Plus Size Wedding Dresses
When shopping for a plus size wedding dress, don't skimp on style. Today's designers know what women want--beautiful details and a dress that flatters the figure. Get these elements and more from your bridal gown.
Where to Find Plus Size Wedding Dresses
You've got the ring, now it's time to find the dress that will take his breath away. Luckily, the fashion world is hip to the fact that women above a size 14 want to look beautiful too. There are several places you can go to begin your wedding dress search.
Visiting the Bridal Shop
Before beginning the search for your plus size wedding dress call the local bridal boutique. Ask the boutique if they carry plus sized gowns. Many boutiques can order plus size gowns, but few carry samples in stock for women to try on. Finding a boutique that does offer larger sample sizes will make your shopping experience more pleasant than if you only shop at places that carry small samples that you need to be clipped into or held up.
After finding some area wedding shops and salons with plus size gowns, make an appointment to view available dresses and work with a wedding gown consultant to narrow down your favorites. At your appointment share with the consultant what features you want to accentuate and which ones you want to downplay. This will help her find the gown that flatters your figure and may alleviate some of those wedding day jitters. Some bridal boutiques allow you to make a deposit to hold a specific dress for a certain amount of time before paying it off. Boutiques usually charge for alterations but they are necessary for a well fitting dress. Be prepared to go for additional fittings closer to your actual wedding date.
Online Bridal Shops
Believe it or not, the Internet is an excellent source of plus size wedding dresses. You'll have to do a little more work on your end like sending measurements or having measurements taken. Online sites go by the size and measurements you send them. Some stores offer brides a few alterations but for best results, find a local seamstress to make the changes for you. Many bridal stores have collections for plus sizes, or carry gowns in larger sizes. Visit one of these wedding stores to find your dream gown:
- Romantic Gowns: This site has a plethora of gowns for every occasion. Peruse their plus size gown offerings, Romantic Gown's Full and Fabulous Collection. Find a gown with short sleeves, no sleeves or long lacy sleeves. Romantic Gowns has dresses with pick ups, long trains and in different lengths.
- David's Bridal: Classic gown purveyor David's Bridal has a stellar wedding dress line up. In David's Bridal plus size section, find chiffon, satin and even silk gowns with a variety of bodices. At David's Bridal you get free shipping on wedding gowns!
- Alfred Angelo: Alfred Angelo's Plus Size gowns are stunning and dramatic. There is nothing boring about these dresses. This designer offers gowns from size 0 to size 30W.
Specialty Stores
If you want a store that caters specifically to the larger lady, consider these online specialty bridal retailers:
- Plus Size Bridal: For over 40 years Plus Size Bridal has been a fashion leader for plus sized brides online. This company features popular brands like "Alexia" and "Eden." PS Bridal advertises a 3 to 5 turn around time for dress delivery making them a good choice for impromptu ordering.
- Sydney's Closet: The motto of this company is "We Size Up Glamour." Sydney's carries bridal gowns, bridesmaids dresses, even evening gowns for women size 14 and up. They also have a line of shapewear to help women to shape and control their figures.
Conceal Common Concerns
Many women feel like they have a "little more" than they should in some areas. Plus-sized women are no exception. On her wedding day, the plus-sized bride may want to minimize some of these "problem" areas.
- Large breasts: Large breasts can cause fitting problems for women who want to wear a sleek gown on their wedding day. If you have large breasts, skip the strapless gown and opt for a halter dress. Halter bridal gowns boost the bosom by lifting the breasts up and out.
- Wide hips: If wide hips are a concern, stay away from low-waisted bridal gowns. Flapper style gowns are not for you! Choose a high-waisted empire dress or Renaissance style dress that allows the fabric folds of the hip to fall from the waist.
- Thick waist: With a wide waist or straight figure, you'll need to emphasis the bust area. Take the attention off your wide waistline by having a dramatic bosom style like a fold over or some elegant criss-cross draping. Avoid silhouette gowns that play up your least favorite feature.
Find Your Dream Dress
Every bride should look her very best on her wedding day. The full figured woman is no exception. Don't settle for any dress just because it comes in your size. Take your time. Browse the shops online and in the real world for a dress you will be proud to wear. As you journey down the aisle, all eyes will be on you in your amazing dress.
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