We share our favourite pieces of advice that will guide you in finding your dream curvy wedding dress.
For many people, their dream dress, is their wedding gown. However, this piece of fabric can be the most difficult of fashion choices you'll have to make. Brides-to-be need to consider a number of details before buying 'the one', such as the season they're getting married in, their chosen wedding theme, their given body shape, and the wearability and comfort factors.
If you are a curvy bride looking for the perfect wedding dress, here are some great tips ready to make your quest a little easier.
Find the Right Style for Your Body Shape
The most important thing is to understand your silhouette. If you are apple-shaped, you should opt either for a ball gown or an empire dress. Hourglass-shaped girls will look fabulous in mermaid gowns, while all curvy brides (including petite brides) should go for A-line dresses.
Figure-Flattering Tricks
A curvy silhouette is flattered by a thicker fabric. Taffeta for example creates a beautiful, streamlined silhouette while smoothing out the parts you want to cover. Sheer chiffon is another great choice, perfect for spring and summer weddings. It really compliments a plus-size bride, and is often used over a layer of satin, Lycra or muslin.
Try to avoid beading or flower appliques in the areas you would rather minimize, because they just draw more attention. Thick straps and cap sleeves are an elegant alternative to strapless gowns which make shoulders look wider than they are, and offer support. You might also want to avoid sleeves that puff out at the top and are tight at the wrist.
Choose the Right Underwear
No fitted wedding dress is complete without the perfect underwear, and if you consider wearing a figure-hugging gown, just make sure you have the right undergarments to smooth the areas you want firmed. Spanx are the gift of fashion Gods to women, but a well-fitting bra is also a must, unless your wedding gown has an inbuilt bra already. In case you want to avoid stressing about spanx & Co., go for a dress with internal corsetry. It will make your life easier.
Order a Bigger Size Rather than a Small One
If you're ordering your curvy wedding dress way in advance (which you really should), that doesn’t mean you need to go for an anticipated size. The wisest thing is to order the same size you are now and, in case you lose some weight before your big day, you can alter your gown without paying a fortune. If the dress is already too small and you need to take it out, it will cost you much more and eventually the item may still not fit well. Forget about your wish size, being realistic is more practical in this case.
Showing Some Arm
Many plus-size brides are not eager to reveal their arms, however there isn't always a good selection of gowns with long sleeves, or cover-ups available in non-curvy bridal shops. Be sure to visit a wedding dress shop that is geared specifically to curvy brides (like us!), and you'll find a wonderful selection of capes, lace wraps, shawls, boleros and gowns with long sleeves that will help you feel more comfortable.
No matter what curvy wedding dress you choose, the secret is to feel comfortable in your own skin. A confident curvy bride looks sexy and happy, and that is exactly who you should be.