Plus Size Wedding Dresses
Before You Begin
Your engagement is one of the happiest times of your life as you await a long married life to your partner. The choices that you must decide on can also make it one of the most stressful times. For any bride, shopping for the perfect dress is one of the hardest decisions to make since it is the one time in your life that all eyes of an event are on you. As hard as it is to choose a wedding dress, the stress is magnified for a curvey bride searching through plus size wedding dresses. The difficulties start with the wedding dress samples. Most of them are made for very small sizes, and some sales people can be less than helpful since you don't fit their vision of an "ideal bride" size. These obstacles are compounded by your worries about finding a shape that flatters your body type. So, before you start your search, it is helpful to arm yourself with as much information as possible. Here are a few helpful suggestions that every plus-size bride should take to heart before embarking on her journey for her dream gown.
Sizing:
The sample dresses in most bridal shops are a "bridal" size 10. Since most bridal dresses run small, a size 10 is actually equivalent to a size 6 in sportswear-type clothing. This means that many women will attempt to try on a sample that simply doesn't fit. You should not get frustrated or discouraged just because wedding dress designers don't follow conventional sizing. Many designers carry sizes 22 or 24 in their line, so finding a fashionable plus-size wedding dress that is perfect for you is a reality. As you know, for larger sizes, many manufacturers increase the cost of the dress to cover the extra fabric and the special measurements it takes to ensure your dress fits correctly. All of these costs are definitely worth it because you are guaranteed to find a dress that fits you properly and, more importantly, makes you feel beautiful. You deserve the very best on your special day.
Body Type:
The process of learning which shape is most flattering for your particular body type is an important step in the plus-size wedding dress shopping ritual. Although every woman's body is different, there are a few silhouettes that are better compliments to a curvey, full-figured bride:
Slim A-line:
A-line dresses are flattering to the pear shape figure because they highlight the top half of the body and camouflage the lower half. You should keep the skirt on the smaller side as too much volume will add bulk and make you look larger than you really are.The Princess Cut:
Princess Cut dresses have an A-line shape and no seam at the waist, which gives a long, uninterrupted appearance that is extremely flattering. Skirts can range from slim A-lines to full A-lines, but the key is that they begin to flare just below your natural waist, hiding a heavier bottom.Sleeves and Straps:
Despite the popularity of strapless dresses, many curvy women shy away from them. Designers are responding to this by making more options in necklines. The selection of tank style dresses are very flattering as are cap sleeves or even three-quarter sleeves. Busty brides often feel most comfortable with just a little covering up top. One trick that works well is the use of sheer fabrics (netting, tulle, chiffon) that provide just a hint of coverage without drawing too much attention to your cleavage.Fabrics:
Most bridal fabrics are suitable for any season, with the exception of eyelet and pique which are more suitable for warmer weather. Fabrics that have more weight and heft to them are especially flattering on the plus-size bride because they do not cling and drape the body. The stiffness of the fabric allows the plus size wedding dresses to maintain their shape. The range of stiffer fabrics (some with bonded linings) are duchesse satin, taffeta, mikado and dupioni/silk shantung. In a plus size wedding gown you should stay away from "clingy" fabrics like charmeuse, chiffon, and crepe since they have a tendency to spotlight the lumps and bumps you would rather no one would see.
Timing:
Start your shopping at least nine months before your wedding. It may take quite a while to find a designer and dress that matches the image you have in your head for the "perfect wedding dress". Since this is the most important buying decision you will make for the entire wedding, you don't want to feel like you are facing timing deadlines while in the hunt for your plus size wedding dress. Have a great time and a beautiful wedding.
Written By The Plus Size Lady
The Plus Size Lady carefully tends to The Official Website for Plus Sizes and sends an occasional Plus Sizes Newsletter to beautiful plus size ladies around the world.
