The phrase “curvy bride” allows you to envision a beautiful bride, perfectly shaped in her dress. Plus size wedding gowns are designed to flatter and fit properly with support and every feature a plus sized bride may want. Not all bridal shops are size-inclusive, so it is important to understand not only the sizing of bridal gowns, but that the bridal salon you go to has enough choice for you to try on when you go wedding dress shopping.
There are also brides who are very surprised to find their size falls into plus size wedding dresses. This is due to wedding dresses running 1-2 sizes smaller than regular sizing. Let’s talk about this.
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!
The bridal shop should have a good selection of wedding dresses cut for the curvy bride from different bridal designers within your budget and price point. You will want to see a variety of styles, such as mermaid gowns, ball gowns, 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!
Dress Styles For The Curvy Bride
If you are 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 and boho dresses for the country bride, as well as simple wedding dresses for the more minimalist bride — in a broad size sample range. Bridal stores also have stylists with knowledge of designers who offer custom size dresses, along with experienced seamstress recommendations who can make your dress into an ideal fit for your body!
Have questions about shopping for a curvy bride wedding dress? Drop us a line or text us at 215-491-8500. We can help guide you to your most perfect wedding dress for your most perfect wedding day!