Choosing bridesmaid dresses to flatter full figured bridesmaids?

KSlow

The majority of my bridesmaids have full figured body types and I'm feeling lost trying to pick a style. I have a petite body structure (small chest, not very curvy) and I am so used to picking styles that would normally create the illusion of curves and flatter my small stature. I want my bridesmaids to feel comfortable and beautiful. I would like to do short dresses since my wedding is outdoors in July. Any advice for styles (necklines, silhouettes, etc.) that flatter full figured girls or ways I can ask their opinions without making them uncomfortable about their size? Thanks!

QueerFemme

Your best bet is to pick a color and designer and length and let each person pick a dress that flatters their body. They don't all have to wear the same dress.

missdelilah

I agree with QueerFemme.  It's so much easier this way, and you actually get to make your ladies feel happy and beautiful.  Otherwise, pick whichever of these fuller figured girls is your closest friend and go with their opinion. You'll never get a group of women to agree on a dress.  

Also, you could just outright ask each lady what styles she prefers, or stalk their Facebook photos, etc. to see what they usually wear when they go out.  You're going to have to have the budget discussion with them anyway.

Good luck!

artbyallie

Not all full figures are created equal. Some women prefer empire waists while others feel they make them look pregnant, and so on. I had women of every size in my wedding and let them all choose whatever they liked in shades of blue. FWIW, they all ended up with ruching at the waist and some type of strap, from spaghetti to wide.

doeydo

I agree with PPs that full figured women come in a variety of sizes and shapes.  However, for myself, I prefer to at least have 2 inch wide straps so I can wear a good fitting, supportive bra with large straps.  Also, I hate dresses that are backless or have weird cutouts in the bra region because I need a good bra and I don't want it showing.  I hate clingy dresses; I prefer ones that are either empire or natural waists and kind of flow out from there.  I prefer it to be no shorter that a few inches above my knees.  Skater dresses and peplums are amazeballs. 

STARMOON44

"Hey good friend, I'm starting to look at bridesmaid dresses. What styles do you like?"

Or:

"I found a bunch I think are pretty, which ones do you like?"

Idk why you'd need to make any reference to them being bigger than you to have this convo.

emz101

Although I am not plus sized I have lots of friends who are and they swear by structured fabric which is more forgiving then flowy. As well a lot of them really like dresses that end just below the knee as that hides areas they might not be comfortable with. I agree wide straps are a good idea for a good bra.

RebeccaFlower

Matchy matchy bridesmaids dresses are 80s. Pick a color and let them find their own dress (not from a specific designer, such a waste of money). I did this and it was one of the best wedding decisions I made. 

jenijoyk

Just ask them "What kind of dress style do you guys like?" Definitely do not ask them "What kind of dress style do you guys like BECAUSE YOU KNOW YOU'RE BIGGER THAN ME?"

QueerFemme

Knottie9059457 said:

Ball gown styles are suitable for full figured women,you can choose the ball gown silhouette and sweetheart neckline for your BMS. A princess style dress is a good choice for your figure!

I completely disagree with this.  I am a plus size person. Ball gowns made me look like I was wearing a tent. 

missdelilah

And really, I'd avoid the BMs in ball gowns.  I haven't seen anyone do this since the early 90s.  Unless your wedding is incredibly formal, don't do this.  And honestly, you'll ladies will be happier if they're likely to wear the dress again.  When are they going to wear a ball gown again?  

peachy13

Agree with PP's, pick a color (and maybe a store/designer) and let your girls find their own dresses in your chosen color. That's what I'm doing, as every body type is different. My BMs have already thanked me for giving them the freedom to pick their own style. 

Also from a BM point-of-view, I *wish* I could have picked my own style for a wedding I'm in coming up. The gowns the bride asked us to buy are meant for a thin, tall woman. I'm short and curvy. I look ridiculous in it but the girls who are tall look great. I feel super uncomfortable in the dress (not to mention it was a small fortune) but hey, it's what the bride wanted.

kebebb

My MOH and BM pulled and tried on several dresses. Both are plus size. MOH preferred flowy material. BM preferred structure. Both like straps so they can wear a regular bra. They both ended up picking a structured, A-line, tea length dress that has wide straps. I vote let them pick what they feel comfortable in. The only thing I "required" for their dress was the color.

Ndelible

Two members of our party are plus sized.  They actually picked pants suits.  We went to Alfred Angelo because of the wide range of sizes. Another member isn't plus size, but she didn't like showing her upper arms, so she chose to get at least one of her arms covered.