If you are a curvy or plus size bride, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed about the prospect of wedding dress shopping. While the bridal industry has made significant strides toward size inclusivity in recent years, there is always room for more growth. Brides who are just beginning to shop for their wedding dress might not know where to start, and as a plus-size bride, there is an added element of worrying if bridal stores will have dresses available in your size for you to shop and try on.
At The White Dress by The Shore, we believe every bride deserves to feel confident, beautiful, and celebrated when selecting the perfect wedding dress. From selecting the stores to shop at (and if you're in Connecticut or New England, we hope you'll book an appointment with us!), to determining what styles of dresses to try on, to who to bring with you to your bridal dress shopping appointments, it can be stressful for brides to begin their wedding dress shopping journey. If you're a plus-size bride-to-be, here are our seven essential tips to help you have the best possible experience while shopping for your wedding gown.
Tip 1: Look for Bridal Boutiques with Size-Inclusive Selections
When shopping for your wedding dress, it’s important to seek out bridal stores that cater to a wide range of sizes, including plus sizes. Many bridal boutiques may only carry samples in smaller sizes, making it difficult to get an accurate sense of how the dress will look on your body. If you're unsure, don’t hesitate to call ahead to the boutique and ask what size gowns they carry and what style gowns may be in your size. If they don't have what you are looking for, it may be worth asking if they are able to request size-inclusive samples be sent to the store for you to try.
Hot tip: A "sample" dress refers to the dresses that you'll be trying on in the bridal shop to (hopefully!) find your dream wedding dress. Once you find the one that you love, you'll place an order for your wedding dress that will be made just for you, and the sample that you tried on stays in the store for other brides to try on. (You can shop our online wedding dress sample sale anytime! Including plus size sample dresses!)
Tip 2: Don’t Let the Size Label Stress You Out
One thing that is important for all brides to know is that wedding dress sizing differs from your usual street size, so don’t worry about the number on the label. Your bridal stylist will work with your measurements and consult the designer’s size chart to determine the best fit.
The key is to focus on finding a gown that fits you well, not on the number associated with it. In fact, we would encourage brides of all sizes to not even look at the number on the tag.
If you're in between sizes, ask about split sizing or the possibility of having a dress made to your measurements. There may be additional fees for ordering your gown this way, but it can help reduce alterations down the road and ensure a better fit.
Tip 3: Try Different Silhouettes
While you may already have a particular wedding dress style in mind, we recommend keeping an open mind when it comes to silhouettes. This is true for all of our brides, including our plus size brides. A-line, ball gowns, and fit-and-flare dresses are often very flattering for curvier figures, but you might be surprised by how another shape suits you!
Trust your stylist’s expertise and be open to experimenting with different options. The worst that can happen is you discover a certain silhouette is not for you, but you may just find that a silhouette you didn’t initially consider is the one that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.
Tip 4: Prioritize Comfort and Support
On your wedding day, comfort is just as important as looking fabulous. Pay attention to the structure of the dress - boning, built-in corsets, and thicker straps can offer added support that curvy brides often need and will keep you feeling secure throughout your special day.
Make sure to consider the type of undergarments underneath a wedding dress that you plan to wear with your gown as well. It’s always a good idea to bring them with you or try them on in the store while you’re trying on dresses to make sure everything fits perfectly.
Tip 5: Consider Customizations to Make It Your Own
Many bridal designers offer customizations to make your wedding gown even more special. From adding sleeves or altering the neckline to adjusting the hemline, there are plenty of ways to personalize your dress and make it feel more ideal for you and your body.
If you’re interested in custom options, ask your bridal stylist what can be done by the designer versus what can be achieved during alterations. Keep in mind that customizations may add to the price of your gown, but it could be worth it to create a dress that feels truly "yours."
Tip 6: Limit the Number of Opinions
Choosing your wedding dress is a deeply personal decision, and while it can be tempting to get input from everyone, it’s best to limit the number of opinions you take with you to your appointment. Invite a few trusted people who understand your personal style and vision for your wedding day.
Too many opinions can be overwhelming and may lead to confusion. At the end of the day, your opinion is the only one that matters!
Tip 7: Trust the Expertise of Your Stylist
Our last and possibly most important tip for our plus size brides is to trust your bridal stylist when shopping for your wedding dress. Bridal stylists in-store are there to help you find the perfect dress for your body, your personality, and your wedding day vision. Trust their expertise and be clear about what you're looking for.
Clear and open communication with your stylist is key to finding your dream wedding dress. Let them know what you love and what you're not as fond of so they can guide you to the best options. Your stylist is there to make this experience fun and stress-free, so lean on them to help you every step of the way.
Every bride, regardless of their size, deserves a beautiful, memorable experience while shopping for their wedding dress. No matter what size or shape you may be, by keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be empowered to find the perfect gown that makes you feel like the most beautiful version of yourself.
Happy shopping, and we can’t wait to help you find your dream dress at The White Dress by The Shore!
When you are ready for the next step of trying on wedding dresses to find your perfect wedding dress, visit us in our bridal store in Clinton, CT by booking a wedding dress shopping appointment. We can't wait to work with you!
xoxo,
TWD Lovelies
All photos by Emily Mccoll Photography