Plus-Sized Dilemma!

thisgyrlismeg

Hey Ladies, I have a little problem and I was wondering if anyone else has been through this and/or could guide me in the right direction... I am a plus size bride. Currently a size 22 to be exact. Although I am working hard to burn as many pounds off as I can before W Day (October 9, 2010), I know that it would be wise to at least start browsing for a gown now. My dilemma is this, I recently went to a local dress shop and began looking around at the dresses, no one in the store offered to help me, in fact I caught them staring in my direction several times. Now I know this could just be my overactive imagination but I got the hell out of there as quick as I could. I realize that dress styles are limited for plus sizes (which irks me greatly, how can designers expect us women to find the "dream gown" when there are only 15 to choose from??) but can anyone tell me of a place where I can start looking without being made to feel like dirt? I'm a Jersey native so anything in the NYC or Philly areas would work too.Thanks so much in advance for the advice, I REALLY appreciate it!Best,Megan

wendysandiego

I actually don't think you should be looking for gowns now. I think it's way too early, even if you were a size 2 I'd say the same thing. Give yourself some time to exercise and feel better about dress shopping, then go. Besides, a lot of designers have new fall and winter lines, and if you find a dress now, you might miss out on seeing those new styles. Also, if you find a gown now, and lose a lot of weight, it might not be possible to alter it to fit the new you. I'd wait til October or November to go shopping.

Vikki2pay

I think its a smart thing to start at DB, because they have tons of larger sized dresses you can try on. That will at least give you a chance to find what dress styles you like. It makes it easier when you try to visualize that size 12 dress they try to get you in.

mbcdefg

Come and chat with us on the North Jersey board (#90). We can suggest salons for you. I bought my dress from Park Avenue Bridal in Verona and had a wonderful experience there. They had many plus-size gowns, so it was quite a relief not to have to squeeze into a size 6 sample all the time. I went to True Love Bridal in Matawan to try on just one dress, but it was a bigger sample and I liked how nice the ladies there were in the brief time I was there. I've also heard good things about Russell's Bridal in Linden. David's Bridal could also help (the Wayne and Paramus locations are supposed to be pretty good). I also went to Group USA to try on some things in my size as well (Jersey Gardens Mall location, although I'd recommend you go to a nicer area - I hate that mall, lol).

RRayman15906

First of all great wedding date, mine is the same. Second I know what you are going through, I am a size 16/18.  I did go to DB and it was not too bad, except some of the newer styles they did not get the plus size samples in yet so I had to squeeze into a 12/14.  The 1st lady I worked with wasnt all that helpful and just wanted me to purchase a dress, but the 2 time I went (different store location) the sales lady was mroe helpful. I would, like the PP's said, try Alfred Angelo as well.  And even though some say its a little early I am still looking at dresses so I have a list when I actually go to purchase my dress (I am a little OCDish with all my wedding details). Especially because you never know, you may find your dream dress then wait unitl Oct and find that it is discontinued or something.  Good Luck and Happy Hunting.

RRayman15906

Sorry forgot to add that my FI cousin just got married Oct 4, 2008 and she wore DB Style Style: 9V8835, and she couldn't have found a better fitting style, she is like a size 26/28.

luv417

Russell's in Linden, NJ has a lot of different sizes & they are really friendly www.russellsbridals.com

pinwheel

I feel your pain girlfriend!   I dreaded going dress shopping for the same reasons you do.  So after I found a few dress shops I wanted to try out, I called or emailed them before hand and explained that I was plus sized and I didn't want to waste their time coming to their shop if they didn't have anything for me to try on.  A few shops said that they really didn't carry samples in my size, and that was fine, it saved me time.  I also think you should go ahead and start looking now.  You obviously have a while before you have to order anything, but you will get a very good idea of styles that you feel comfortable in.  I'm also planning on losing weight before my wedding, but my bone structure and proportions won't change much, so I already ordered a dress I fell in love with.  I also recommend trying on dresses that lace up the back.  It is much easier to get a good idea of what the dress will look like, even if it isn't your exact size.For instance, I wear an 18 (in street clothes) and ordered a 22 in the dress in my signature.  The sample I tried on in the store was a 16 (or about a 12 street) and since it laced, I got a very good idea of what it would look like in the right size.Good luck in your dress shopping adventure and your weight loss goals!

thisgyrlismeg

Thank you so much for the advice Ladies! I never expected to receive so many responses but I truly appreciate it! I totally agree that I'm starting the dress hunt a bit early but I want to be sure that I have explored every feasible option before choosing the "dream gown". I will definitely be looking into the salons mentioned, thanks again!Best,Megan