Franklin Dean
Plus-size wedding dresses are available in a variety of styles, ensuring that every bride can find a gown that fits beautifully and makes her feel confident and radiant. While the definition of a plus-size wedding gown varies across designers and brands, generally, any dress that's size 14 or above is considered plus-size. To find the right dress for your body type, it's important to understand your body shape and select a dress that accentuates your best features. For instance, A-line dresses are perfect for any bride, as they fit snugly around the waist and flare out past the hips. Mermaid and trumpet silhouettes are ideal for an hourglass shape, as they hug your curves and emphasise your waist. Ball gowns are another option for plus-size brides, offering a dramatic and elegant look.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Body shape | Apple, Hourglass, Inverted Triangle, Pear, Rectangle |
| Dress style | A-line, Ball gown, Mermaid, Trumpet, Sheath, Empire waist |
| Neckline | V-neck, Sweetheart, Scoop |
| Sleeve style | Long sleeves |
| Fabric | Lace, Beading, Applique, Boho, Backless |
| Colour | White, Soft pink, Rich cream, Ivory |
Explore related products
$38.98
A-line dresses
A-line wedding dresses are a universally flattering silhouette for all body types. The classic A-line design looks sensational on the aisle for brides with most body shapes. The style lines showcase equal proportions for an hourglass body, disguise a full tummy on an apple-shaped figure, and balance a heavier lower body with a smaller top for a pear-shaped figure. The A-line shape is also versatile, working for weddings in any season.
The fun part of this dress shape is that you get to choose where the waist falls. A natural waist sits at the smallest part of your waist, usually where your hands are when you put them on your hips. This placement works well if you have a longer torso and balances your shape out nicely. If you have a shorter torso, this can make the bottom half look much longer. If you love the natural waist but have a short torso, a plunge neckline can give the illusion of length.
Luce Sposa Wedding Dresses: How Much Do They Cost?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Ball gowns
The distinctive feature of a ball gown is its full skirt, which can be made from layers of fabric that create a voluminous, bell shape. This skirt style is perfect for hiding a heavier lower body, while a cinched waist and fitted bodice slim and shape the upper body. When it comes to the fabric, you can choose from a variety of luxurious and fashionable options, including soft tulle, satin, and Mikado.
If you want to lean into the fairy-tale aesthetic, go for a Cinderella-inspired ball gown with layers of sparkling soft tulle and tiers of crinoline underneath. You can also add a touch of glamour with crystals and rhinestones, or opt for a minimalist look with a mono-coloured skirt. For something more modern, a simple satin skirt in a luxurious Mikado fabric makes for a contemporary ball gown.
When choosing a neckline, the options are endless. You can go for a classic off-the-shoulder neckline, or experiment with one-shoulder, v-neck, or even a plunging neckline. If you want to show off your arms, consider a ball gown with soft tulle bishop sleeves to accentuate your romantic nature.
Suspenders with a Navy Dress: Wedding Edition
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Mermaid silhouettes
If you're a plus-size bride-to-be, first of all, congratulations! You deserve a wedding dress that makes you feel confident and radiant. Mermaid wedding dresses are a popular choice for plus-size brides who want to accentuate their curves and natural beauty. This style of dress is fitted and flares out below the knee, creating a dramatic silhouette.
When choosing a mermaid wedding dress, it's important to consider your comfort. Due to the fitted nature of this style, an impeccable fit is crucial. You may want to opt for custom fittings to ensure your dress is not only stunning but also comfortable and easy to move around in.
There are many variations of the mermaid silhouette, so you can choose the one that best suits your personal style and body shape. For example, a V-neckline can elongate the body, while a sweetheart neckline will enhance your bust. Off-the-shoulder and long sleeve styles are also options that can add a unique touch to your look.
Some popular plus-size mermaid wedding dresses include the Calla, a soft and comfortable off-the-shoulder dress with a sweetheart neckline, and the Tulip, which features a turtleneck, front slit, and structured bodice for maximum comfort and support.
With the right alterations and customisations, you can find a mermaid wedding dress that showcases your curves and makes you feel confident and beautiful on your special day.
Tuxedos vs Wedding Dresses: Why the Price Difference?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$44.99
$50.99 $59.99
Hourglass body shapes
If you have an hourglass figure, you have a lot of options when it comes to choosing a wedding dress to flatter your body shape. An hourglass figure is defined by shoulders and hips of a similar size, with a noticeably smaller waist. To celebrate your curves, you might want to consider a trumpet, mermaid, or bias-cut gown. A mermaid-style dress is a great option if you want to add a little "drama" to your wedding look, as it will emphasise your silhouette and highlight your waistline.
If you want to show off your curves but are less keen on drawing attention to your hips, you could opt for a ballgown or a gown with an A-line skirt. You could also choose a dress with a more modest neckline, such as a scoop, rather than a deep sweetheart. A fit-and-flare style will also emphasise your curves, as will a dress with a rhinestone belt that transforms into a cascading waterfall skirt. If you want to experiment with neck jewellery and high hairstyles, you might want to choose a dress that highlights your waist.
For a more traditional look, a sheath dress could work for you, and if you want to move away from emphasising your hourglass silhouette, a mermaid-style dress could be a good option. You could also opt for a dress with long transparent sleeves covered in diamond dust, or made from mikado, mute satin, crepe, or chiffon fabric.
It's important to remember that your choice of wedding dress will also depend on the venue, weather, and your comfort.
The Average Cost of Wedding Dresses: A Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Fabric and texture
For a summer wedding, lightweight and breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, or chiffon can help keep the bride cool and comfortable. These fabrics are also ideal for outdoor or beach weddings, providing a flowy and relaxed look. On the other hand, a winter wedding calls for richer and heavier fabrics such as satin, velvet, or brocade, which offer a luxurious and elegant feel.
Lace is a classic choice for wedding dresses and is particularly popular among plus-size brides. It adds a touch of elegance and sophistication while also providing coverage and comfort. From delicate all-over lace to bold graphic lace, there are numerous ways to incorporate this fabric into the dress design.
The texture of the fabric is also important, as it can enhance the overall look and feel of the dress. Embellishments such as beading, applique, and shimmery details can add a unique touch and create a glamorous or whimsical effect. For a more subtle approach, consider fabrics with a subtle texture, such as embossed or embroidered patterns, which can add depth and visual interest to the dress.
Ultimately, the choice of fabric and texture should align with the bride's personal style and the overall theme of the wedding. Whether it's a sleek and modern look or a romantic and whimsical vibe, the right fabric and texture can help create a stunning and memorable wedding dress.
Preserving Wedding Dresses: Is It Worth the Cost?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Any dress that's size 14 or above is typically considered a plus-size wedding gown. However, plus-size bridal wear can vary across different designers and brands.
Apple-shaped bodies have broad shoulders and a fuller midsection. An empire waist or A-line dress with a V-neck or sweetheart neckline would be a good choice.
An hourglass-shaped body has a well-defined waist with balanced hips and shoulders. A mermaid or trumpet silhouette with a sweetheart or scoop neckline will hug your curves and emphasise your waist.
An inverted triangle-shaped body has broad shoulders and narrower hips. Opt for an A-line or ball gown silhouette with a detailed skirt to balance your proportions.
A pear-shaped body has narrow shoulders and fuller hips. Choose an A-line or ball gown silhouette to balance your proportions. Look for detailing and embellishments on the bodice to draw attention upwards.
