Finding the perfect wedding dress for a plus-size bride is no longer a daunting task, thanks to the inclusion of larger sizes by major global fashion houses specializing in bridal wear. Seeing plus-size models on the runway has become commonplace, offering a wide range of choices for every bride dreaming of a stylish look that follows the latest fashion trends while concealing body imperfections.
In the search for the ideal wedding dress, a bride might make several mistakes that prolong the process, exhaust her energy, and waste her time. Therefore, we’ve compiled some tips to make shopping for a wedding dress an enjoyable and successful experience, helping you make the right decision for your special day.
Golden Tips for Plus-Size Brides Before Buying a Wedding Dress
To ease your wedding dress shopping journey, follow these tips to avoid confusion when making your purchase decision:
- Be Open-Minded: Sometimes, the wedding dress styles we save on social media or our phones may not suit us in reality. Be bold and try different styles; you might find the perfect dress among those you initially dismissed.
- Choose Your Shopping Companion Wisely: It's essential that your shopping companion shares your vision and understands your needs in a wedding dress, regardless of their personal taste. Ideally, limit your shopping partners to one person to avoid conflicting opinions that could confuse you and lead to choosing an unsuitable dress that doesn’t provide comfort and confidence on your big day.
- Avoid Smaller Sizes: Brides might be tempted to choose a smaller size, thinking it will make them look slimmer, but this can backfire by highlighting body flaws. Remember that wedding dress sizes may differ from your everyday clothing sizes, so choose a design that offers comfort and freedom of movement.
- Identify Your Body Flaws First: To achieve the desired look on your wedding day, identify your body flaws to select the right dress style. For example, a bride with a pear-shaped body should opt for a ball gown to conceal fuller thighs, while a bride looking to slim her chest should choose a V-neck wedding dress.
Wedding Dress Trends for Summer 2024
Global fashion houses have presented various wedding dresses suitable for plus-size brides, featuring designs that flatter and conceal body flaws. Leading the list are dresses with additional skirts, such as a body-hugging dress with a square neckline and a sheer embroidered jacket extending into a rear skirt from Mireia Balaguer’s collection, recommended for brides wanting to hide fuller hips.
Wedding dresses with capes have appeared in multiple collections, making them a highlight for Summer 2024. We particularly loved a dress adorned with silver floral shapes from Isabel Sanchis’ collection, featuring a modest cut that doesn’t cling to the body and a short cape extending from the sleeves, perfect for concealing body flaws.
Common Fashion Mistakes Plus-Size Brides Make When Choosing a Wedding Dress
Here are some common mistakes that plus-size brides should avoid to ensure a flawless look on their wedding day:
- Avoid Trendy Transparent Fabrics: While transparent wedding dresses are in vogue this season, they might not suit you, especially if the skirt is transparent, as it will reveal fuller legs and highlight body flaws.
- Beware of Deceptive Store Mirrors: Some mirrors can make you appear larger and wider, preventing a clear view of the dress from all angles. Ask your shopping companion to take photos and videos from different angles to help you see your outfit from every perspective.
- Steer Clear of Flowing Fabrics: Lightweight, flowing fabrics can emphasize body flaws, so opt for structured materials like taffeta, lace, and Shantung silk.