George Boyle
Plus-size brides often face additional pressure to find a wedding dress that suits their body type and makes them feel beautiful. While the wedding industry has predominantly catered to slimmer brides, plus-size women can also find their dream dress with some careful consideration. From choosing the right cut to selecting flattering fabrics, there are many ways to ensure that a plus-size bride looks and feels amazing on their special day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Body type | Pear, rectangular, hourglass, apple |
| Fabric | Satin, tulle |
| Cut | Straight, A-cut, high-waisted |
| Accessories | Avoid big and flashy accessories |
| Neckline | Avoid Japanese neckline |
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What You'll Learn
- Body type: Pear, apple, hourglass, and rectangular are some examples
- Fabric: Satin and tulle are good for loose, flowing dresses
- Cuts: A-line, straight, and high-waisted can be slimming
- Accessories: Avoid big, flashy accessories
- Shops and company: Supportive company and inclusive shops can make the experience
Body type: Pear, apple, hourglass, and rectangular are some examples
Body type plays a crucial role in choosing the perfect wedding dress. Here is a guide to help you choose a wedding dress based on some common body types:
Pear-shaped body
The pear body type is characterised by larger hips, thighs, and bottoms, with a petite upper body. When choosing a wedding dress, pear-shaped individuals should opt for A-line or princess-style dresses that emphasise the waist. To balance the proportions of the hips and shoulders, a boat neck style is recommended. For those with smaller busts, deep V-necklines can also be flattering. Additionally, choosing a gown with details around the neckline can help draw attention to the upper body.
Apple-shaped body
Apple-shaped bodies typically have a full chest, narrow hips, and a fuller midsection, with slim legs. To achieve a balanced silhouette, apple-shaped individuals should look for dresses that define the waistline. Long-sleeved dresses with light and airy sleeves can provide openness at the chest while adding elegance to the overall look. A narrow belt can also help highlight the natural waist without adding bulk. For the veil, a fingertip-length or longer veil is recommended, as an elbow-length veil may create an unflattering line across the waist.
Hourglass body type
For those with an hourglass figure, the goal is often to emphasise the curves and create a balanced silhouette. While some sources suggest that straight-cut dresses with belts can help achieve an hourglass shape, others recommend avoiding this style as it may not flatter the curves. Instead, two-piece dresses or half-fish designs can be more suitable for this body type.
Rectangular body type
The rectangular body type, also known as the straight or banana body type, is characterised by a straight descent from the chest to the hips, with less curvature around the waist. Straight-cut dresses are often associated with this body type, and adding a belt can help create the illusion of a more defined waist. Two-piece dresses can also help give the waist area a slimmer and curvier appearance.
Remember, these are just suggestions, and there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing a wedding dress. Keep an open mind, and don't be afraid to try on different styles to find the one that makes you feel like a princess!
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Fabric: Satin and tulle are good for loose, flowing dresses
When it comes to choosing a wedding dress, the fabric is a key consideration. Satin and tulle are two popular choices for wedding dresses, and they are particularly well-suited to loose, flowing dresses.
Satin is a smooth and sleek fabric with a high-shine finish. It is often made from silk or polyester, or a blend of the two, and its smooth surface and full body make it a versatile choice for a range of wedding gown styles and themes. However, satin can be uncomfortable in the summer as it is not very breathable, so it is important to consider the season of the wedding when choosing this fabric.
Tulle, on the other hand, is a netting fabric that creates an ethereal, whimsical, and romantic look. It is often used to add a playful, flirty flair to a gown, such as with a tulle skirt overlay or underlay. Tulle is also commonly used as a lining to provide support for other fabrics, such as lace. It is lightweight and inexpensive, making it a good choice for a summer wedding, but it can snag easily and may be uncomfortable if it is placed against the skin as it can be stiff or itchy.
Both satin and tulle are versatile fabrics that can be used in a variety of ways to create a unique and beautiful wedding dress. When combined, they can create a whimsical and romantic look, with the smooth, sleek qualities of satin complementing the airy, ethereal qualities of tulle. For a loose, flowing dress, the lightness and suppleness of these fabrics make them a good choice, allowing for comfort and ease of movement on the big day.
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Cuts: A-line, straight, and high-waisted can be slimming
A-line, straight, and high-waisted wedding dresses can be slimming and are often a safe bet for plus-size brides. Here's how:
A-line
A-line wedding dresses are a safe and comfortable choice for a variety of body shapes and sizes. They are fitted at the waist and then flare out gradually, creating an "A" shape. This design effectively floats over the midsection and hips, drawing attention away from the tummy and creating a slimming effect. A-line dresses can be customised to suit different preferences, with various fabrics, necklines, and beautiful ornaments like lace, beading, and embroidery.
Straight
Straight-cut wedding dresses are suitable for brides with a less curved or straight waist region. They can also be a good option for those with a rectangular body type. A straight cut dress with a belt on the waist can bring the body lines closer to the hourglass body type, creating a balanced look.
High-waisted
High-waisted dresses, also known as empire waist dresses, have a waistline above the natural waist, creating the illusion of longer legs and drawing attention away from the midsection. This style flatters various body types and can be paired with flowing skirts or more fitted shapes, catering to different bridal visions.
In addition to these cuts, other features such as strategic draping or gathers, off-the-shoulder necklines, and sweetheart necklines can also help to flatter the figure and add dimension to the dress.
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Accessories: Avoid big, flashy accessories
When it comes to choosing accessories for your wedding dress, it's important to remember that less is more. Big and flashy accessories can be distracting and take away from the overall look. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Opt for simplicity: Choose accessories that are simple and elegant. A pair of delicate earrings, a thin necklace, or a simple bracelet can add a touch of sparkle without being overwhelming.
Consider your neckline: If your wedding dress has a detailed neckline, such as a Japanese collar or an asymmetrical detail, you may not need any neck accessories at all. Let the neckline be the focal point, and opt for subtle earrings or a small hair accessory instead.
Avoid excess fluff: Stay away from fluffy veils or oversized accessories that can make you appear shorter or bulkier. A thin, flowing veil or a simple headpiece can create a more elongated silhouette.
Choose complementary colours: Make sure your accessories complement the colour of your dress. For example, if you're wearing an off-white dress, avoid bright white accessories that may create a stark contrast.
Don't be afraid to break the rules: Ultimately, it's your special day, and you should feel confident and comfortable. If you find a bold statement piece that makes you feel amazing, don't be afraid to wear it. The most important thing is that you feel beautiful and happy.
Remember, you don't need to follow strict rules when it comes to accessorizing your wedding dress. Keep it simple, elegant, and true to your personal style. With these tips in mind, you can create a stunning look that celebrates your unique beauty.
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Shops and company: Supportive company and inclusive shops can make the experience
Wedding dress shopping can be a stressful experience, especially for plus-size individuals who may face limited options and fat-shaming. However, some shops and companies are changing this narrative by offering inclusive and supportive experiences.
Lovely Bride, for instance, is a modern bridal shop with locations across the US and the UK. They cater to all body types, carrying a selection of samples in plus sizes and offering various styles, fabrics, and designers to suit different tastes and budgets. Their dresses are described as romantic, sleek, chic, bohemian, unique, sexy, clean, refined, and creative, with common silhouettes including fit and flare, soft A-line, and column dresses.
Another company, Azazie, is a body-positive fashion brand that believes everyone deserves their dream dress, regardless of size or budget. They offer a wide range of wedding dresses, including plus sizes, with prices starting at $69. Azazie provides free custom sizing to ensure the gown meets your exact measurements, and their virtual showroom allows you to explore different designs and color swatches from the comfort of your home.
Birdy Grey is another size-inclusive retailer with impressive options. Their Little White Dresses section offers sizes up to 3X, and they have stunning satin options in white. BHLDN, sold through Anthropologie, also offers size-inclusive wedding dresses up to size 30W, with modern trends and designs to complement all bodies.
When it comes to wedding dress shopping, it's important to remember that the shop you choose and the company you bring can significantly impact your experience. Don't settle for a place that makes you feel horrible; instead, opt for inclusive shops like the ones mentioned above, where you can find stylish options and supportive staff to make your special day truly memorable.
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Frequently asked questions
It can be helpful to see people with similar body types to you modelling wedding dresses, so you can get a sense of what will suit your shape. The shop you go to and the company you bring with you can make or break the experience—don't be discouraged by one bad experience.
Frilly, ruffled, princess cut, and full mermaid dresses that hug your body will make you look larger than you are. Flashy accessories and hats or thick veils can also be unflattering.
You can use asymmetrical details to camouflage areas you want to hide. Satin and tulle fabrics can be suitable for loose and flowing dresses. Straight cuts are recommended for brides with a rectangular body type, and A-cut designs are recommended for pear-shaped bodies.
One source mentions buying a dress from a shop close to their home, where the salespeople were nice to them. However, another source had a negative experience at David's Bridal, reporting fat-shaming staff.
