As a plus size bride, I found it very difficult
to find the kind of wedding dress I had always dreamed of in the usual bridal
boutiques. Their selection of dresses was extremely limited, and very often the
styles were not available in plus sizes. I also had a need to find a dress
relatively quickly, and most shops quoted a time frame of at least 6-10 weeks
when ordering a dress. As a result of not being able to find what I wanted
locally, I decided to try finding a wedding dress via the Internet. I was
able to locate a wide selection of different styles in plus sizes and found a
dress that exceeded my expectations. I was also able to get my dress much
more quickly (about 2 weeks), by ordering it online. Additionally, I got a
dress much nicer than I had initially planned on, due to the fact that I saved a
lot of money buying it online. I was very pleased with my gown and amazed
at both its quality and fit.
If you are contemplating buying a plus size wedding
dress online and it seems intimidating, here are a few tips that
should help de-mystify the process.
Firstly, do go to a few bridal shops and
try on some dresses in a variety of styles to give yourself an idea of
what looks flattering on you. During this process, you should become
aware of some of the basic necklines, hemlines, and sleeve styles.
Also, pay attention to what kind of fabrics you look best in. There
are many to choose from, and sometimes a matte look can be more flattering
on larger figures.
After you find a dress online that you
like, it is important to take good measurements. If you are unsure
how to do this, enlist the help of a good friend or preferably, someone
who sews. You might even be able to get someone at the bridal shop to help
you when you go to try on gowns. However you do it, it is imperative that
you have good measurements to figure out what size gown you need to order.
Also, know that gowns tend to run on the small side, so do not be
surprised if you need to buy a size or so larger than you normally wear.
Almost any gown you buy will need to be fitted professionally, so make
sure and include that in your overall budget. Remember it is better
to have a gown that is a little too large and can be taken in, versus one
that is too small.
Lastly, before ordering your gown, find out
if you are able to return the dress if it does not fit or you truly hate
it. Hopefully by following these tips your experience will be as
wonderful as mine.
The following link
lists online plus size wedding dress retailers.
Plus Size Bridal
is an online bridal shop dedicated to plus size women, with a wide
selection of wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, mother's' dresses, and
accessories: They have a wide selection, with over eighty wedding
gown styles, in sizes 16W-32W and over fifty bridesmaid dress styles, in
sizes 2-20 and 16W-30W. Wedding dresses can be exchanged or refunded
in a 5 day period, along with a $25.00 restocking fee. For
bridesmaid dresses, there are no exchanges nor refunds. They ship
within the US and also to 28 countries outside the US. Their website
even uses plus size models.
Sydney's Closet carries plus size wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses from sizes
14 up to 44. They also have accessories. They have a seven day
return policy. They ship within the US and also internationally.
Peggy
Lutz Plus is an online plus size store that designs and makes unique wedding gowns
in sizes up to 38/40 or made to order according to your height and measurements. They
have twenty-two of their own styles and can also make custom gowns in
other styles and fabrics if you consult with them. They will check
your measurements against the size that you order. Their website
even uses plus size models.
The Bridal
World - is an online bridal shop with
plus size wedding gowns,
bridesmaid dresses, mother's dresses with sizes 16W-28W. They have
nine different plus size wedding gown styles to choose from at discount
prices. They have a three day exchange policy and will ship within
the US as well as internationally.
Silver Lining
is a bridal shop for the full-figured woman with a wide selection of plus size wedding gowns
in sizes 18-28. Their Atlanta store has over 100 samples gowns to
try on. They welcome inquiries over the phone as well as email.
They can order wedding gowns and accessories from a large number of
designers.
You might also want to visit our
plus size formal dresses
page.
