A GUIDE TO WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING FOR CURVY BRIDES: CONFIDENCE, COMFORT & STYLE

The bridal fashion world has made significant strides in becoming more size-inclusive, but we’re not quite there yet. While progress has been made, plus size brides can still face challenges when it comes to finding “the one.” Today, I’m sharing my top tips for my plus size brides when shopping to find their dream wedding dress. Spoiler alert: You can, and you will, find a gorgeous wedding dress that makes you feel as amazing and confident as you deserve to be - no matter your size or shape! As I tell my brides, empower yourself with these quick tips for plus size and curvy brides, and wedding dress shopping trips will be stress-free too!

As bridal stylists working with brides of all shapes and sizes to not only help them find their dream dress but also get ready to walk the aisle on their wedding day, we know that wedding dress shopping can be overwhelming for any bride. It is often an emotional experience and can be stressful at times. For our curvy and plus size brides, there are added elements that can make wedding dress shopping difficult to navigate, from knowing where to shop to having enough of a variety of sample gowns to try on.

The good news? With the right preparation and mindset, your bridal dress shopping experience can be everything you’ve dreamed of, and so much more.

Here are my top seven tips to help plus size brides feel confident, celebrated, and beautifully supported as you search for your dream wedding gown.

Tip 1: Seek Out Boutiques That Carry Inclusive Sizing

Before you book any bridal gown shopping appointments, do a little homework. Look for bridal boutiques that explicitly state they carry a wide range of sample sizes, including plus sizes. Remember,

Unfortunately, many bridal shops only stock smaller sample sizes, so it’s important to find one that prioritizes inclusivity, not just in sizing, but in overall experience.

You can look on the websites and social media pages of the bridal shops you’re considering visiting for information about not only the designers they stock, but also the sample dress sizes they have in-store for you to consider.

When in doubt, pick up the phone and speak to a bridal stylist in the store where you’re thinking of booking an appointment. Ask if they carry wedding gowns samples in your size or if they can request a sample from the designer so you can see how it will look and feel on your body.

Tip 2: Let Go of the Size Number

No matter what size you are in regular, everyday clothing, my best advice is to let go of the wedding dress size number.

This is a crucial tip for brides of any and all sizes. Wedding gown sizing is not the same as street clothing sizing, and it's not always kind. Please don’t let the number on the tag define how you feel.

Your bridal stylist will take your measurements and compare them to the specific dress designer’s size chart to determine the best fit dress size for you to order. If you’re between sizes, ask about split sizing or made-to-measure options, as many bridal designers offer this at an additional cost, but these options can significantly reduce your bridal dress alterations later on.

Tip 3: Stay Open to Unexpected Silhouettes

Many brides have visions of their wedding dress long before their first bridal gown shopping experience. You may come in to the bridal store with a clear vision of your dream dress, and that’s wonderful.

But, some of my best advice is to be open to exploring a few unexpected styles, as you never know what you might end up loving and feeling beautiful wearing.

As a general rule, A-line, ballgown, and fit-and-flare silhouettes tend to flatter a variety of curves, but every bride is unique. Trying on different shapes might just surprise you, and lead you to a gown that feels like it was made for you.

Tip 4: Prioritize Comfort and Support

Your wedding day is full of movement, emotion, and magic, and you’ll want to feel completely at ease in your bridal gown. Look for structural details like boning, built-in corsets, and supportive straps. These elements don’t just enhance the fit; they also boost your confidence.

And don’t forget about bridal undergarments for under your wedding dress! Bring any shape wear or foundation pieces with you to try on with the gown, so you get a realistic feel for the complete look.

Tip 5: Explore Customization Options

One of the most exciting things about wedding gowns today is the ability to make them your own. From adding sleeves or raising a neckline, to choosing a longer train or changing fabric, many designers allow you to personalize your dress during the production process.

Talk with your bridal stylist about what changes can be made by the designer versus what can be done later with an alterations seamstress. Keep in mind that customizations usually come with an added cost, but the result can be a gown that feels uniquely you.

Tip 6: Bring a Small, Supportive Crew

It’s tempting to include everyone you love in your wedding dress shopping experience. But, as a bridal stylist who has worked with hundreds of brides, I’m here to tell you that too many opinions can create overwhelm.

When it comes to wedding dress shopping, keep it simple and keep outside opinions to a minimum. Invite just a few trusted voices who understand your personal style, your vision for the day, and your budget.

You want people who will lift you up and support your choices, not confuse you, or worse, try to shame or guilt you into their choice. At the end of the day, your opinion and how you feel in a wedding dress is what matters most.

Tip 7: Trust the Experts

Your bridal stylist - whether that’s the consultant in the bridal shop who is helping you, or a bridal stylist, like me here at Beth Chapman Styling, that you bring along with you - is your guide, your advocate, and your biggest cheerleader.

Be honest with your bridal stylist about what you love, what you don’t, and how you want to feel in your wedding dress. Their job is to listen, guide, and help you discover a gown that makes you feel like your most radiant self.

Lean into their expertise, they’re there for you.

This is such an exciting time of a bride’s life and the wedding planning journey. Every bride deserves a memorable wedding dress shopping experience. Shopping for your wedding dress should be an empowering, joyful experience, no matter your size or body shape. With the right bridal store, a trusted bridal stylist, and a little bit of open-mindedness, you’ll find a wedding gown that celebrates exactly who you are.

If you’re getting married and have any bridal style questions or are interested in our day-of-wedding dressing services for the bride, the family, or the wedding party, please get in touch with us.

Beth Chapman Styling is a full-service bridal styling company specializing in on-site wedding day dressing for chic couples around the globe. We believe a bride should look and feel beautiful on her wedding day, but doesn’t need to be stressed to achieve it.

All photos by Emily Mccoll Photography