Fat bride problems!!!

For the belly area I would consider some type of shapewear (spanx, waist trimmer, etc.) which are sold in most plus size clothing stores. Depending on your budget, you could maybe have some lace cap sleeves added on, but I'm not sure how expensive that would be.

For your body type, the most flattering silhouette would be an A-line type of dress/ballgown. If you're not in love with the dress I would highly consider checking david's bridal for an inexpensive and flattering dress... you have stated that the dress is not a priority for you but you have to remember that your dress is going to be in almost all of your wedding photos, and I think you'd be disappointed in the future if you choose a gown that you don't love. There are so many inexpensive wedding gowns out there, you just have to look.

Whichever you decide, best of luck to you.

The "pouch" isn't too bad from this angle. I would suggest spanx or a girddle of some type but, I know those things just push my fat up to my back. Look online for a bridal jacket. I bought one on Amazon for $40. It has half sleeves so it tucks the fat in.

Fellow fat bride here. I actually have this dress too haha.

I'm honestly just wearing spanx and it has done wonders. Also, if your wedding is next April, you have plenty of time to tone up your arms if you are unhappy with them.

Spanx and there is time to work out and make significant changes if you attack a program NOW.

But I'd also suggest- relax.

You love the dress. You wearing the dress. Relax about all the little details only YOU are focused on.

Love you for who you are. There is time to do work- but be kind to yourself- hating on your own body won't help. Relax and be kind- its' okay to love you for you.

Spanx and a long line/bustier will help ( but it really isn't that noticeable in this picture). Also eatin

g better and drinking more water will help reduce bloating which is a big one for me in seeing the difference in my midsection. But honestly the dress looks great on you.

Nicole- can you post a link to the type of spanx you are wearing that helped?

I am a "fat bride" too. I feel your pain, but you look beautiful and your FH will love the way you look regardless. Is there anyway you could get it a size larger so the stomachs not so tight?

LMac- Post a pic? I never saw you in your dress!

I think it looks beautiful on you and your tummy really doesn't look bad in that photo. I have a lower tummy pooch from having two kids and never working out. Spanx help me but for my wedding, I'm going to go with a waist cincher/girdle as well as the spanx shaping undies/briefs to help control the lowest portion. As for the arms, I find when brides try to cover their arms, it makes them stand out to me even more. I think you should rock it as is. I understand the body image problems. I have them too but I'm trying to learn to love myself. Everyone comes in different shapes, sizes and colors and we are all beautiful!

Corset to define your waist -- worked wonders for me. Also holds the boobs up very well, which I've found to be very slimming.

Maybe some tulle underneath to give the skirt a bit of va-voom!

LMAC- your a tease. I hate you.

I don't know anyone who has ever looked at a bride on her wedding day and said, "what a beautiful bride, too bad her arms are so fat." And I don't know any groom who saw his bride walking towards him and wished she looked better in her dress.

We as women need to stop being our own meanest critics. You are already rocking that dress, and with the right shapewear, you will believe it too.

They make wraps that you can wear to cover your shoulders/arms. Wraps probably isn't the best word, i'm not sure what the right word is. Like someone else said, you have 6 months to start a program. You clearly hate the way you look, maybe it's time to do just as you said and get off the couch and stop eating?

I think everyone has already gave some wonderful advice! I will just have to reiterate Meg. Try a slim petticoat so that the skirt has more of an a-line effect, this will make your waist appear smaller. also, spanx are great! I know I will be in some .

You are beautiful, I totally understand the arm thing, goodness do I understand! But just wear what makes you comfortable! cap sleeves are great because they draw your shoulder line out farther so you arms appear slimmer...

Just my two cents! I love your dress and you are beautiful!

Your dress is really pretty. As MrsLepelis said, a shawl would look nice. If you do go that route, perhaps choose one with lace. Also, are you wearing a veil? When veils skim the shoulders and arms they can act as coverage, too.

Spanx, a corset, or a combination of both can help with the pooch. Don't worry you will be a beautiful bride and most people won't bat and eye at your pooch or arms.

Spanx, waist cinchers, girdle panties w/ a longline corset bra are all good options for shapewear. Cap sleeves are a lifesaver - you could have a seamstress add them. Or you could try a beautiful pashmina draped over or try to find a lace bolero type coverlet.

I think your dress is beautiful. I would just wear spanx or a girdle. You look great but you have to feel great!! Listen to the ladies advice its all wonderful!

Do you have a Kohl's near you? I got some great shapewear for for less than $30 to go under my dress. They were those shorts that also come up under your boobs so they smooth out you stomach. The crotch has a hole so you can pee without struggling to take them off. Trust me that will be important on your wedding day.

I vote against the jacket myself. you have nice shoulders, so why cover them? if it's your biceps area that you are concerned about, I'd use a wrap for that.

Can you post a link the shape wear you are talking about from Kohls? I so need help in this department.

If you're self conscious about your arms, try doing cardio 3 times a week to lose fat (but I am not saying that you need to), and then I highly recommend doing blogilates. They are free youtube pilates videos and she has a lot of great arm and back videos (and belly if you're really worried about the pooch).

Thanks so much everyone for your help! You all have such nice things to say and great advice. I really appreciate it. I have some thinking to do on it now! I got this dress for $175 dollars secondhaND tags still attached. I thought it was too good a deal to pass up since the less money I have to spend, the better. Thanks again everyone. Good luck on all upcoming dates and congrats on the ones that have already passed!