What goes on the list of your 5 top wedding priorities? In most cases, the bridal gown will feature there. Everything about the look must be perfect, right? Are you feeling somewhat concerned because you don’t look like the supermodels parading those gorgeous dresses you see in the bridal magazines? Not to worry, because, with an array of gorgeous plus size wedding dresses, specially designed for fuller figures, you can show off your best features and feel like the most beautiful woman around.
Below we’ll give you some handy tips to help make the best decision when you start fitting plus size wedding dresses. In addition, we list the top 5 to consider in the current ranges from leading designers Maggie Soterro and Rebecca Ingram. They’re excellent examples of how the right dress adds the X-factor to your wedding day.
How to Shop Plus Size Wedding Dresses
Know Your Body Shape
Your first step in the process of finding the perfect wedding dress for curvy brides is to identify your body type. The designers you hope to wear understand not all women’s bodies are the same and use innovative ways to hide or accentuate features. So, they design different kinds of dresses for different body types.
Based on aspects like hip, waist and bust measurements, you’re likely to fall into one of these categories:
- Triangle or pear-shaped: You can have a smaller bust with a wider waist and even wider hips.
- Hourglass: Though plus-size, you’re well proportioned with a well-defined waist.
- Inverted triangle or strawberry-shaped: While small in the waist and hips, your upper body is large.
- Round shaped, similar to an apple: No defined waist, while hips and shoulders are also the same widths.
- Rectangle: A straight shape from shoulders to thighs, with no clearly defined waist and a small bust.
Because designers design with these shapes in mind, knowing which type you are will help you find plus size wedding dresses that will look as if they were designed for you.
Dress Styles that Work
Depending on your body shape, you’ll be smart to focus your search for plus size wedding dresses on types of gowns that show off the best features of your body. Popular dress styles are:
- The classic A-line: An A-line dress with its waistline just below the bust is excellent for creating a beautiful silhouette. It also doesn’t make the waist or hips area the area of focus. Various body types look their best in an A-line dress.
- A mermaid flare: Show off the best features of a plus-sized hourglass figure in a mermaid style dress. You can draw attention to your sexy curves and also add details like sequins in areas you want to draw attention to, whether it’s your neckline or bust. A pear-shaped figure also looks fabulous in this style.
- The ballgown look: If the extra weight in your hip and thigh area makes you feel self-conscious, look your best in a ballgown with a full skirt. The right look and fitted bodice can create the illusion of a narrower, defined waist.
- A sleek and sexy sheath: Why not wear a figure-fitting dress? If your body is proportional, a sheath dress in the right fabric can look stunning and even make you seem taller.
The 5 Best Wedding Dresses for Curvy Brides, in the Olivelli Range
The quality of plus size wedding dresses will also add to your overall look. This is why it’s always a good investment to pick a gown from a leading designer, like Maggie Sottero. And with more affordable ranges like Maggie Sottero’s line of Rebecca Ingram gowns, anyone can buy their dream dress!
Will one of the following plus size wedding dresses be the one you wear down the aisle?
Maggie Sottero – Rousseau
This A-line dress helps you create a beautiful silhouette and the relatively small train will make you feel like a princess. The vertical lines of the exposed boning also aid in creating the illusion of a taller, slimmer bride.
This is a strapless design, but you can have off-the-shoulder illusion lace cap sleeves as an added extra. Use it as a unique feature or to draw attention away from your lower body.
You’ll love the lace and tulle with sequined detail.
Rebecca Ingram – Iona
Here’s another A-line dress and with this plunging V-neck you can show off your bust. Over the shoulders are Elodie Mikado spaghetti straps and the plunging scoop back is great for showing some skin.
The satin will look and feel luxurious, while the minimal embroidery towards the top is the perfect ‘extra’ even for ‘plain Janes’.
One of the best features? Pockets! Keep your lipstick or tissues close by at all times!
Rebecca Ingram – Lorraine Dawn
Feeling whimsical? The A-line Lorraine Dawn made in Chiffon and Organza will hang beautifully on a curvy bride, almost floating around you and creating a gorgeous silhouette. As a sexy extra, you have a thigh-high slit.
This spin on the Lorraine design is also a practical yet stunning choice if you feel self-conscious of your upper arms—as many women do—thanks to long illusion lace sleeves. Alternatively, for a summer wedding, you can opt for spaghetti straps.
Rebecca Ingram – Jenessa
This A-line dress, made of Lace and Tulle, also flows very well. Yet another dress in which a curvy bride can show off her bust in a beautiful and classy way. The layers of fabric will help hide larger thigh areas and the gorgeous details on the bodice will also attract attention away from the lower body.
Maggie Sottero – Glorietta Lynette
Looking for an X-factor sweetheart neckline dress? Make a statement the moment you enter the room with the Glorietta Lynette, thanks to beautiful Lace and beading over Tulle.
This is an alternative option to Maggie Soterro’s Glorietta design, providing additional coverage for curvier women.
Final Words
Olivelli is committed to helping any bride scouring the market for a dream dress. This is why we stock a wide range of dresses AND accessories from leading designers. And new ones are added regularly. Whether you’re looking for plus sized wedding dresses or a bridesmaid dress for your skinny niece, you’ll find it here.
So, will you pick one on our top 5 list, or browse through our collections?
Don’t forget to add a veil, the right pair of shoes, a jacket for the evening and some jewellery as the finishing touches.