Plus Size Bridal – Plus Size Wedding Dresses

By: mary_fraser | Posted: 11th January 2010

"For every beauty there is an eye somewhere to see it. For every truth there is an ear somewhere to hear it. For every love there is a heart somewhere to receive it." - Ivan Panin 1855-1942

We understand the challenges faced by soon to be brides with a fuller figure. Where do you go for good advice! Even more important who has dress designs that you can try on and enjoy the full bridal experience! Is hiring a dress an option?

What we saw at a bridal fair three years ago opened our eyes to the plight of curvy brides. There is very little out there in the way of designs and understanding. Many brides are being marginalised by the bridal/fashion industry because they don't conform to a specific size range.

The truth is that all women have shape, and it's all about shape and not size. Size tends to be our personal issue, but when we realise what great shape we have, then we can begin to choose styles that work for us and with our shape. That is particularly important when we choose a wedding dress.

So let's address the issue of hiring a plus size wedding dress: This isn't always an easy option. Our body proportions can present a challenge in that many brides are one size on top and a different size below the waist or hips. Wedding dresses are cut to a standard size, which doesn't really exist with a plus size figure. Hence much of the fashion wear offered tends to be shapeless or we battle with one or other part of an outfit not fitting.

The best advice is, if your budget will allow for it get your wedding or bridesmaids dress tailor made to your body proportions. That way you have a comfortable fitting dress that takes into account your body shape. The truth is, if you feel good , then you will carry yourself with pride, grace and a feeling of personal dignity, and your wedding will be an occasion that you will delight in and not dread because you feel less of a bride than your really are. After all, you are going to be in the dress for a good few hours and those photographs are there as a memorial to you and your wedding. So get the best advice you can and spend a little more if your budget will allow.

So how do we go about choosing a style of dress that will enhance our figure and emphasize the curvy shape that mother-nature blessed us with?

We would suggest looking at two areas: Dress colour and our body shape(dress shape).

Dress Colour
As far as dress colour is concerned there is a convention that tells us that white is a bridal colour representing the purity and innocence of the bride. It's worth considering that white isn't always a good colour for either our skin tone or shape. If we have a fuller figure, consider wearing a soft white instead. (After all there are more than 70 shades of white) The effect is to soften the gown's edges, allowing your dress to complement you rather than you trying to compliment your dress. White satin is harsh and can in many cases be over powering.

For many bride's, considering a soft lace over lay is also a wonderful style choice. The effect is very feminine and in many cases softens or down plays negative body areas such a tummies, but without compromising on style or beauty.

There is no need for brides with a fuller figure to have less choice than any other girl. With one or two adjustments, the dress of your dreams can be attained.

Dress Shape
Your second and maybe most important consideration is your body shape. Balance is the goal. Essentially we are looking for an hour glass proportion. By example, do I have broader hips narrower shoulders? Most women fall into this category. (Blessings of mother hood!) So to balance your figure you may need to look a ¾ length sleeves or a cap sleeve which has the effect of broadening the dress at the shoulder line so giving you balance with your hips.

I'm sure you get the idea. But look for expert advice to help you decide which style wedding dress will balance our figure and where to place detail on the dress to accentuate the positive. Remember none of us has the wrong body shape! The shape we are is the shape we celebrate.

And after all, it was once said: "You don't love a woman because she is beautiful, but she is beautiful because you love her!"
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Tags: good advice, brides, wedding dresses, wedding dress, hips, fashion industry, great shape, plight, body shape, tailor, ivan, personal issue, bridal fashion, body proportions