Choosing your wedding dress is a magical experience that should express your unique beauty and style, and for plus-sized brides, it should be no different. Understandably, the phrase “plus-sized dresses” may bring about awful images of overly baggy sleeves, cold-shoulder tops, or frumpy frills.
We're here to tell you that the fashion industry’s plus-size faux pas can be a thing of the past and that there are so many gorgeous gowns out there that are perfect for you! Let's explore the top wedding dress styles for plus-size brides to ensure you find a dream gown that's tailor-made to make you feel like the queen you are.
Styling Tips
Identify Your Body Shape
Before we dive into the various stunning wedding gown styles, let's learn how to identify and understand your body shape so that you can pick out the perfect dress and enhance your gorgeous figure. Would your body be described as more pear-shaped, with a smaller bust and wider hips? Or perhaps you identify more with an apple shape, where your waist is the widest part of your body. Maybe you’re an hourglass, with a balanced bust and waist, or a rectangle, where your measurements are fairly even throughout.
There are no rules here, and you don't have to hide or highlight anything you don't want to. However, knowing your shape helps if you're looking to create a particular look or silhouette.
Create a Balanced and Defined Silhouette
What it means to have a defined and balanced silhouette will differ from bride to bride. Some brides may want an exaggerated bust or hip line, while others won't. Let's look at how to achieve what you're after.
We'll start with the top. If you have a smaller bust, consider a sweetheart neckline or a dress with detailing on the bodice to add some volume in all the right places. Conversely, if you have a larger bust, a V-neck or plunge style can elongate your upper body.
If your body follows an apple or rectangle shape or you want to add volume to your waist, choose a dress that cinches in at the narrowest point of your waist. This style can create a stunning illusion of an hourglass figure. For our pear-shaped beauties and hourglass figures, don’t shy away from embracing your curves. A fit-and-flare gown can accentuate your waist and flaunt your fabulous figure.
Use Undergarments to Your Advantage
Don’t underestimate the power of the perfect undergarments—they can easily transform your bridal look from lovely to breathtaking! Much like the foundation of a beautiful building, the right bridal lingerie can enhance the fit and appearance of your wedding gown.
If you’ve opted for an A-line or ballgown dress, consider wearing a petticoat to give your dress a little extra volume and drama. For tighter-fitting dresses, use seamless shapewear to smooth out your silhouette and ensure all-day comfort.
Don't forget about a well-fitted bra! Choose one that offers excellent support and complements the neckline of your gown or pushes up your bust to enhance the upper part of your silhouette. Even strapless and backless dress designs can be accommodated with adhesive, plunge, or low-back bras.
Princess-Cut Dresses
If you're not a fan of the empire waist but you still want to add some length to your silhouette, a princess-cut gown may be perfect for you. These dresses are all about the strategic seaming running vertically down the bodice and skirt, essentially creating a modified A-line style.
The vertical lines draw the eye up and down rather than side to side, emphasizing a lean silhouette. Moreover, the slightly flared skirt provides ample room for your hips while maintaining the dress’s slimming effect.
Ball Gown Dresses
Ball gown dresses have a fitted bodice and a full skirt that flares out at the waist, creating a stunning and dramatic silhouette. The design of a ball gown is ideal for brides who want to highlight their waists and create an hourglass shape. For our pear-shaped beauties and those who have fuller hips, this style is a dream come true!
The fitted bodice will accentuate your smaller waist, while the skirt adds drama and volume to your lower half. Not to mention, a ball gown is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a dress that’s both glamorous and comfortable.
Sheath or Column Dresses
The sheath or column dress is the epitome of simplicity and sophistication. This style elegantly drapes straight down from the neckline to the hem. If you’re a bride with an hourglass or a rectangle body shape, this could be the style for you.
This style of dress accentuates the balance of an hourglass figure and can give a curvier illusion to a rectangle silhouette. Don’t worry if you don't fall into these categories; the magic of a sheath dress is that it can flatter all body types, much like an empire waist gown.
Fishtail or Trumpet Dresses
Fishtail and trumpet dresses are famous for their unique cut that fits snugly around the bust, waist, and hips before flaring out around the knees. This style can enhance your curves and accentuate an hourglass figure. If you’re a pear-shaped or hourglass bride, these dresses will work wonders for you.
This option also offers the perfect balance between fitted and flared styles, making them comfortable to move and dance in, all while looking stunning. Additionally, with its chic silhouette, this style is perfect for brides who want to add a touch of sophisticated glamor to their wedding day look.
Ultimately, the perfect wedding dress is one that you feel comfortable, confident, and radiant in. Don’t let the fashion industry’s standards dictate your wedding dress choice—it’s your day, your moment, and you deserve to feel like the goddess you are!
If you're ready to step into the bridal boutique with confidence, let the experts at Alexandra's Boutique help you find your perfect match. With our incredible selection of plus-sized wedding dresses, you're guaranteed to find the dress of your dreams. No matter what style of gown you choose, you're sure to feel like a princess on your special day.
