++Plus-Size FMIL - What Should She Wear???

ireallywantapug · January 2010

My FMIL is a very large woman and I've been getting concerned about how she will find a dress for our September wedding that she will feel good in.

I am plus-size myself *groan* and know there are lots of options out there - within reason. But my best etimate of her weight is probably about 350-375 lbs.

I know I am approx. a 20 and in all of the websites etc. I have browsed the largest size I have found offered in mother's dresses is 30 through Alfred Angelo. Based on my size and weight I unfortunately have a feeling that this will not be large enough. And I don't want to ask her to go to a bridal salon with me knowing there's a very good chance there will be nothing she can try on.

So I have no idea what to do at this point. I think she may need a custom dress.....but I certainly don't want to tell her this!

btw, I am not planning to TELL her what to wear....but just hoped to give her some ideas to help her out. But I honestly don't even know how I could without it being insulting. I'm just worried she won't find something and will end up feeling awful at the wedding. I've never seen her wear anything but T-shirts....

Any thoughts?????

[Deleted User] · January 2010

Where does she usually buy her clothes? She doesn't have to buy a "MOG dress". She can just buy a nice dress.

I found this site which helps with body shape, has MOB/MOG and seems to go up to size 34.

http://www.sydneyscloset.com/fit-flatter.htm

http://www.elegantplus.com/Plus-Size-Clothing/plus-size-mother-of-the-bride-dresses.htm

http://www.buyinamerica.com/

GL!

mbcdefg · January 2010

Your heart is in the right place. Only offer suggestions if she asks for them. Like you said, you don't want to risk offending her or making her upset (even when you're being kind and trying to help out).

Your FMIL doesn't have to get her dress through a salon or stick with a "Mother of the Groom" outfit. Any outfit that matches the formality of your wedding is absolutely fine! My own mother found her dress at Macy's one day, and it was on clearance to boot. Department stores would be a great place to look. If your FMIL is particularly loyal to any clothing stores, she should see if they have formalwear available. I was also in Dress Barn this afternoon and saw that they have some nice attire that would be great for a MOB/MOG (though I think their max size might not be what you're looking for).

Another option would be to find a designer that offers bridesmaids' dresses in her size, and order something age-appropriate through them (maybe with a coordinating jacket if she wants to dress a little more maturely).

And like you said, she could always buy some nice fabric and have something custom-made.

ireallywantapug · January 2010

Thank you for the suggestions (esp. the websites)

I'm certainly not set on her buying a traditional MOG dress from a salon.....but we are in Canada and I find there is a lack of variety for plus-size clothing period here.
She shops at a plus-size chain store called Penningtons (do they have this in the U.S.?). Anyway, they primarily stock casual and business-casual clothes. And when they do have dresses in they are either intended for 20-somethings or flowered monstrosities that can't possibly make anyone feel good!

I will discuss the websites and possibility of a custom dress with FI's sister I think. It's not a taboo subject in their family, as everyone is very aware of it and concerned about FMIL's health. I'm sure her daughter can approach her about what she would like to wear....but I think it's something that just should not be coming from me!

If anyone has any other websites, or if any Canadians notice this and know of some stores that I don't (between Hamilton and London, ON) please pass them along! Much appreciated

Jaytee501 · January 2010

Check some online places like OneStopPlus.com for special occasion & just make sure your FMIL can easily return if she, say, buys two & chooses between them, doesn't like the outfit, etc.

OneStopPlus's Policy:
Your Satisfaction is Guaranteed. If, for any reason, you're not satisfied with your purchase, simply return it within 90 days of receipt for an exchange, or refund of the purchase amount, less the shipping & handling charges. After 90 days, we'll be happy to send a merchandise credit to you for the purchase amount, less the shipping & handling charges.

Also with a nice selection & good return policy:

www.theeveningstore.com

Hope that helps!

PreppySailor · January 2010

I think you should check out Lane Bryant. They have some nice dresses that go up to size 32.
She is probably already worrying about this herself, as well. I would just ask her if she's thought about what she'd like to wear, or if she's been out looking.

ireallywantapug · January 2010

I REALLY wish we had Lane Bryant in Canada....but we don't

glam70s · January 2010

I'll keep an eye out and post anything I find here (I'm in the tri-cities area of Ontario), not far from Hamilton or London.. I feel your pain - my own mother is in a similar situation, although not quite as severe. My mom too loves Penningtons, but you're right, there's nothing there that's wedding appropriate.

You're very sweet for trying to help her out.

++Plus-Size FMIL - What Should She Wear???

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