Plus-Size Wedding Dress Shopping: The Best Styles for the Bride

Most brides will tell you that shopping for a wedding dress is stressful, no matter your body shape or size! But if you already have an idea which silhouettes complement your curves, shopping for the perfect plus-size wedding dress can make the whole process a bit easier.

Best Wedding Dresses for Plus-Size Brides

You want to look perfect on your wedding day, and one way to look and feel your best is to wear a dress that is comfortable and flattering and gives you confidence. Here are some of the most recommended styles to wear on your big day.

A-line wedding dresses

This silhouette is certainly a favorite of many brides since it is a flattering dress style for all types of body shapes and sizes. Even if it is a very common style, you can still have a unique dress because it comes in a variety of designs, fabrics, hues, and accents. Any variation tends to look great, thanks to the narrow top that smoothly transitions to a flaring skirt.

Choose one with an empire or dropped waistline to create a visually longer waistline and to allow the dress to flow away from the hips. The latter can also carve out your curves, allowing you to flaunt your sexy shape. Additionally, if you want a light and flowing skirt, opt for soft, airy fabrics like chiffon.

Long A-line floor-length wedding dresses

This stunner has a floor-length skirt and a beaded top with a round halter style neckline. The fabric is chiffon and it comes with a complimentary shawl, perfect for the bride who wants to look elegant yet remain super comfortable.

A-line wedding dresses are one of the most popular choices because they suit almost every body type and look great in photos. The main feature of an A-line wedding dress is the fitted bodice that gently flares at the waist to create an "A"-shaped skirt. The A-shape is flattering on all body types, but particularly suits brides with a pear-shaped figure, as it draws attention away from the hips.

Ball gown wedding dresses

Wearing a ballgown on your special day can make you feel even more like a princess. Plus, this silhouette is perfect for complementing pear-shaped plus-size brides since it can accentuate your smaller upper half while all that fabric below covers up everything else. Make sure to find a design that shows off your slender waist.

Ball gowns are also flattering on women with larger hips, as long as there's a defined waistline. They can cover up trouble areas and make you appear slimmer while emphasizing your bust area. Make sure to find a design that shows off your slender waist using an empire waist or an A-line cut at the bodice. Look for ball gown wedding dresses that come with an empire waistline if you want to complement your smaller upper half while all that fabric below covers up everything else.

Simple wedding long dress bridal gowns

This full-length, tulle number goes with an embellished lace top. The cap sleeves cover up just enough of your arms and shoulders, while the V-neck back and neckline lets you show off just the right amount of skin. 

If you're looking for a simple design that you can accessorize as much or as little as you'd like, this is the dress for you.

Trumpet wedding gowns

For those who want to flatter their hourglass figure, a trumpet style wedding dress is a great choice since it hugs your curves in all the right places. It is almost the same as a mermaid silhouette except that the flair begins at the middle of the thighs.

For a truly flattering and comfortable plus-size trumpet bridal gown, make sure to find one which is designed with specific attention to the proportion of the hips and waist.

Wedding dress white gowns in mermaid style

This beautiful floor-length dress is made with lace appliques and tulle fabric. It has a corset lace-up back, which is great for achieving a more shapely silhouette. The sleeveless top has a V-shaped neckline which allows you to show some skin and accentuate your figure while still providing ample support for brides who are fuller in the chest area.

Gowns with exposed shoulders

Many plus-size women may not be that confident with their arms. However, you don’t have to completely cover up. Exposed shoulders can also draw eyes upward, taking the attention away from lower parts of your body that you might not want to highlight. A wedding dress with a wispy, cap, or short sleeves is great for having just enough coverage. If you want to be more fashion forward, off-shoulder or drop-sleeves are trendy options.

Off shoulder plus size wedding dresses

This figure-hugging number shows off some skin and your curves in more ways than one. The off-shoulder design and high slit in the front make this full-length dress even more gorgeous. It is made with ITY stretch fabric and comes with a complementary shawl (so you’re ready in case it gets a bit chilly).

Sheath wedding gowns

Contrary to what many believe, the sheath wedding dress silhouette can actually look good on a plus-size bride. They provide good support and structure. This type of gown design has an uninterrupted line and fits tightly from top to bottom creating the illusion of more length or height while flattering curves. However, it is most recommended for those with curvy figures which are more proportional.

Sheath plus size wedding dresses

This beautiful lace,  floor-length sheath dress is a lovely piece with just the right amount of sparkle. It has a sleeveless design with an illusion neckline covered with sequins. The overall look is soft and feminine while flattering your curvy shape at the same time.

The sheath silhouette follows your natural curves and creates a flattering look. It has a built-in bra lining and a shapewear lining that creates a smooth, fitted appearance. The skirt features asymmetrical tiers of lace with scattered sequins throughout for added sparkle as you move around the dance floor or walk down the aisle.

Conclusion

Getting the right plus-size wedding dress style is crucial to looking your best on your big day. However, don’t forget to also always take your comfort into consideration when choosing the one. If you aren’t a hundred percent comfortable in your outfit, your confidence and mood are affected. And if you don’t feel good in your wedding gown, the whole outfit will fall apart no matter how well-designed and beautiful it is.

 Check out our Mother of the Bride Dresses Long collection today.