Dress Shopping Appointment Nerves

I'm not a size 4 either so I totally understand your struggle. What makes it even worse is that wedding dresses run small so you could be a size 8, but wear a size 10-12 in a wedding dress. You could look up curvy/plus size wedding dresses to give you a better idea.

I totally understand! I ended up with a size 12 dress, a tiny bit big (10 was too small). All 4 shopping appointments, most dresses were a bit big. I did not need To try on, or was given any dresses that were too small. I think it’s easier to clip back a dress than have a bunch that are size 2/4, so there should be a decent selection in sizes 8-14. The trick is finding the right style/silhouette for your body type. The first 8 dresses I tried were all kinds of wrong. By my second appointment I knew what I didn’t want to try on lol

Have fun, and be open to trying different things!

Don’t be nervous. Many bridal salons have a range of sizes. I’m plus size and I made sure that the salons at which I made appointments carried plus size gowns. In fact, I ended up purchasing a sample gown at one of my appointments because it fit so perfectly. Once you know what fabric, style and silhouette you like, you’ll be just fine. Don’t let your nerves ruin this fun experience. Happy shopping!! 😊

I had the same concerns as a plus size bride, but don't worry, there is dress out there for you. And remember that bridal gowns run small and do not equate to your street size, so you will have to go up a size or two (or three) depending on the style and cut of the dress. Just enjoy the experience and be open minded. Try on different styles to see what looks best on you.

I felt the same way and thought I was never going to find one that looked just as beautiful as the “skinny” girl dresses. My best advice is to just enjoy the process and try your best not to get hung up on the size. I promise, you WILL find your dream dress and look absolutely beautiful.


Also, don’t get discouraged if you don’t find it the first time you go shopping. I went to two different places and tried on about 10 dresses before I found my dress.
Hope this helps calm your nerves 🙂

Don’t stress! I thought all sample sizes are like a 10 or 12? Wishing you all the best!!!!

View Quoted Comment I agree with Tracy. Don’t put too much pressure on the size. Go with what makes you feel beautiful. ❤️

Both bridal boutiques I went to had sizes up to 24, you absolutely do not need to be a size 4! At the first salon, I told them I’m a size 14/16 and they wanted to put me in size 20 gowns that I was literally swimming in. Maybe I’m an anomaly, but I bought a size 14 gown that fits my hips great but needs taken in around my waist, so you don’t always have to go up two or three sizes. No matter what, I’m sure you will find a dress, hopefully during the sale! I bought my $2500 for $200 during the national bridal sale event last year! Good luck!

At my first bridal appointment it seemed as though they had every size but my size in the dresses I liked, lol big and small...I didn’t fit into a single dress so I think it’s common and something to expect.

Honestly, search for "plus size bride" on Instagram. There are a ton of gorgeous styles for women with some extra to love. Most bridal lines only picture smaller women, but Essence of Australia and Stella York and Studio Levana all have lines specifically for plus size. Be warned that bridal sizing does run small, but that's just the weirdness of bridal. Don't be discouraged if you have one bad shopping trip - different salons have different people. Try to have fun, don't rush into a purchase. Take pictures and then review them when you're not in the moment and overheated from trying dresses on. Have fun! It's fun to play dress up for a day.

View Quoted Comment Thanks everyone. I don't know why I'm so nervous. I don't have to get anything this week. I have time. I'll definitely be looking into some other photos. I appreciate the words of encouragement and advice! I really had no idea where to start.

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Yeah, don't put pressure on yourself! I got so nervous that I went to David's Bridal by myself lol. Booked an appointment like a week after officially being engaged and probably looked insane to my fiance, but I was so spooked and I wanted to make sure I could feel bridal. Treat it like fancy dress up. Some dresses will be awful on you, just like some tops don't fit. You don't have to say yes right away - get an idea of what looks good on you, then narrow down the styles you like. Definitely look at Instagram and Pinterest too. Good luck! Don't stress too much - bridal consultants are there to help.

As a curvy girl I also felt self-conscious. I would recommend not looking at too many stock photos with models who aren't a similar body shape. I also did some window shopping for just yourself before booking a formal appointment.

And finally: this is your dress. Go with your gut and not others' expectations.

I am a size 4-6 however I am only about 5’ tall so the gowns never looked like they did on the models.


I felt some of the same feelings as you but I promise that there is a dress that will make you feel absolutely gorgeous out there - you just might not find it by browsing pics of the tall skinny models online because the dresses won’t look exactly the same on you.
Also, don’t count out the magic of alterations. Try to find something that leaves you plenty of budget to alter or doesn’t require too much work because it can get expensive but getting it fitted to you can make anyone look amazing.
I hope your appointment goes well!!