Plus Size Wedding Dress

Finding the Right Wedding Dress for Your Plus Size Figure

By Anna Lynn Sibal

Getting your hands on the perfect wedding dress can be a pain if you are a plus-sized woman. Not only would the dresses usually available at wedding boutiques be too small for you, but the attendants would not be too happy attending you because they seem to know that nothing in their store fits you. That is definitely a hassle that you would not want to have to go through on top of the stress that you need to face in preparing for your wedding.

But do not despair; there is certainly the perfect plus-size wedding dress out there for you. It would be easier for you to find them if you know what you should be looking for.

The Size and Shape of Your Wedding Dress

The first step to getting the right bridal dress that would fit your plus-size figure and make you look lovely on your wedding day is knowing your size options and the dress cuts that would flatter your shape. No matter how voluptuous you are, there will always be the perfect wedding dress for you.

You should be aware that the way dresses are sized at wedding boutiques is a lot different from the way ordinary clothes are sized. Thus, a size ten wedding gown would actually be equivalent to a size six casual dress or sportswear. So, if you think you are, say, a size 12, add a few numbers to it and you will sure to get the dress that is just the right size for you.

Another thing that you should be aware of in choosing the right plus-size wedding dress is which dress styles or cuts would fit the shape of your body well. Some dress styles flatter the plus-size body perfectly, making it look longer and slimmer and hiding away the curves that you do not want others to see.

A-line dresses are perfect for plus-size women with pear-shaped figures. They draw the eyes towards the upper part of the woman's body and at the same time de-emphasize her heavy lower half. The princess-cut dress is another style that is great for the curvy woman. Because of the princess-cut dress' A-line silhouette that is seamless and without any dividing lines at the waist, it can create the illusion of length and slimness. For best results, the skirt should flare just below the waistline.

Fabrics and Necklines

It is not just the size and shape of the dress that you should think about when picking out your plus-sized wedding gown. You should also consider the fabric of the dress and the cut of its neckline.

The bridal gown that you should choose is something that is heavy and stiff enough so that it will not cling to your body and reveal the curves that you prefer hidden rather than seen. The best fabrics for this purpose are silk shantung, taffeta and duchess satin. Never ever should you pick a dress that is made from crepe, chiffon or any similar fabric - they are clingy and they will reveal the true shape of your body.

The neckline and the sleeves of your gown may be things that you would need to look at as well. If you are busty and uncomfortable wearing a low-cut dress, you can have some tulle or netting or any sheer fabric to give you some covering for your chest. The same goes with sleeves if you are not okay with displaying your upper arms. Also, you can opt for dresses with cap sleeves.

Whatever dress that you choose for yourself for your wedding day, it should be something that you will be comfortable wearing. If you are comfortable with your dress, you would feel good in it and you would look beautiful in it.