Holidays can definitely bring out all the love and affection in a person’s heart. In that love, many people decided to pop the question. Did you get engaged during the holidays? Congratulations, let’s celebrate! Here are some plus size bridal tips you should definitely write down in your wedding planner or diary.
We asked experts to give you the must-know tips for plus-size bridals.
Introducing Mimi Wolfe Bride of Bellamore. In 1995, Mimi moved to Ireland to work with a wedding dress designer. This experience allowed her to branch out on her own with the vision of opening her own design studio.
Now back in Knoxville, Mimi wants to combine the eclectic, bohemian style of the Pacific Northwest with the classic, vintage-inspired style of the South. As a plus-size woman herself, MiMi is passionate about creating a space for plus-size brides to find the dress of their dreams.
Here is her story in her own words:
“It was quite successful, and by the time I left Ireland in 2005, I knew I wanted to continue in the industry when I returned to the U.S. I worked directly with several high-end bridal boutiques to get the perfect fit and make custom changes to bridal dresses. Lazarus, Claire Pettibone, marchesaAnd of course, vera wang.
Throughout my career, I have told me how difficult it is for plus-size clients to have a total “bridal experience” due to the lack of bridal boutiques that carry samples larger than bridal sizes 18-20. I knew what I wanted to do was open a plus-size-only bridal boutique that catered to brides 16 and older.
So when I moved from my home in Seattle, Washington to Knoxville, Tennessee to care for my partner Ben’s parents, I decided it was time to open the boutique of my dreams. I wanted to give plus-size brides the experience every bride deserves, and that was missing in bridal stores that focused on pint-size brides.
Now you have a Bellamore bride in Knoxville! We have over 120 samples in a variety of styles from bridal sizes 18 to 38. I work with Maggie Sottero and Sottero & Midgley, as well as four private designers who work closely with me to ensure the style and quality that brides desire.
All plus size bridal bookings are 2 hours long and I only work with one bride and her party at a time so that I can give each bride my full attention. ”
Plus size bridal tips from the experts
Plus Size Bridal Tip #1: dress. Up until now, plus-size brides’ options have been limited to “cover-up” styles. The styles and options are much better now, so I encourage brides to choose a style that they feel comfortable wearing. If that means no sleeves and a little more cleavage, so be it.
Today is their day. They should wear gowns that reflect themselves.
Plus Size Bridal Tip #2: Shapewear is our friend, but not a necessity. Don’t let discomfort ruin the joy of your wedding day. Some types of shapewear do not necessarily require shapewear; Ball gowns, for example, usually don’t require that.
Depending on your cup size, if your gown has straps, you are unlikely to need a bra. Structure can be added to almost any gown to hold things in place. If you need to prevent thigh chafing, there are options that are lighter and more comfortable than shapewear.
Plus Size Bridal Tip #3: First the clothes, then the accessories. Brides are advised to choose their dress first and then their accessories. Jewelry should complement your gown, not overpower it. Veils go in and out of fashion, so I always make sure the bride tries on the dress after choosing it.
Not everyone wants that, but personally I think it’s the finishing touch.
Plus Size Bridal Tip #4: bridesmaid dresses. I’m a big fan of the bride choosing the color and length and letting the bridesmaids choose a style they’re comfortable with. Not everyone looks best in strapless chiffon.
The key to taking good photos of your wedding party is for everyone to feel like they’re looking their best.
Plus Size Bridal Tip #5: Stay calm. My only tip for Bridezilla moments is… Don’t be! Yes, your wedding day is very important. But the most important thing is marriage, and I think some people forget that.
Your wedding should happen someday, and marriage should last forever, and you don’t want to start your life together with bad feelings. Don’t forget that it’s your fiance’s day too.
Plus Size Bridal Tip #6: change. If the boutique doesn’t offer alterations, ask for recommendations instead of just picking the cheapest one. Talk to a change expert who has appropriate recommendations that you click on.
Plus-size bridal dresses can be difficult to work with, so see if you can hire someone who has experience making plus-size bridal dresses. If the first person says you can’t do something, ask someone else. Just because one seamstress can’t do it doesn’t mean it can’t be done.
Plus size bridal tips from a designer’s perspective
Let’s talk to plus-size designer Ashontay Hubbard. Christian Omesun. With years of experience creating custom bridal dresses for plus-size brides, Ashontay offers a designer’s perspective on what really matters when choosing a wedding dress.
Designer Tip #1: Endurance is key when it comes to bridal fit. Unlike other formal events, your wedding dress should comfortably support your body for 8 to 12 hours. It’s not just about standing around taking pictures. You walk, sit, dance, eat, and celebrate.
This means that brides need to prioritize not only appearance, but also internal structure, weight distribution, and breathable fabrics. The most beautiful gown in the world won’t feel beautiful if you can’t wait to take it off.
Designer Tip #2: Corrections are even more important for bridal. What most people don’t realize is that bridal dresses, regardless of size, almost always require multiple fittings. But for plus-size brides, proper bust support, waist balance, and hem proportions become essential to avoid discomfort and so-called “dress fatigue.”
A well-altered gown should feel like it’s moving with your body, rather than against it. This is why (as mentioned by MiMi) finding an experienced remodeling professional is so important.
Designer Tip #3: Trend or timelessness is a big decision. See, we love trends. But here’s the important thing about bridal dresses. They have been photographed and reevaluated over the decades. What feels fresh and exciting now may look outdated in anniversary photos a few years from now.
This doesn’t mean you need to play it safe. That means thinking strategically about where to be bold and where to keep it classic so that the dress remains true to you year after year. A good designer can help you strike that balance.
Designer Tip #4: emotional readiness is key. This is more important than people think. A bridal is more than just a formal event. It’s a milestone. And this is what I tell every bride. Confidence comes from being seen and respected for who you are, not from waiting to be a “better version” of yourself.
If you’re shopping for a wedding dress while planning to lose weight or change your body shape, you’re dividing your focus into a process that should be fun. Your dress should celebrate who you are on your wedding day, not who you want to be.
Finding the perfect plus size bridal dress doesn’t have to be stressful. If you’re newly engaged, or know someone who is, I hope you find these tips useful.
Did you get engaged during the holiday season? Are you already married? Share your plus size bridal story with us here!
Source: The Curvy Fashionista – thecurvyfashionista.com
