The Ultimate Plus Size Wedding Dress Guide for Curvy Brides
Every Body is a Bridal Body
Shopping for a wedding gown is a deeply personal and emotional experience — and for curvy brides, it can come with a few extra layers. The good news? You absolutely can (and should!) feel radiant, confident, and celebrated every step of the way.
Here are 10 supportive and real, stylist-approved tips to help you find your perfect plus size wedding dress:
Start with self-love — your beauty and worth are not defined by size.
Choose a boutique that offers real plus-size dresses (like Brides and Beyond).
Try a variety of silhouettes — you might be surprised what you love.
Focus on comfort and support — you'll be in your dress for hours.
Bring your hype crew — the people who make you feel like royalty.
1. Believe in your beauty.
2. Pick an inclusive boutique.
3. Trust your stylist.
4. Try different styles.
5. Ignore the size tag.
6. Show off what you love.
7. Choose structure that supports.
8. Move in the dress — test it in action.
9. Bring the right friends.
10. Soak in the spotlight.
Let’s dive deeper into each of these so you can walk down the aisle in a gown that feels as amazing as you are.
1. Start with Self-Love
Before you browse Pinterest or book an appointment, take a moment. Breathe. Remind yourself: You are worthy. You are stunning. And this experience is about celebrating YOU.
Your curves, your story, your glow — it all belongs.
2. Choose a Bridal Boutique That Celebrates Every Body
Not every bridal shop carries inclusive sizing. Choose a boutique (like Brides and Beyond!) that proudly stocks plus-size samples in a variety of styles. This ensures you can truly see how a gown fits your body — not guess based on clips or imagination.
At Brides and Beyond, we stock gowns up to size 30 and have stylists trained to make every bride feel seen, heard, and celebrated.
3. Trust Your Bridal Stylist
Our consultants are here to support you with zero judgment and tons of heart. They know how each designer fits, where a fabric might stretch (or not), and which cuts flatter which curves.
Lean on their guidance. They’re not just stylists — they’re your personal hype team.
4. Keep an Open Mind About Silhouettes
A-line and ball gowns are classic favorites for curvy brides — they create an elegant hourglass shape and add romantic flow. But don’t shy away from mermaid or fit-and-flare styles. These can enhance curves beautifully.
You might fall in love with a silhouette you never expected — give yourself the freedom to explore.
5. Focus on Fit, Not Size
Here’s the truth: bridal sizing is weird. A “street size 18” might be a “bridal 22” or “24.” Don’t let the tag number mess with your mind.
The goal is comfort and confidence. A great fit highlights your shape and leaves room to move and breathe. And with in-house alterations, we tailor every detail to *you*.
6. Highlight Your Favorite Features
Love your waist? Obsessed with your collarbone or shoulders? Tell your stylist.
We’ll help you find a gown that showcases what you adore most about your body — whether it’s a sweetheart neckline, cinched waist, or open back. This is about celebrating your beauty, not hiding it.
7. Consider Structure and Support
Look for dresses with built-in boning, corsetry, or thicker fabrics that offer natural support. These details create a smooth silhouette and often eliminate the need for extra shapewear.
Of course, if shapewear makes you feel good — rock it! The goal is feeling secure and stunning.
8. Move Around and Sit Down
Your wedding day will be filled with hugs, dances, photos, and joyful chaos. When trying on gowns, take a seat, twirl, walk around, raise your arms — see how it *feels*.
A dress that fits perfectly in stillness but pinches when you sit isn’t the one.
9. Bring the Right People
Invite guests who see your beauty and lift your spirit. Your dress appointment should be joyful, not stressful. Bring those who cheer you on, respect your vision, and know how to boost your confidence.
Positive energy makes all the difference.
10. Remember: You Deserve the Spotlight
You are the bride. You deserve to feel extraordinary.
Want sleeves? Great. Prefer strapless? Let’s find one that supports you. Not sure? That’s okay too. We’ll walk with you every step of the way.
Take Dana, for example. She initially dreamed of a dramatic full-sleeve gown and chose a striking black-and-white design with long sleeves. But during her fitting at Brides and Beyond, she had a change of heart.
We customized her gown with elegant off-the-shoulder sleeves that framed her neckline beautifully. The final look? Absolutely breathtaking.
Custom touches can make a beautiful gown *your* gown.
Click here to download the
Curvy Bride Gown Shopping Checklist
1. Confidence starts with self-love — embrace your beauty.
2. Shop at boutiques that carry plus-size dresses.
3. Bridal stylists are your style allies.
4. Be open to exploring different silhouettes.
5. Ignore the size label — focus on the fit.
6. Show off your favorite features.
7. Prioritize gowns with good structure and support.
8. Move in the gown — test it in action.
9. Bring positive, supportive guests.
10. Customize your gown to reflect YOU.