choosing fabrics.
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Understand bridal sizing
Bridal sizing can be a tricky business, and it's important to understand how it works to avoid any disappointment when choosing your dream dress. Wedding dresses tend to run smaller than average and fit more snugly than other formal dresses. This means that your size in a wedding dress may be larger than your regular clothing size. Each designer has their own size chart, and sizes can vary significantly between designers and retailers, so it's a good idea to check the size chart for each brand you're interested in. Don't get too caught up in the numbers, as the most important thing is how the gown fits and makes you feel.
It's a common issue that some bridal shops don't carry a range of plus-size gowns, which can be frustrating for curvier brides. However, the good news is that the bridal industry is becoming more diverse, and more designers are offering extended sizing. This means that you have more options to find a dress that fits your body type and makes you feel confident and radiant.
When it comes to finding the right plus-size wedding dress, it's helpful to identify your body shape and choose a style that accentuates your best features. For example, if you have an apple-shaped body, with broad shoulders and a fuller midsection, an empire waist or A-line dress with a V-neck or sweetheart neckline can gently flow over your midsection and elongate your torso. On the other hand, if you have an hourglass shape with a well-defined waist and balanced hips and shoulders, a mermaid or trumpet silhouette with a sweetheart or scoop neckline can flatter your curves.
It's also a great idea to research what bridal shops carry plus-size samples before scheduling an appointment. While sample gowns may not fit perfectly, trying on a gown similar to your size can give you a better idea of how that style looks on your body. Online communities can also be a valuable resource, as many curvy brides share their bridal looks, providing inspiration and representation.
Remember, your wedding dress should be unique and special, just like your big day. Don't let the numbers on the tag get you down. Focus on finding a dress that makes you feel confident and radiant, and don't be afraid to speak up during appointments to ensure you get the perfect fit.
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Research bridal shops and their samples
Researching bridal shops and their samples is a crucial step in finding your dream plus-size wedding dress. Here are some tips to guide you through this process:
Start by identifying bridal shops that cater to plus-size brides. Unfortunately, not all boutiques offer extended sizing, which can be frustrating for curvy brides. Seek out shops that prioritize inclusive sizing, like Solutions Bridal Designer House in Orlando, or Brides by Young, with locations in New Jersey, Indiana, and Illinois. These stores understand the importance of providing a diverse range of samples for plus-size brides.
Before scheduling an appointment, research the bridal shops' sample collections. Call or visit their websites to determine their size ranges and whether they cater to your specific needs. Some boutiques, like Brides by Young, proudly advertise their extensive collections, with over 400 or even 600+ samples in bridal sizes 16-36, ensuring a wide variety of options for mid-to-plus-size brides.
Keep in mind that bridal sizing can be quite different from your usual clothing sizes. A street size 16, for instance, might translate to a bridal size 18-22, depending on the designer. So, don't get too hung up on the numbers; instead, focus on how the gown fits and makes you feel. Sample gowns may not be your perfect fit, but trying on similar sizes will give you an idea of how a particular style suits your body.
Take advantage of online resources and communities. Websites like The Knot Vendor Marketplace allow you to filter bridal salons by location and "Plus Size Available" options, making it easier to find inclusive boutiques. Additionally, online message boards and social media platforms can connect you with other curvy brides who share their bridal looks, providing valuable inspiration and a sense of empowerment.
Lastly, don't be afraid to explore secondhand options and online retailers. Sites like Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, and Something Borrowed offer pre-owned wedding dresses, which can be a great option if you're open to a more time-intensive search. Online retailers like ASOS, Eloquii, and eShakti also provide inclusive sizing, with customizable options for a precise fit.
By thoroughly researching bridal shops and their samples, you can ensure that your wedding dress shopping experience is exciting, inclusive, and empowering.
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Choose a silhouette that suits your body
Wedding dress shopping can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to finding a dress that suits your body type and makes you feel confident. Here are some tips to help you choose a silhouette that flatters your curves and accentuates your best features:
Apple Shape
If you have broad shoulders and a fuller midsection, consider an empire waist or an A-line dress. An empire waistline is visually slimming and pairs well with a flowing skirt for a comfortable and chic look. An A-line dress with a V-neck or sweetheart neckline will gently flow over your midsection and elongate your torso.
Hourglass Shape
For well-defined waists with balanced hips and shoulders, a mermaid or trumpet silhouette will showcase your curves. A fit-and-flare style is another great option, hugging your body through the hips and flaring out around the knees.
Inverted Triangle Shape
To balance your broad shoulders and narrower hips, opt for an A-line or ball gown silhouette with a detailed skirt. The skirt adds volume to your lower half, creating a harmonious silhouette.
Pear Shape
A-line or ball gown silhouettes are also ideal for pear-shaped bodies, as they balance proportions. Draw attention upwards with detailing and embellishments on the bodice.
Rectangle Shape
For straight and balanced proportions from shoulders to hips, consider a sheath or empire waist dress to create the illusion of curves. Embellishments, ruching, or a belt at the waist can further enhance your figure and add definition.
Remember, it's important to choose a dress that not only flatters your body type but also makes you feel comfortable and confident. Don't get too caught up in the sizing numbers, as bridal gown sizing can vary significantly from regular clothing sizes. Focus on how the gown makes you feel, and don't be afraid to step away from the computer if you're feeling overwhelmed by the options.
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Pick a fabric that suits the season and venue of your wedding
When choosing a fabric for your plus-size wedding dress, it's important to consider the season and venue of your wedding to ensure you feel comfortable and look your best. Here are some tips to help you pick the perfect fabric:
For a summer wedding, especially in a warm climate, opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics such as chiffon, organza, Georgette, or lace. Chiffon is a great choice for a laid-back and effortless look, while organza offers crisper ruching. Georgette is ideal for a boho-style dress with lots of movement. Lace is a versatile choice, adding a romantic touch with its intricate designs and bold motifs. If you're getting married on a beach, avoid heavy fabrics like Mikado, which will make you feel sweaty. Instead, go for something airy and comfortable.
For a winter wedding, richer and heavier fabrics like silk, velvet, brocade, and Mikado are more suitable. Silk is a luxurious choice, offering a graceful style and refined sheen. However, be cautious with silk in warm weather as it can get damaged easily. Mikado, a blend of silk and synthetic fibres, is perfect for creating structured designs and maintaining the dress's shape. Brocade is another heavy and elegant option, giving a timeless and upscale look to your dress.
If you're getting married in a hotel ballroom, a delicate lace dress with ethereal tulle will create a romantic atmosphere. Tulle is often used as a lining, adding volume and a dreamy silhouette to your gown. For a glamorous look, satin is a popular choice, providing a heavy, smooth fabric with a high sheen. If you're looking for something more structured, Dupioni, a heavy silk fabric with a rough texture, is ideal for any time of year and works well with various styles.
Additionally, consider your comfort and skin sensitivity when choosing a fabric. Ensure the fabric feels comfortable against your skin, especially if you plan to wear it for extended celebrations. If you have sensitive skin, avoid materials that may cause irritation.
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Frequently asked questions
Plus-size wedding dresses typically range from sizes 14 and up, with some selections offering up to size 30. However, sizes can vary depending on the designer and retailer. It’s important to note that bridal gown sizing can be different from the size you’re used to wearing, so don’t get too caught up in the number.
Many bridal shops do not carry a selection of plus-size gowns, so it's important to research what bridal shops carry plus-size samples before scheduling an appointment. Some brands that offer plus-size wedding dresses include Essense of Australia, Stella York, All Who Wander, Truvelle, Rebecca Schoneveld, Laudae, Loulette, BHLDN, and RK Bridal.
Knowing your body shape will guide you in selecting dresses that accentuate your best features and create a balanced silhouette. For example, if you have an apple-shaped body, look for an empire waist or A-line dress with a V-neck or sweetheart neckline. If you have an hourglass figure, choose a mermaid or trumpet silhouette with a sweetheart or scoop neckline.
Selecting the right fabric and texture is crucial for both comfort and aesthetic appeal. Consider the season and venue of your wedding when choosing fabrics to ensure that you’re both comfortable and stunning throughout the day. Chiffon, for example, is a lightweight and airy fabric that drapes beautifully and creates a soft, romantic look. It’s perfect for outdoor or summer weddings and works well for A-line or empire waist dresses.
Remember that the goal of your wedding dress is not to minimize or hide your body, but to make you look and feel glorious. Test the dress during your appointment to make sure the fit is correct—larger bodies require more ease, or flexibility, in the garment. Decide if you want to wear shapewear, but remember it’s a choice, not an obligation.
