It’s an exciting journey to plan your wedding day, and finding the perfect wedding dress is a significant part of that experience. As a plus-size bride, you deserve a gown that fits beautifully while making you feel confident and radiant.
In this guide, the wedding gown experts at The Dressing Room provide everything you must know to navigate the world of plus-size wedding dresses. From understanding your body type to choosing the right style and fabric, this guide will empower you to find the right gown for your special day.
What Size is Considered a Plus-Size Bride?
In general, any dress that’s size 14 or above is considered a plus-size wedding gown. However, plus-size bridal wear can vary across different designers and brands. Therefore, it’s important to familiarize yourself with sizing charts and measurements to navigate the process confidently.
What is the Best Wedding Dress Shape for a Plus-Size Bride?
The best plus-size wedding dress shape highlights your natural beauty and ensures you feel confident and comfortable on your special day. While personal preference and individual body shapes play a significant role, certain dress shapes tend to be universally flattering for plus-size brides, such as:
- A-Line
- Highlights the waistline.
- Provides a graceful flow over the lower body.
- Suitable for almost any wedding style or venue.
- Ball Gown
- Accentuates the waist and creates an hourglass shape.
- Provides a dramatic, princess-like appearance.
- Offers ample support and structure.
- Empire Waist
- Elongates the body and creates a slimming effect.
- Enhances the bust while providing a relaxed fit over the lower body.
- Comfortable and versatile for various wedding themes.
- Mermaid or Trumpet
- Emphasizes natural curves and creates a dramatic effect.
- Ideal for making a bold statement.
- Works well with various fabrics and embellishments.
- Sheath
- Creates a sleek, elongated silhouette.
- Ideal for less formal or beach weddings.
- Offers a comfortable and easy-to-wear option.
Understanding Your Body Shape
Every bride is unique, so understanding your body shape is key to finding a plus-size wedding dress that enhances your natural beauty. Before you start your wedding dress search, it’s helpful to identify your body shape.
Knowing your body shape will guide you in selecting dresses that accentuate your best features and create a balanced silhouette. Plus-size body types include:
- Apple Shape: Broad shoulders and a fuller midsection.
- Hourglass Shape: Well-defined waist with balanced hips and shoulders.
- Inverted Triangle Shape: Broad shoulders and narrower hips.
- Pear Shape: Narrow shoulders and fuller hips.
- Rectangle Shape: Straight and balanced proportions from shoulders to hips.
How to Choose a Wedding Dress According to Your Body Type
Once you’ve identified your body shape, consider the following dress styles to flatter each type:
- Apple Shape: Look for an empire waist or A-line dress with a V-neck or sweetheart neckline. This will flow gently over your midsection and elongate your torso.
- Hourglass Shape: Choose a mermaid or trumpet silhouette with a sweetheart or scoop neckline. The dress will hug your curves and emphasize your waist, while the neckline will enhance your bust.
- Inverted Triangle Shape: Find an A-line or ball gown silhouette with a detailed skirt. This plus-size wedding gown will balance your shoulders and hips, while the skirt adds volume to your lower half.
- Pear Shape: Look for an A-line or ball gown silhouettes that balance your proportions. Match this with detailing and embellishments on the bodice to draw attention upwards.
- Rectangle Shape: Find a dress with a sheath or empire waist dress that creates curves. Add embellishments, ruching, or a belt at the waist to add definition.
Choosing the Right Fabrics and Textures
Selecting the right fabric and texture is crucial for both comfort and aesthetic appeal. Consider the season and venue of your wedding when choosing fabrics to ensure that you’re both comfortable and stunning throughout the day.
- Chiffon: This lightweight, airy fabric drapes beautifully and creates a soft, romantic look. It’s perfect for outdoor or summer weddings and works well for A-line or empire waist dresses. Chiffon can be layered to add dimension without adding bulk.
- Satin: Known for its luxurious feel and smooth finish, satin is a heavier fabric that provides structure and support. It’s ideal for structured gowns like ball gowns or mermaid dresses, as it holds its shape and adds a touch of elegance.
- Lace: Lace adds a timeless, classic appeal to any wedding dress. It can be used all over or as an overlay for added texture. For plus-size brides, lace can create a beautiful, detailed look without overwhelming your figure. Look for dresses with lace bodices or lace sleeves for a touch of vintage charm.
- Organza: This lightweight, crisp fabric is similar to chiffon but stiffer, providing more structure. It’s great for creating full skirts and layered looks. Organza adds volume without making the dress feel heavy, so it’s a good choice for A-line or ball gown silhouettes.
- Tulle: Tulle is a sheer, net-like fabric often used in layers to create a voluminous skirt. It’s perfect for brides looking for a fairytale look with a bit of whimsy. Tulle can be combined with lace or satin to add texture and interest to the dress.
- Taffeta: A crisp, smooth fabric with a slight sheen, taffeta provides excellent structure and is perfect for creating dramatic, sculpted shapes. It’s often used in ball gowns and A-line dresses, for a formal, elegant character.
Find Your Perfect Plus-Size Wedding Gown at The Dressing Room
Above all, your wedding day is about celebrating love and feeling beautiful in your own skin. Embrace your body shape and focus on finding a dress that makes you feel confident and empowered.
When you do find your perfect plus-size wedding dress, it should be a joyful and empowering experience. At The Dressing Room, we’re here to support you in finding your dream dress.
Embrace this journey with excitement and confidence, knowing that your plus-size wedding gown will be as unforgettable as the love you’re celebrating. For expert guidance on your search, book a consultation with us today.
