The average-sized woman has an ocean of choices in wedding dresses, but petite and plus-sized brides have fewer options. Most dresses are designed with the size 8 bride as the model. Fortunately, there are designers who create stunning wedding gowns in sizes up to 24.
You may even find a suitable dress in a collection that isn’t specifically for plus-sizes. All you need to do is look in the right places, and know what your options are. To get you on track, let us take a look at the various patterns that look great on plus-size brides.
Who is a plus-size bride?
The fashion industry places sizes above size 12 in the plus-size category. Although this number may differ from country to country, the cut-off is somewhere close to this number.
It is good to remember that although you may be a plus-size bride, there are fabulous fashionable gowns that will match your wedding dress dreams, and you needn’t settle for what is available in the plus-size section alone.
Plus-size wedding shopping tips
We recommend that you call the bridal shop before you visit, and inform them that you want to look at gowns in bigger sizes. Although most salons stock gowns in most sizes, this will ensure that you have sufficient choices to try on, when you visit. If you have shortlisted any favorites, inform the bridal boutique so they can make arrangements to have it available when you drop in.
Brides come in all sizes and shapes, and no two gowns are alike. Pay particular attention to your body proportions to choose a dress that suits you. If you are large-chested, a higher neckline or dresses with illusion necklines and/or sleeves would offer sufficient coverage. Similarly, a gown with a fitted waist and full skirt will balance out a large bust, and create an hourglass structure.
If you want the classic, elegant look, choose an A-line skirt or ball gown dress. The ball gown will camouflage your middle, if you are well endowed in that area. An empire waist gown which cleverly elevates your waist, or a dress which gathers on one side are other good options. These patterns are slimming and can add the illusion of few extra inches. Cap sleeve gowns look sexy on full figures, and are classic and stylish.
Another must-try dresses are those with corset backs. These draw out your curves beautifully, allowing you to show off your best features.
Trust your bridal consultant when she recommends silhouettes other than what you have in mind. Being in the business for a long time, she knows how a dress will look on your frame. So, don’t write off her suggestion for a dress that doesn’t look attractive on the hanger. Try it out, and you may be pleasantly surprised with the result.
One word of advice, don’t try to hide your ample curves beneath a mass of fabric. Find a dress that allows you to flaunt them; you will feel gorgeous and everyone will agree that you look great. Weddings are all about feeling fantastic, and the best way to do it is by being yourself!
Best for Bride has plenty of fantastic wedding dress choices, and you are bound to find one that suits you. Visit us online, or drop in at our store to find the wedding dress of your dreams.
If you have a consultant, picking the dress is a cinch. You provide good points here and ones that many brides-to-be can learn from.
All brides look great on their wedding day. I am glad there is an option for plus sizes out there 🙂
I got my dress a couple months ago, It was very different from what I wanted and different than the petite size ladies that are all the same style.. So great to be openminded!