First time wedding dress shopping

I am exact same size as you. The dress I purchased is a "dress size 18". Just know and accept your dress won't be a 12. Try on things that you wouldn't typically try. My dress was way different than I ever imagined. But it definitely is a dream come true. Have fun and enjoy your dress shopping!! 🥰

It will honestly depend on the silhouette. I am a 12 but my dress I got in a 14 because I plan to drop about 15 lbs which would just make it fit nicer and a bit more loose which is good. I learned because I am all hips and butt (thanks mom ha ha) that mermaids I would nee a size 20 so accommodate the hips. Tighter the skirt the bigger size plus alterations. I recommend A-line as two consultants encouraged me to emphasize my waist but I almost got a mermaid. I would try on a variety of styles and think if you want to pay alterations after when choose the style.

I'm not a curvy bride, but I did call the bridal shops I wanted to visit prior and made sure they had what I wanted so I told them my size & height & budget. I didn't want to go in a shop that had a small selection under 2k and be disappointed. So I'd just call & make sure they have a good selection for you! I would make sure you eat before & are hydrated, and bring a water bottle.

This advice isn't specific to just curvy brides, but if you don't feel 100% sure about a dress, DON'T buy it! Most dress shops have really strict return/exchange policies and SO many brides (including myself) have dress regret. If you're on the fence, sleep on it. You can always go back and get it if you find that you just can't stop thinking about one particular dress! Also if you feel like you aren't finding anything that's just right, don't stress because you still have lots of time. I speak from experience in all of this, I promise Best of luck, I hope you find the one!

Don't let an associate there talk you into a dress you don't completely love. I have heard a lot of them do that and they probably end up making money off of the ones they "sell"

Try on several styles and silhouettes! You will be surprised at what you think will look good on you verse what actually looks best on you. Stick to your budget. Don't try on anything that exceeds your budget unless you are wiling to pay for it. Don't be afraid to be picky! This is a big decision and you want to make sure you are 100% happy with what you choose. It's also okay to try on several dresses at multiple stores! I went to 3 different bridal boutiques and tried on around 25 dresses before finally saying yes! And have fun! This is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning

Same here I am curvy with a little waist and big butt so my dress has to be customized. My measurements were all over the size chart. Size 14 bust size 10 waist and size 18 hips . I got a size 18 dress and they will alter the bust and waist to fit.

At least you were told in advance that the size would be bigger. I didn't realize until I tried on the dresses and thought I needed to go on a strict diet. I think it does depend on the type of dress as well. I agree with a previous post by Brittney that you should try on dresses you would never would. I kept saying I did not want a dress with lace but ended up with a dress with lace. I also went with a completely different style than what I thought I wanted. I was dreading dress shopping as I'm not a shopper to begin with but the bridal shop made it fun and I truly felt like a queen. Go in with an open mind. Let them make suggestions. But most importantly have fun.

It blew my mind on the sizing and I was very happy someone told me about how you're always quoted 2-3 times your street size. So I kept an open mind when I was trying on dresses. Try all the types of dresses on. You will be surprised by what you'll love for yourself. It's normal not to find the one at the first store so keep a positive mind at that. You're getting married to the love of your life. Enjoy this moment! This is one of the fun parts and congratulations!!

Since this is your first appointment, the best advice is really just being in the moment! Have a few pictures (maybe a pinterest board) of the type of dress you imagine yourself in - the consultant you are working with will be able to get your measurements and lead you in the right direction style wise. Know what type of dress will make you feel confident and how you envision your day, but also be open to loving something new and unexpected!

Go in with an open mind that once you have *YOUR dream dress* it will fit you like a glove, and the appointment will be samples! I'll be honest, I have no idea what my wedding dress was sized for, and the women at the shop seemed very adamant in reminding me "wedding dress sizes are different from regular clothing" in a way that made me think this is a pretty common issue that people get worried about, so if you're cool with the size, then good, size is out of the way now onto style

I agree with the other posters and wanted to add that you should try on any dress you want even if you don't think it will look good on you. As a curvy bride when I was looking on Pinterest I was always looking for what I thought would look good. I would see dresses that I loved but tell myself they weren't for me. I ended up in a dress very similar to what I thought wouldn't work for me. Also make sure that they aren't squeezing you into bras. I was told the shops had bras so I didn't need to bring one but they weren't big enough. They squeezed me into one which made all the dresses look bad since I was bulging all over the place. :o) I finally asked to take it off and it was much better. Have fun!!

As someone who is experiencing a little dress regret, try on dresses you don't think you'll like and TAKE PICTURES!! Sleep on it, even if you love a dress, sleep on it, and look at those pics!! I would try on literally every type of dress just so you know what you don't want, and what you lean more toward! Even if you think in your head you know..just take advantage of the time and try it all on!!

Try on ALL styles. The one you least expect often times ends up being the one you end up falling in love with. A ballgown or A line dress fits our body types best. I ended up going with an A line. Good luck!