Plus Size Advice

sweetredhead · June 2010

Hello. I am starting the terrifying search for my wedding dress. To be honest I have had nightmares about this for months. You see, I am plus sized (24) with very VERY large breasts. I already know I will not be able to just walk into any dress shop and find a plethora of dresses in my size.

My question is: What styles do you guys thinks will look best on someone my size? I know very little about wedding dresses and styles. I keep reading pick align dresses and all that but it means very little to me. I need more specifics. I hope that with some advice on top styles and waists cuts I can go dress shopping with some great ideas that will make the search a fun experience rather than the disappointing fruitless hunt that I fear.

One idea that I am actually excited about is having a purple cardigan to wear with the dress (my wedding colors are purple and dark pink.) Just a small simple one to hide my humongous arms and to add a splash of color and fun. It's a traditional church wedding but with a casual cozy winter night theme.

alison_lew · June 2010

Hi -

A-line dresses look the most flattering on all body types and I think rouching (gathers) are another flatting feature to any dress. Here is an example:
http://www.bestbridalprices.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=62504

I would avoid an empire waist, as I find they are not flattering on most body types (myself included

) and especially if you are large chested.

Love the idea of incorporating your colors in your dress! Have you thought of possibly getting a bolero (little jacket) made in that color (similar fabric to your dress)?

You wil be a beatuiful bride no matter what - the day is about you!

Good Luck!

Dlhoney · June 2010

Hi, I know exactly what you are feeling even at a size 14 I had to do research and call ahead before I just walked into any store, to make sure they carried my size (many smaller boutique only carry sample sizes 6-10). I am not sure where you live but I was able to find a boutique that catered to plus size brides ( I live in MD) so you might want to see if your area has a boutique like that. Also David's Bridals has a large selection of plus size dresses in the store my best friend is a 22 and that is where she went to find her dress. Now as far has shape, I agree A line looks nice on everyone.

Lilou902 · June 2010

I agree w/ A line. And rouching, perhaps a symmertrical that does wonders for you shape. A lace up back also really helps to define your waist. I would get something straight across at the top for your girls! Try to enjoy your shopping experience. I started out my process as a 16, but am now a 10, and I too had some trouble finding dresses. Keep a positive outlook!

gottahavashorti · June 2010

Ditto the David's Bridal rec. Alfred Angelo also carries plus size samples in their stores. Most bridal shops only carry samples in one size which can be frustrating if you aren't within a couple sizes of that sample size in either direction.

As for shape of the dress, keep an open mind. Your dress cut will probably depend more on your shape/proportions than your size. Go to David's or Alfred Angelo and try on different styles. Even if you don't purchase there, you'll at least have in idea of what cuts complement your body when you go to other stores.

dizzinea · June 2010

davids has a whole plus size area and the gowns are great! I went there yesterday, and saw a big range of sizes, this dress is really pretty and could be flattering
http://www.davidsbridal.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplayView?storeId=10052&catalogId=10051&categoryId=3001530&currentIdx=4&subCategory=-49999486%257c3001449%257c3001530&catentryId=6144084&sort=

Sing2phins · June 2010

If there is to be dancing at your wedding, I'd stay away from strapless. I cannot stand to see brides constantly hiking up the tops of their dresses. Also, as a big-busted type myself, I would never wear strapless because I would be too conscious of my breasts all day, and who wants that?

cschuma2 · June 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_plus-size-advice?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:15Discussion:6f458333-7c10-4634-979a-c05736d4a1c5Post:c88e4a1e-e4bd-45be-8f85-b1b7920d3b48">Re: Plus Size Advice</a>:
[QUOTE]If there is to be dancing at your wedding, I'd stay away from strapless. I cannot stand to see brides constantly hiking up the tops of their dresses. Also, as a big-busted type myself, I would never wear strapless because I would be to conscious of my breasts all day, and who wants that?
Posted by Sing2phins[/QUOTE]

I was going to say this exactly. I chose a halter style dress for this reason and am thrilled that I did. Depending on where you go, if you fall in love with a strapless dress, they can sew straps on to the dress.

MiaAileen · June 2010

I would say stay away from strapless. I think they tend to make you look bigger on top due to the horizontal line that goes across a large part of your body (if you have large breasts). Not to mention you'll be pulling up your dress the entire day and night.

HEATHERM10 · June 2010

I am a plus size bride also i would agree rousching (sp) is a great thing as for kneckline I would say try different ones. I am lucky in that the one salon around here has plus size dresses also in BM and brideal dresses. To get an idea of the kneckline you can always try on a BM gown for the effect. My dress is a BM dress that I found that I loved and still do. I gives the illusion of a 2 pc and that way its not too fitted at my waist where I carry my weight at my waist lower belly area and my breasts. Everyone is differnt call ahead to the stores before you go so your not discouraged GL

msmoore80 · June 2010

Hi there! I'm also a plus size bride. The hunting for a dress can be a pain. I did a lot of calling ahead and traveling to try on dresses. I agree David's has a nice selection. I went with an Alfred Angelo though. I'm not very big chested...DD but I got a strapless dress. If you have it altered to fit your body I don't think it's supposed to move anywhere. From what I've tested with mine I haven't had a problem. The only way to know for sure what looks best on you is to go try on all the styles. I totally wasn't going for strapless in the begining but it turned out to be my favorite. It also came with straps if I decided to add them. Here's a picture of me in my dress.

amylo84 · June 2010

being a plus size bride myself I went with the one that flattered my figure the most. Corset type are good at giving an "hourglass" figure and since you can cinch it in at the waist. a-line is universally flattering since it balances out your top and bottom. rouching through the middle is good since it tends to hide problem areas. interior support is also good since it holds you in, flimsy dresses don't create a good shape. My dress is size 22 and strapless, but it fit so well, i don't come out of the top like I was afraid of. halter tops made my shoulders and arms look HUGE. best advice: you know you found "the one" when you don't wanna take it off
this is my dress:

chaplinaus · June 2010

Don't commit to a style is the best advice I ever received. I'm a size 20 which is a 22 in the wedding world and I never would have chosen my dress if I stayed true to the "plus size girls should wear this" motto. You know what you'll look good in. I kept hearing negative things about the people that worked at David's Bridal so I went in one day and walked around and chose the person that I wanted to work with. I noticed which women looked exhausted and just plain hated their job. Try on at least one type of every dress. There are some curvy girls out there that can pull off the mermaid look I SWEAR! I model plus size bridal gowns and I've seen it all. The mermaid doesn't look too good on me but some other styles looked amazing. (they just weren't the one)look good on me, but some girls can pull it off. As for strapless...my dress is, but it is so tight in the breast area that this dress is NOT going anywhere. Have it fitted perfectly to "your girls"

Have fun, show off the curves and just know that you're gonna look hot!!

brew311 · June 2010

I did not have a very positive experience at David's Bridal in the plus size section. They only had 4 dresses in a 20. The consultant was also plus size, but didn't really give me any advice on what would look best on my body.

I did end up w/ Alfred Angelo. I loved how there is no extra charge for plus size. Plus the consultant there gave me tips on what cut would look best on me. I agree w/ PP that you must try on ALL STYLES. Please please please don't feel limited b/c you are bigger. I've seen a size 26 in a mermaid style w/ rouching and it looked AMAZING!

I ended up w/ strapless A-line, which I was not looking for at first, but really flattered my frame. Good luck!!

[Deleted User] · June 2010

My advice is to try on everything! You don't know what you will like. But go with something you love! I bought a Maggie Sottero Victoriana and love it! The fitted corset top with the dropped waist gives me an hour glass figure. I am wearing it without extra crinolin to give it a more A-Line look, but it looks great as a ball gown as well! I am a 36 DD and the corset top is holding everything in nicely.

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