The phrase “curvy bride” allows you to envision a radiant bride, perfectly shaped in her dress. Plus size wedding gowns are designed to flatter in all the right places and fit properly with great support and every feature plus size brides want. Brides of every body type want a perfect dress that makes her feel confident and beautiful! Yet when shopping for the dress, full-figured brides find that not all bridal shops are size-inclusive.
It is important to understand bridal sizes run 1-2 sizes smaller than regular sizing. There are brides who are very surprised to find their size falls into plus size wedding dresses, and that is why. Bridal runs very small. Curvy brides can be discouraged if the bridal salon they visit does not have enough (or any) bridal gowns in plus sizes to try. Call ahead or check their website before visiting!
Wedding Dress Sizing and Curvy Brides
Let’s say your normal size, or “street size” as some call it, is a 14. You come in and try on a wedding dress in a size 14 and it’s not even close to zipping. This is a very real situation and has nothing to do with you not being a size 14. You try a 16 and still no… but you have never been an 18 in anything – what is happening?!
Nothing. That is simply the way bridal sizing runs. Designers size range charts are easily available to look at online and they clearly do not represent accurate sizing consistent with the times. Since that doesn’t seem to be changing anytime soon, it’s something to know and more importantly, not care about. So if your street size is a 14 or above, you will most likely want to look at plus size dresses.
Features Of Your Dream Dress
Once you determine your approximate size you want to make sure the Bridal store has plenty of choice for you to try in your size and larger. It is much easier for a bride to try on dresses that need to be clipped down, rather than trying on dresses that will not close. You cannot simply imagine what a specific gown will look like in your size when you can’t even get it to close. Although it is rare to try on a sample and find it is a perfect fit, however, it is not impossible!
Features include different silhouettes, necklines, and fabrics.
The bridal shop should have a good selection of wedding dresses cut for the curvy bride from different bridal designers within your budget at price points. You will want to see a variety of styles, such as mermaid gowns, ball gowns, sheath and column, and a-line silhouettes. Once you determine that they do, make sure you have photos of the features that are important to you. On trend details like long sleeve wedding dresses, or dresses with long sleeves that detach, bows and wraps, and other accessories should be available for you to try.
Trying on a variety will help you understand your personal style, begin narrowing down to your perfect choice, and hopefully lead to your total princess moment with a Yes!
What Wedding Dress Style Is Best For A Curvy Bride?
Brides of all shapes and sizes can wear any style! Designers have really stepped it up in this area, providing dresses from clean girl minimalist to basque waist ballgowns! Timeless silhouettes made from high-quality fabric ensures the structure of your gown delivers a perfect fit.
As a plus size bride you may feel anxious about shopping for your dress. You shouldn’t! When you do your online research of bridal dresses you will find there are timeless classic styles with beautiful details for the traditional bride, whimsy flowy wedding dresses, boho dresses for the country bride, as well as simple wedding dresses for the more minimalist bride — in a broad size sample range.
Trying on a variety will help you understand your personal style, begin narrowing down to your perfect choice, and hopefully lead to your total princess moment with a Yes!
FAQ
Can a curvy bride wear a delicate spaghetti strap?
Absolutely. The weight of a wedding gown is held by the bodice, not by the straps. You can definitely wear delicate straps.
Why is my size different in dresses?
You may find yourself in different sizes, depending on the silhouette and the designer. For instance, say you are a size 20 in the waist, but a 26 in the hip. If you try on an A-line, you may be a size 20 because there is volume in the skirt. However, if you try on a mermaid you must fit your hips so you would be a size 26. Different designers have different size charts as well, do not worry about the size.
Does it cost more to buy a plus sized dress?
Sometimes. Some bridal designers charge extra for plus size gowns. Darianna® Bridal & Tuxedo does NOT charge extra for plus size dresses, and you should ask the stores you visit their policy with up-charging regarding size,
What if I am larger than the largest size on a size chart?
A bridal boutique may have designers who offer custom size dresses. For a custom size there may be a fee, however, the dress will be made for your measurements.
More Information
All beautiful brides deserve a dream wedding dress for their wedding day. Do not worry about a number on a tag. Again, try on different types of gowns to see what you like, what looks best, and what makes you feel like a beautiful curvy bride. If the store has an experienced seamstress, let her pin the gowns to show exactly how they can fit your body. You will know your dress when you try it on and saying Yes to the dress is a core memory. We’d love to help guide you to the perfect wedding dress for your big day!
About Us
Darianna® Bridal & Tuxedo is owned by Franco and Wendy Salerno. We founded the store in January, 2013 with a mission of running an honest, kind, and family-oriented bridal and tuxedo business. The name is a combination of our two daughters, Daria and Deanna. Today, our business is a Bucks County staple and the go-to place for wedding attire. Our long-time employees are kind, genuine, and truly part of the family. The lasting relationships we have made with customers, vendors, and designers are something we are truly grateful for.
Our store received national recognition in July, 2025 on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. In 2024, Darianna® Bridal & Tuxedo was named a Top 100 Small Business in America by the US Chamber of Commerce. We have been featured by Apple.com, ABC National News, TLC’s “Say Yes: Wedding SOS”, the Wall Street Journal, Square, and Axios. We are approaching 1,000 Google reviews with a 4.9 rating, and listed in the Knot’s “Hall of Fame”.
Locally, we are active members of the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce, the Montco Gateway Chamber of Commerce (formerly the Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce), and the Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce serving on committees and as board members. Franco was Treasurer, Executive Committee member and a Board member of the Lower Bucks Chamber of Commerce and their 2024 Mitchell-Conner award winner. He was also a board member of the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce for many years. Wendy is a former Chair of the Women In Business, awarded Entrepreneur of the Year in 2023, and named a 2025 Bucks County Parent Woman of Influence. Our daughter Daria is a former wish granter for the Make-A-Wish® foundation. We proudly partner with St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Angel Gowns, Wish Upon A Wedding, and donate to local schools and community band, choir, and theater programs.