Finding the perfect wedding dress takes patience, and you’ll likely have to try on at least a few different dresses before you find the right fit for you. While wedding dress shopping can be fun (who doesn’t love complimentary champagne?), it can also be time-consuming and even stressful, especially when you can’t always easily find styles that fit your needs. With so many factors to consider, just knowing where to begin can be a challenge.
The easiest way to overcome that overwhelmed feeling is to start with the basics. You know that you want a gown that will make you look and feel good, meaning you can celebrate for as long as you want, without feeling restricted or uncomfortable. As you’re searching through plus-size wedding dresses for your dream gown, here are some factors worth keeping in mind:
Silhouettes
The right silhouette for you can be tricky to pin down—it depends on your stature, proportions, and preferences. If you’re a plus-size bride, here are some styles that you might consider:
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A-Line
All types of A-line wedding dresses, especially those with an empire waist, are super flattering. Empire waist dresses feature cinch directly under the bust line and flow out into an A-line shape that flows when you twirl and doesn’t cling too closely to your body—perfect for those who prefer a freer and less form-fitting look.
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Mermaid or Trumpet
Mermaid and trumpet silhouettes hug and accentuate your curves before flaring out between your mid-thighs and knees, depending on the cut. This style can also be used to flatter your legs and even create the illusion of length—if you’re interested in this look, you can speak with a tailor about the precise cut for you.
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Sheath
Sheath wedding dresses are form-fitting without being overly snug and can accentuate height. This style’s uninterrupted line is both flattering and comfortable, plus it’s a breeze to the hem. Sheath gowns also offer ample structure and support, so you won’t have to worry while you dance the night away.
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Ball Gown
Ball gowns often feature a corset top and cinch to highlight the most slender area of your torso—your waist—before ballooning out into a classic princess skirt. The skirt’s fullness pulls attention toward your upper body, making this a good style for those with pear-shaped bodies.
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Drop Waist
Drop waist gowns cinch below your waist, accentuating your curves before flowing into a skirt farther down your body. This style is excellent if you prefer a fuller skirt but still want to show off your hips.
Necklines
Another important detail to consider when searching for your gown is the neckline. Your neckline serves to frame and highlight your face and any jewelry you might choose to wear. From the traditional sweetheart to the modern v-neck, here are the best necklines for plus-size wedding dresses.
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High Neckline
The high neckline hits above or at the base of the neck. Illusion details are common complements to high necklines—they soften up this sophisticated look while still offering coverage, making this an ideal option for a more conservative bride. High-neck dresses are also one of the most supportive silhouettes for plus-size women.
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Sweetheart
With a shape that resembles the top half of a heart, the sweetheart neckline emphasizes the neck and collarbone and gives you a leaner appearance. This cut is usually found on strapless gowns but can also be found on dresses with straps or sleeves.
If you love this style but require more support for a larger bust or prefer to be more covered up, then semi-sweetheart is your go-to option. This cut falls a little higher up on the chest, offering you more coverage.
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Scoop
This U-shaped silhouette features a low, circular neckline that accentuates the collarbone and lengthens the neckline, creating an elongated and sleek feel. The scoop is a flattering neckline that looks perfect on all brides while also offering extra support with straps.
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Portrait
The portrait neckline features a wide scoop from one shoulder to the other, creating a slightly off-the-shoulder effect that still provides support and won’t slip off your arms. This cut is perfect for a bride looking for a timeless look to accentuate their collarbones while covering their arms.
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Illusion
An illusion neckline features sheer tulle covering the décolletage from the base of the neck and bodice, creating a timeless romantic and modern elegance look. This creates the illusion of a deep, plunging neckline or a strapless gown but is more conservative. This neckline softens the lines of the upper arms and chest and may feature lace appliques.
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V-neck
If you’re looking to lengthen your torso—and if you have a flair for the dramatic— the V-neck look will likely appeal to you. This neckline also allows you to showcase your chest and can be plunging or more subtle, depending on your taste. V-neck dresses usually feature sleeves or straps to add flair and offer support, making them ideal for plus-size brides.
Other Features
If you are a plus-size bride with a large bust, wedding dresses with raised backs or corsets are great options. Additionally, a corset can be adjusted as required for extra support. You can also select a style with thicker straps or short or long sleeves, which will cover parts of your shoulders and arms and allow you to wear a bra with your dress if you want the extra support.
When choosing a fabric, keep in mind that many well-constructed and intricately-designed gowns will incorporate multiple materials. Thinner fabrics like chiffon, satin, and lace can be wonderful for layers and detail work, while thicker fabrics provide more support and forgiveness.
Have Fun With the Process
At the end of the day, this dress is part of a celebration of the love between you and your better half. Remember that your ultimate goal should be to choose whatever style makes you feel best, regardless of what any rules might say—after all, the options for plus-size wedding dresses are only growing to fit every woman’s unique desires. As long as you keep that joy as the central focus of your gown search, as well as all other aspects of your wedding planning, you’re sure to make the right choices, get glam, and enjoy all the special moments of the occasion.
