Wedding dress shopping should be one of the most fun aspects of planning your wedding. An opportunity to feel as beautiful on the outside as you are on the inside, this special occasion is meant to be enjoyed and cherished. Body shapes are created by your weight distribution and because of this, everybody's form is different.
But, if you are wondering what size is plus-size in bridal, we have your answer. If you normally wear a size 14 or higher, you're considered a plus-size bride. It's also important to remember that bridal dresses run two sizes smaller than you normally wear. Alexandra's Boutique carries sample sizes 18-28 and has about 300 plus-size sample dresses in-store, so you'll have no problem finding your special dress to try on at our boutique.
Begin your journey by taking a deep breath and committing to stop worrying! We are positive that you will find a dress you love by the end of your search and we are ready to do everything we can to help make this happen seamlessly. Tune into your fearlessness and poise because you can rock anything if you're confident.
Tips For Your Visit
Our bridal experts suggest keeping the following things in mind when you begin your search for your plus-size wedding dress:
- The most crucial thing to arrive at your appointment with is knowledge about what looks good on your own body. This will allow you to be confident in your decisions and a bit guided in your search for a plus-size dress for your wedding.
- It is also extremely important to choose a store that has plus-size wedding dress styles on hand so that you can go to the store and try on the dress in person. Do your research before you venture out–our shop is the perfect place as Alexandra's Boutique offers a wide selection of curvy wedding dresses. Once you're there, consider trying dresses that may make you uncomfortable—get out of your comfort zone!
- If you're able to try on the dress in person, you can experience a truer look. But remember that almost all wedding dresses don't fit flawlessly in the bridal shop as they are meant to be tailored later on to achieve the perfect fit. Allow four to five months for bridal alterations.
- Be sure to bring the undergarments that you plan to wear on your wedding day to each fitting. This will help you more truly see how you will look at the event.
- Trust our bridal consultants—inquire about their best-sellers, utilize their suggestions and advice, and be open to trying on new styles. This being said, remember that you will be the one wearing the gown on your wedding day so stay true to yourself as well.
- Get style advice from family and friends you trust, as many brides are oftentimes blinded by the lace, glitter, and embroidery designs making it so they personally aren’t able to see what looks best on their bodies.
Know What Looks Best on Your Body Type
When considering what kind of wedding dress looks best on plus-size brides, remember that you are looking to suit the figure and the person inside. Some aspects of plus size wedding dress styles work on everyone, such as the idea of a plunging or illusion neckline to pull attention to the asset of your chest. Experimenting with lace, tulle, and intricate textures and designs allows you to truly find what looks best on you. You should be as comfortable and confident as ever on your big day, so don't be shy—ask for sleeves to be added if you’re unenthusiastic about showing your full arm, for example. Make it personal: you don’t have to wear a traditional wedding dress that is all white.
It's All About The Body Shape
You want to be comfortable on your wedding day. In order to do this, it is imperative that you know what looks good on you. This is different for everyone so be sure to do research on what looks most flattering on your body specifically prior to your appointment. You can consider trends, but don't only pay attention to the current popular styles because while these may look good on other people, these may not look best on your shape.
Apple:
This shape consists of a big bust, typically a bigger waist and tummy and narrower hips. While the weight is most concentrated in the bust, tummy, and arms areas, extra tissue and skin can gather in the back as well so it’s important for this body shape to choose something that compliments the back. When shopping, look for thick waistbands right at the waist area. This creates a narrowing effect. Add lots of visual interest to the top bust area and use a deep V-neckline as these vertical lines help to elongate the bodice, as opposed to chopping it off by wearing a sweetheart neckline or strapless dress.
Implement texture in this top area and consider keeping the side seams open to further slim by leading the eye to the middle. Pleats over the tummy area can be useful in addition to utilizing vertical lines for soft-flowing elongation of the mid section. Remember that you're always able to add sleeves as a pretty detail that also serves to cover your arms. Both off the shoulder sleeves or the cap sleeve look are a lovely choice when looking to add romance and create the illusion of slimmer arms.
Stella York has a gorgeous selection of plus-size wedding dresses that look stunning on women of this shape. Check out our top pick.
Pear:
This body type has a more narrow bust and waist, and wider hips. This is one of the most common body types of women today. Seek out dresses that have an abundance of detail on the bodice as this serves as a way to lead the eye upwards. A neckline that flows out towards the shoulder also helps to open up the upper chest area and creates a balance between the shoulders and the waist. The strapless style works quite well with this shape. Also, consider using a belt around the lower waistline to help create the illusion that your hips are slimmer.
We suggest flipping through the Maggie Sottero look book on our site as they do pear shape dresses particularly well. Don't miss our top pick.
Hourglass:
This shape features a wider bust, a narrower waist, and wider hips. This is also a very common female shape. Try using two different tones when comparing the bust and the hips so that a line is created at the waist. This draws attention here as it compliments the narrow waist. Halter necklines are particularly flattering on this body shape, which is unique. Flatter your midsection by keeping the bodice quite high. Pleated gathers in the waist, which pull in vertical lines, are able to elongate the figure even more. Make sure to alter your dress to fit snugly around the bust to show off your beautiful curves. Score: pockets are flattering on the hourglass shape!
We suggest browsing the gorgeous gowns designed by Essense of Australia. Here's our favorite.
Triangle:
Triangle bodies have broader shoulders and busts, paired with narrow waists and hips. Try using tulle off-the-shoulder sleeves to soften the broadness of the shoulders and create the effect that the arms are smaller. Opt for cups that outline the bust area to create a more feminine look. Overlapping fabric helps to create lines that work to your advantage as well. For example, diagonal lines used in combination with a horizontal waistband create the illusion that the waistline is going in. Add gathers of material below the waistline to create more of a fuller hip look.
Julietta by Morilee does flattering dresses for the hourglass shape like a queen. Also, look into our top choice for this year.
Rectangle:
This frame isn’t overly defined going from the bust to the hips to the waist, so we aim to create more curves in the appearance of this body shape. You can do this by using diagonal lines, a softer neckline, and a fitted silhouette. Once you put something fitted on this body, it will accentuate even the slightest of curves which is what we want. Mermaid style dresses that are fitted until the thigh area are perfect because the top portion accentuates your femininity and the bottom of the dress adds to a sense of curvyness as it flows.
To style this body type, visit Maggie Sottero's wedding dress styles. We love this one in particular.
No matter your body type, one thing is overwhelmingly true: your shape shouldn't be what’s holding you back. Remember that most gowns have amazing structure and a corset built inside for necessary support. Once you find your perfect dress, pair it with sexy accessories and some cute shoes.
Visit Alexandra's Boutique
Don’t be afraid to show some skin and be confident—it's your big day! Have fun with it by experimenting with your gown and thinking about your second dress options too. Maybe rock that shorter number to show off your legs and your shoes. At Alexandra's Boutique, we are ready to help you find your ideal plus-size wedding dress. Schedule an appointment with our team of specialists today.