The perfect wedding dress should wrap around your body comfortably and accentuate your curves. Even before you schedule your fittings and adjustments, choose a gown that highlights all the parts of your body that you love, from your shoulders and bust to your waist and legs. Find the perfect wedding gown to wear on your special day by learning how to accentuate your curves in a plus-size wedding dress and choose the right accessories to complete the look.
Highlight Your Best Features
Your wedding dress should fit your personal style and be comfortable. Choose a style that suits your body and makes you feel gorgeous by drawing attention where you want it.
Accentuate Your Waistline
To show off the curve of your waist, look for dresses that include structural details such as cinched sashes, belts, or corset-style bodices. These elements define and emphasize your midsection with style. Fabrics such as satin and crepe work well around your waistline as they mold to your shape and give a polished look.
Draw Attention to Your Neckline
A gorgeous neckline can bring focus to your shoulders and chest. Popular choices include V-necklines or scoop necklines, which elongate the torso and help balance your body proportions. If you prefer a more covered look, illusion necklines with lace overlays provide an elegant way to play with texture while keeping the design modest and refined.
Choose Styles That Complement Your Curves
The structure of your gown determines how you want your silhouette to look on the day of your wedding. For example, some brides add a sense of regality to their bridal look by lengthening the skirt and dragging a train behind them, while others want a simple, flat skirt that flows as they walk.
A-Line Gowns for a Timeless Look
A-line wedding dresses are a classic choice. This universally flattering silhouette gently flares out from the waist and creates an elegant balance that accentuates your natural figure. The structure at the top defines your waist, while the flowing skirt provides enough room for you to comfortably move around.
Ball Gowns for a Fairy-Tale Statement
If you want to celebrate your wedding day while feeling like a princess, a ball gown is an excellent choice. The fitted bodice and voluminous skirt can work to showcase a stunning hourglass figure that recreates that fairy-tale outfit you're looking for. For a captivating effect, glide down the aisle in a ball gown with a long train that drags behind you.
Mermaid Dresses for a Form-Fitting Style
For a dress that holds snugly against your curves, mermaid silhouettes are stylish and elegant. These gowns hug the body from the chest to the knee and dramatically flare out for the perfect train down the aisle. Paired with lace panels and intricate beading, this gown shapes a memorable and breathtaking entrance to any wedding ceremony.
Pick the Right Fabric
Fabric is one of the key aspects to accentuate your curves in a plus-sized wedding dress. Seamstresses will use a variety of fabrics to shape different parts of the dress from the main structure to the intricate lining and lace. For a material that fits your body type, look for flexible fabrics that can beautifully showcase your features.
Materials That Drape
Fabrics such as chiffon and tulle have a lightweight, breathable quality that moves with you throughout your big day. Typically used to layer over other fabric types, many brides love to incorporate these materials as sleeves or skirts for more movement in their dresses. These soft, flowy materials are both romantic and easy to wear, so you can tailor them for a perfect wedding look.
Structured Fabrics for Shaping
If you’re looking for a dress that offers more support in contouring your body, browse for gowns structured with fabrics such as mikado or organza. These materials hold their shape firmly, so you won't have to worry about adjusting the fabric as you're walking, sitting, or dancing. As an extra layer of security, a structured fabric will give you the confidence you need to move around without worry on your wedding day.
Accessorize To Enhance Your Look
Your wedding outfit doesn't end with the dress. There are many embellishments and accessories you can add to the gown for extra elegance and glam.
Statement Belts and Embellishments
If you want to draw more attention to your waistline, a statement belt can provide a stylish and practical look. Rhinestone or pearl-embellished belts, for example, create a dazzling effect that shimmers in the sun or underneath the dance floor lights. For gowns with voluminous skirts, these belts cinch your waist and add extra support for the weight of your dress's fabric.
Veils and Jewelry for the Finishing Touch
A shoulder-length veil can bring extra flair to your neckline and cover your head in a beautiful lace that matches your dress. Alongside this headpiece, drop earrings or sparkling pendants can frame your face beautifully. More colorful accessories that contrast yet complement your dress will tie the entire look together regardless of what style you choose.
Prioritize Comfort and Confidence Above All
Any gown can feel uncomfortable to wear if it doesn't suit your personal tastes. For your special day, pick out a dress that helps you exude confidence and that fits not only your body type but also your style.
Choose a gown that you can move in comfortably, both when you're sitting through dinner and when hitting the dance floor. Any scratchy or loose-fitting fabric could put a damper on your wedding day and make it difficult to enjoy the occasion. Build confidence in your appearance by acknowledging any discomfort during the fittings and making the proper adjustments. This could include modifying your sleeves to drape perfectly or pinning the collar if it loosens over time.
When your dress feels like an extension of you, every moment of your wedding day becomes unforgettable. From your walk down the aisle to the first dance, the right dress gives you the confidence to make each second count.
For a closer look at any of these dress styles, browse plus-size wedding dresses in Massachusetts at Alexandra's Boutique. We offer a wide variety of gowns that cater to any body type. If you have any questions about the fit or material of your dress, our seamstresses will gladly guide you to ensure you have the perfect dress.
