Going Dress Shopping

FutureMcGuffee

I'm a teensy bit overweight and slightly uncomfortable with it... But I need to start dress shopping because I have no idea what will look good on me and I have the *hardest* time making decisions. However, that being said... How do you beautiful ladies keep your chin up when you're trying on dress after dress highlighting all the areas you want shadowed? I'm told that if I fall in love with it while I'm in the process of losing weight, when I get to my goal I'm going to love it even more... But my fear is all those mirrors! 

Basically, what's your go-to stay-happy when you're out there trying dresses on?

cwaggoner07

I know from girls on our local boards that in the DFW area there are some boutiques that are more 'plus-sized friendly' than others. Maybe ask the girls on your local boards for some suggestions?

fallbride1109

I would have a talk with your consultant when you get there.  Tell her the areas you are uncomfortable with, tell her how you see yourself on your wedding day, how you want to feel.  Be specific and be firm if she chooses something that isn't what you are looking for.  It's really a trial and error process for all of us, regardless of size. 

But at the same time, be open to her suggestions.  Don't rule anything out--to this day I am kicking myself for refusing to try on anything with lace.  Relax and have fun.  Not every dress will look great, but again, that was true for any of us.  Eventually you will find it.  And when you get discouraged, just remember that the reason you are shopping for a dress in the first place is because you are getting married to someone who loves you EXACTLY the way you are.

divinemsbee

As someone who is on the cusp of Plus Sized, depending on the dress, I will say that I had an absolute blast trying on dresses and I didn't expect to at all.

Realize that these consultants have seen everything under the sun. Also, you will be in your Spanx and strapless bra in front of them, so just relax about that. You might (I don't know your size) have to try things on that are pinned but open in the back. Happens all the time, do not stress about it. Also, wedding dresses tend to run smaller than street clothes, so don't flinch when, say, a sample size 12 doesn't fit you if you're a street size 12, or a 10 or an 8. It's just a number. I know it's hard, but I highly recommend making as much peace as you can with the size of your own butt before you go; stressing over the size you want to be is only going to add more stress to the buying the most expensive things I'll ever wear stress. 

I really thought I was going to be stuck buying a dress I didn't love just because it was flattering, but nothing could be further from the truth. While I didn't buy a gown from them, I highly recommend Alfred Angelo in terms of having lots of styles in lots of sizes to get an idea of what you like. Really talk and listen to your consultants wherever you go. When you make an appointment tell them your dress size right now, just to let them know what they'll need to pull. Pick something that looks good without losing a pound, and if you do, it'll look even better. Also, things like fit and flares or mermaids aren't going to look like you want them to, if you're uncomfortable with your belly or hips, but know that going in. I knew that I didn't even want to try them on, I ended up trying on roughly 2, and knew that I'd made the right call.  

Good luck!