Tips for Wedding Gown Shopping when you are a Curvy Bride

One of the common questions we get asked is if we have gowns for a plus-size bride.  Here at Dion for Brides we definitely cater for Curvy Brides and carry Designers that work up to a size 30.  We have over 20 gowns in store available to try over a size 16 and most gowns in our collection can be ordered in size 0-30.

We spoke to our expert team of bridal stylists and got their best tips on how to approach shopping for your wedding dress for your special day. 

Do your research

“Researching ahead of time is really important,” says consultant Annie. Whether you gather inspiration from Pinterest, save photos on Instagram, or browse our website for your favourite gowns or inspiration, make sure to research styles you love before shopping is key. 

Embrace your body

We all know what it feels like to not feel totally confident in the dressing room—try your very best to be positive, have fun, and most importantly, embrace your gorgeous shape—because feeling your best will make you shine from the inside out. “My advice is to speak kindly about your body when shopping—it’s your time to feel beautiful! Don’t be afraid to show off your curves in a wedding gown,” says Annie.

 

Ask about options

See a style with stunning beading, a form-flattering fit and flare silhouette, sweetheart neckline, but a low back that you don’t love? There may be another option that our expert stylists can help you with. “There are many styles at Dion for Brides that have different versions for curvy women,” explains Annie. “There may be a sister style to that one you love with a higher back, or an alternative neckline, which is better suited for your shape. Ask your consultant about this!” says Annie.  Not all gown options are known at first look.

Expert tip: a style with a higher back will help to distribute support better along the bodice, and give you options if you would prefer to wear a bra or shape-wear above your waist.

 

Wear proper undergarments

We always suggest that you wear proper undergarments when shopping for a wedding dress—ideally the undergarments you’d like to wear on your wedding day. “Make sure you wear a proper undergarment that gives you shape and support so you can envision how the dress is going to look” says Dion for Brides manager, Lauren.  While shape-wear is nice to have, a well-fitting, supportive bra is the priority. "Maybe bring a corset-lined bra to your appointment rather than a strapless bra because they give you so much extra support,” says Annie.

Expert tip: “Ask your consultant to guide you towards dresses that have plenty of internal support and great gown structure” says Annie. Styles with corset bodices, wider straps to give more support, or to hide a bra strap, and structured tops will provide you with the most support and make you feel the most comfortable. This way, you will feel more at ease which always makes you look and feel your best!

Don’t look at the tag

“Don’t be thrown off by gowns that are not your exact size,” says Annie, “Some samples may be a bit small, or on the other end, way too big!” Bridal sizing isn’t like typical everyday clothes sizing—while you might be a street size 14-16 in jeans, you’re likely a bridal size 18-20.  Some brides even a smaller bridal size than what they would normally wear.  Our consultants have many styling tricks to help show you how a gown will look and fit in the size you may need to order, but cannot try on.  Don’t look at the tag–sizing is just a number! “Curvy women come in so many different shapes and sizes, so don’t let sample sizes hold you back from finding that perfect gown,” says Annie. This is especially true in the bust area, says Annie. “Not all curvy women have the same size though their waist, bust and hip measurements and your consultant will help guide you through that,”

Venture out of your comfort zone

“Don’t be afraid to try on different silhouettes—bridal dresses are constructed differently than normal clothes and brides are always surprised by the fit,” explains Annie. “So venture out of your comfort zone and I guarantee you’ll be surprised!” Thankfully at Dion for Brides, we have many options in various silhouettes, including a-line, mermaid, fit and flare, ball gown, and sheath and our expert Bridal Stylists will help show you gowns they know will work for you.

 

Keep an open mind

“Balancing your body shape is key when trying on wedding dresses,” says Manager, Lauren. With that in mind, keep your options open, and don’t be afraid to try on a style that might not be your favourite on the hanger, or a gown you even chose. “Keep an open mind in shape and fit. Don’t be opposed to trying on a dress that might be too small or too big. Our consultants have tricks up their sleeves to know how the dress will look and feel on your body,” says Lauren.

 

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