Finding ‘The One’: Top Tips on Plus-Size Wedding Dress Shopping

If you’re trying to find your perfect plus-size wedding dress you’ll probably know that there are a lot of things to consider.

Not only do you need to find a dress that complements your figure but you’re also going to have to find a silhouette, fabric and style that you like.

So, where do you start and how do you make sure you find the perfect dress for you?
Be Careful of Sizes
It goes without saying that you’re going to have to do some thorough research before you even start trying dresses on and one of the things you’re going to have to watch out for is dress sizes. A standard collection size 24 may not be the same as a plus-size 24 and getting the right fit will be dependent on this.

Many companies are now offering specialist plus-size collections (this page will show you the type of things on offer) and these will have been designed with the fuller figure in mind, offering a flattering style and hidden corsets to provide you with additional support.
Know the Shapes and Styles
It’s not uncommon for a bride to have an exact dress style in mind to find that when they try it on they’re bitterly disappointed with how it looks. This is the case for many brides, regardless of their size, and you may be surprised as to what you love when you try dresses on.

For example, ladies with bigger busts may think that they’ll favor a dress that goes straight across their chest but could find that a sweetheart line actually complements them beautifully.

Be prepared to try on a variety of different styles so you can work out what does and doesn’t work for you. By doing this you’ll find the ultimate design that will flatter your body shape, making sure you look and feel beautiful.

Made-to-measure services may also be an option if you struggle to find standard dresses to suit your shape, i.e. if you’ve got a large bust and a small waist. Be prepared to compromise on what you initially had in mind as this may not be the best style for you.

You Shall Have the Best!
Just because you’ve got a fuller figure doesn’t mean you have to settle for second-best when it comes to your dress, and why should you? Bigger brides aren’t just going to be handed white tents and told that this is their only option as there are growing amounts of styles, designers and companies offering a wonderful mix of dresses for a variety of sizes.

Make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to find “the one” and trust us, when you find it, you’ll know! Be prepared to travel around to specialist shops or shop around online to find it and make sure you’re provided with exceptional service at all points. Choosing a dress is all part of the fairytale ending in a wedding, so don’t feel as though you have to make any sacrifices along the way, in either the dress or the service you receive.

Linda Chambers had a magical wedding day, all due to her diligent planning which took her 2 years! As a larger lady, Linda’s nightmare was wedding dress shopping; she talks about this and other wedding topics in her articles.