Finding the perfect wedding dress can be overwhelming for any bride, but for the plus-size shopper, it can be extra challenging. From limited sizes in dress shops to judgmental assistants, there are plenty of horror stories that can make a joyful experience upsetting.
Fortunately, as the body-positive movement continues to grow, there are more and more plus-size wedding dresses available鈥攁nd more bridal boutiques and designers that understand the importance of finding the perfect dress for every size and shape. Check out our top tips for finding the right gown for your big day!
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Make an appointment when trying on wedding dresses
Instead of just dropping into a shop to try on dresses, call ahead and make an appointment. Since many shops may stock just a few sizes for sample dresses, it鈥檚 important to let them know your size and when you will be arriving to give the shop a chance to have plenty of dresses on hand in sizes closer to your own.
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When looking at wedding dresses – Ignore the numbers
Designer brands tend to use 鈥渃outure鈥 sizing, which means your normal dress size will probably be much smaller in a wedding gown. Don鈥檛 stress鈥攖his is totally normal. Just be prepared to see a larger number on the gowns you try on. Or, if you can, don鈥檛 look at the size at all and pay attention to how the dress fits and how you feel in it. After all, if you find a gown you absolutely adore, then who cares what size it is?
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Be open-minded
You may have a specific style of dress in mind, but be open to trying on gowns outside of your comfort zone. If your bridal stylist recommends a style or fit that may not be the one you had in mind, don鈥檛 be afraid to give it a try. She鈥檚 the expert, and it鈥檚 her job to make you look and feel amazing, so trust her advice. The worst-case scenario is just that you don鈥檛 like it, so it can鈥檛 hurt to try something different.
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Don鈥檛 wait until the last minute
Even if you are planning on losing weight before your wedding day, you should still start looking for your dress as early as possible. Many dresses have to be special ordered and then tailored when they arrive, a process that can take several months, so the sooner you can order your dress, the better.
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Remember that details can be added
Maybe you鈥檝e fallen in love with a dress, but it鈥檚 more low-cut than you would like. Or maybe it鈥檚 sleeveless, and you would prefer to have a sleeve. Fortunately, your dress can be altered to meet your specific needs and desires, whether that鈥檚 adding a cap sleeve, adjusting the fit, or providing more built-in support. If your ideal dress just needs a few detail changes, talk to the shop about alterations and customization options.
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Prioritize comfort in your wedding dress
You will likely be wearing this dress all day, so don鈥檛 opt for a gown that鈥檚 uncomfortable, no matter how beautiful it may be. It鈥檚 important to get the fit right and to choose a dress that feels good as well as looks stunning. You want to be able to dance the night away at the reception, right?
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Give chain stores a chance
Even if you don鈥檛 find your dream dress at a chain store, it鈥檚 a good place to start looking. Chain stores tend to have more size options than boutiques and are a great place to get a better understanding of fabrics and styles so you have a better grasp of what you want in a wedding dress.
Shopping for plus-sized dresses doesn鈥檛 have to be frustrating. Take time to figure out what you want and say 鈥淟ater!鈥 to any salesperson who makes you feel bad about your size. Every bride deserves to feel gorgeous on her wedding day and wear the dress of her dreams!
Check out some of our favorite wedding venues in New York, New Jersey and the Hudson Valley below:
