Plus Size Beach Wedding Dress

What is a Plus Size Beach Wedding Dress?

Beach wedding dresses are generally a lighter weight, more casual garment than their more formal counterparts. They’re made of lighter fabrics and in many cases, the hemline doesn’t even touch the sand. If you think only slim women can wear some of the streamlined fashions, you couldn’t be more wrong. Bigger brides are just as stunning, with plenty of styles to choose from.

Choosing a Flattering Style

You’re choosing the most important dress you’ll ever wear. All eyes will be on you, so it’s important to look your best. Select a style that compliments your figure. Make sure your curves are flattered, not over-pronounced. The last thing you want to do is draw attention to your most problematic area.

Make sure the dress fits comfortably and doesn’t dig into your flesh. The material should be soft, not itchy. The plus size beach wedding dress should be made of a breathable fabric, so you don’t sweat in the heat. While every bride wants a long flowing gown, the fabric should not be so abundant the dress spends more time blowing around in the breeze than draping elegantly down your body.

A-lines are best for plus size beach wedding dresses, while full skirts should be avoided. Do try on a lot of styles to find the best dress for your body type. You’ll also want to work with a seamstress who will help you to get a fit that flatters.

Material

A plus size beach wedding dress is best made up of a lightweight, flowing material. The last thing you want to do is walk along the beach wearing a heavy, cumbersone dress. Choose a frock made from linen, silk, lace, gauze, rayon or cotton.

Simple plus size wedding dress with low back

Sarongs

You wouldn’t have considered marrying in a sarong a few years ago, but these large scarves are all the rage for beach weddings. Wear a one piece, for a strapless mini dress style, or use as a skirt with matching halter top. Many beach bridal shops carry plus size wedding sarongs. Search Online to find a plus size beach wedding dress that suits your own personal taste, links to a few of these shops are offered below.

Styles

There are many plus size beach wedding dresses available for the full figured bride to be. Bare shoulder styles are especially “in”. Choose a flattering style that won’t make your shoulders look too broad. Try a halter, strapless, spaghetti strap or off the shoulder model for a true “beach” look. Lacy sleeves will help to minimize larger arms as will a wrap.

Where to Buy

While it’s easy to find wedding dresses for larger women, hunting up a plus size beach wedding dress takes a bit more skill. There are plenty of styles available; the trick is to find the shops that sell them. David’s Bridal, Alfred D’Angelo and other designers catering to full figured women have plenty of styles, though not too many are available for beach weddings. Your best bet is to find a beach wedding shop. There are more around than you think! An Internet search will yield hundreds of shops and dozens of styles to choose from. Below are a few suggestions:

• Sydney’s Closet offers a large selection of plus size wedding wear. While most of them touch the ground, you’ll find several informal styles here as well.
• Caribbean Wraps sells wedding sarongs in all shapes and sizes.
• Destination Wedding Gowns offers an amazing assortment or affordable beach wedding dresses in a variety of styles and sizes.

Community

• Did you have a beach wedding? If so, what did you wear? Post your comments below.
• Take part in this week's discussion with our "Question of the Week."
• Have a question about wedding plans, etiquette or anything else relating to that special day? Perhaps you'd like to ask our expert, Sharon Naylor. Sharon is the author of 29 wedding books and is waiting to hear from you.