Plus Size bride... and I'm dreading dress shopping

rdennis1211 · April 2011

Hi all,

I'm new here... I'm hoping to find some insight as to where to go dress shopping. I'm a true plus size-- 22/24 in jeans, 18/20 tops. I know David's Bridal stocks plus size bridal gowns to try on, but I know that, depending on the store, they are hit or miss.

Is there anyone out there familiar with any local shops that carry a decent selection of plus size dresses to try on? I'm located near Carol Stream, IL, but I'm willing to travel one hour or more to KNOW I can try on some dresses and not feel like a total loser looking for a dress=P

Thanks for the help ahead of time!

Love is Bald · April 2011

Dont fret -- there are lots of places to go! I hear that Here Comes the Bride in Addison has a lot of plus sized gowns and there is another place that just opened that is exclusively plus sized gowns.. I got their mailer in the mail but I cant for the life of me remember what the name of the place is! Let me think about it and ill come back...

Cony&Ben · April 2011

I am a plus size bride as well. Like PP, I've also heard that House of Brides has a lot of plus size dresses. Before I went dress shopping, I just called bridal shops in my area to make sure they had a decent selection of plus sizes in stock.

kellym050370 · April 2011

Definitely check Here Comes the Bride. Eva's in Orland also has a great selection of plus size gowns. I, personally, do not suggest House of Brides (at least not the Oak Lawn location). I called before I made my appointment and specifically asked if they carried a large selection of plus size dresses. They told me they did but when I got there I couldn't get into any of them. Good luck and have fun!

babywolf77 · April 2011

I too am a plus size bride, about the same size as you and had GREAT success at DB in Aurora. The consultant I had was also larger and pulled some fabulous dress for me that made me feel GREAT and she was very understanding when I talked about the things I was self conscious about!

I also went to the HOB in Aurora and had mixed feelings. Some dresses in my sizes but MANY in size 8 or 10 and hard to tell what they would be on me if they actually fit correctly?!

Best of luck to you in your search! I know for me, I think I was MOST worried about the dress search and thinking I would feel fat and ugly in these tiny dresses But I think if you look at the right dresses it was not at all what I was worried about!!!

Miracle520 · April 2011

One of the House of Brides stores in Glen Ellyn (spelling?) has an exclusively plus size store front. I went to the store in Schaumburg before that store ever opened because it was recommended that they had a big selection. It was a decent experience and I found some pretty dresses that I felt flattered my body well.

I would have purchased through HOB if I went with a wedding gown. Instead I fell in love with an evening gown online. I opted to get my butt into work out mode and ordered a dress 2 dress sizes smaller than my street size previously.

Good luck with your search!

makingyoureventspecial · April 2011

I have just relocated from Virginia to Indiana so I'm not really any help to specific locations other than the east coast but I just wanted to give some encouragement. I too was a plus size bride but 7 years ago and I must say there are so many more options out there for plus size brides than when I got married. I got my dress from David's and loved it (going to get it shortened and reuse it for our 10 year anniversary) but I always like to throw out the custom design gown option because I have spoken to tons of brides and many talk about getting dresses custom designed and they all turned out beautifully because it was like that they wanted them. There is a great designer here in Indianapolis, C.C. Elaine. I did an article on her designs. Here is the link for you, http://prettypearbride.com/2011/03/14/designer-monday-c-c-elaine/

Good Luck,

KATERS882 · April 2011

I bought my dress and veil at House of Brides Schaumburg. My consultant was Linda C. There is more than Linda there. Linda was great to work with. I wasn't looking forward to looking for a dress either but she made it fun. They had a separate Plus Size dress area but you could order one of the other dresses in the regular size area for an additional price if you found one that you liked. I liked the ones in the Plus Size Department the best.

Scarlet Starlet 31 · April 2011

I went to Here Comes the Bride in Addison. I wasn't all that thrilled with it, I didn't think they had a good assortment in plus sizes. I think I found all of 4 plus size dresses when I was there. I was expecting more.

I went to Schaumburg HOB a few years back and found that the consultants were really great about pairing you in a dress that looks good on, but they don't let you browse the racks-they bring you what they want to.

I personally prefer Davids Bridal for plus-size shopping. They have the most dresses in stock that you can try on of any store in the area.

If you're up for a drive, the David's Bridal in Rockford is pretty good, but don't go on a Saturday or you'll get very limited attention from your consultant.

lexakelley · April 2011

Hello New Bride!!

I am a plus-size bride as well and I purchased my dress from David's in Schaumburg. Michael the Bridal Consultant there was soooo amazing and I found the most beautiful dress. I spend a total of $750 on my dress and it is definitely a great blessing.

Don't fret like the PP have stated, you will find the perfect dress and you will be an amazing bride!

Many Well wishes to you on your big day!!

MINDMNMO · April 2011

Like pp, David's Bridal does have a good selection but yes, go to them on a week night if at all possible.

I too was a plus size bride and found mine at Catherine's in McHenry, IL. It was a little bit of a drive but I really wanted a Maggie Sottero and found one there.

Another option is to look at designers online first that offer plus sizes--for example, Private Label by G has a Signature Plus line, Bonny has an Unforgettable line and Mori Lee has women's sizes. Then look at where those designer dress's are carried and go there.

I completely understand the dread because it can be disappointing. I did find however, that I was able to try on some dresses that were a couple of dress sizes smaller just to see what they look like on. Granted, I couldn't get them completely zipped/buttoned up in the back but it opened up the choices I had.

rdennis1211 · April 2011

Thanks SO MUCH for all the great responses and advice. I've made a list of all these stores, and I'll probably hit most of them up=)

Thanks again!

athenagww · April 2011

I too am a plus sized bride and let me tell you that I was sooo happy at David's Bridal (Norridge) I am a size 22 and my dress is fabulous!!!! I agree that you should try to go on a week night. I went on a Friday night (no appt) and tried on 7 dresses (my family is out of town) I worked with Alexandria and she was absolutely wonderful. I went back with my family 2 weeks later and to look again and they pulled more dresses. Happy Dress Shopping!!!!

akakoli81 · April 2011

Hey just wanted to share my experience (plus size too)...I had great luck too at Davids Bridal in Schaumburg (michael rung me up...super nice) Amy was my salesperson..she was awesome..she really listened to the styles I found online and liked...AND Amy made me feel comfortable because I was so worried about being bigger. Every dress I wanted they had in a size I could try on ..it was awesome...David's lets you browse in the racks..and they point u to the plus size section

Best part I found my dress there and only had to go to one store. I hate having to go to a bunch of stores and not finding what I want lol.

let us know how it goes

Plus Size bride... and I'm dreading dress shopping

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