I'm scared of going wedding dress shopping

I'm so sorry you feel this way. I just wanted to comment that losing 15 lbs is a major accomplishment. Don't minimize that.

I completely understand negative body image. Have you tried shape wear? It might be the trick you need to smooth out your curves and get the hourglass shape you know you have. Either way, be open to other silhouettes. You might find that one flatters you more than you think!

ETA: There is also no such thing as an ugly bride. Congrats on your progress so far and use it as motivation to keep you going! We're all rooting for you.

I actually went shopping for shapewear, but most of it didn't improve my shape. If anything, some of them made it worse!

No worries and deep breaths Focus on having fun first. Try some silly things you would never wear. Jump in that giant ballgown for giggles. Just remember that if something doesn't look good, it's not your fault. The dress just isn't the one for you! Take a look at the thread of dresses we didn't pick. A lot of us laugh at them! There WILL be something that makes you feel beautiful. Just have to look for it!

I completely understand. I was in exactly the same boat! I'm very hourglass-y, but I'm also REALLY bottom heavy with a huge bootie/hips/love handles. I tried to lose weight before shopping, but ended up gaining some.

When I went in to start dress shopping, I was terrified. I was literally physically shaking. I was honest with my stylist about my concerns and she helped me look at dresses that were better for my body type (which ended up being ball gowns). I ended up with a dress I'm totally in love with and I feel really great in! Don't despair.

The right shape wear does wonders (not saying you need it but I definitely did) I'd recommend waiting until you go shopping to use the shape wear to be honest. The consultants usually know what will work best. As someone who has years worth of body image issues wedding dress shopping was one of the best experiences.

Just go in with an open mind and remember you. Are. Beautiful. And this dress will only enhance that, it's not the be all end all.

I am excited to go dress shopping but in the back of my head i have the same fears of not looking good in dresses or feeling fat. Doesn't help that bridal dresses run small. Woosahhhhh just ignore the sizing #s on the dress and try all different types of dresses on and you'll find an amazing dress that makes you feel fantastic!! And losing 15lbs is a huge deal congrats!! I want to lose 50lbs before my wedding and i've been such a slacker. I'm going dress shopping in June and i need to knock some lbs off!!!

Believe me, I get it! I wanted to lose way more than I actually did. Best advice I can give? Go with a completely open mind. Wedding dresses are structured completely different than anything you have ever tried on. Try not to judge a dress too much on the hangar. You will be surprised how much different it looks on your body. Have an idea of what you want but again, don't be afraid to try on something different. I cannot tell you how many brides (including myself) bought a dress they never imagined themselves liking. Do you hair and makeup that day, it will give you a good idea of the overall look. And just relax and have fun!! You will find a beautiful dress and will look amazing in it!!

First of all, eliminate the word "only" when describing your weight loss. Anything you're doing to be more healthy should be celebrated!! This is a lifestyle change and slow and steady wins the race.

Bring in pictures of styles you like. Hopefully the consultant you'll be working with will be able to show you what will look good for your shape. Know that the sample dress is not going to fit you. I'm a petite person and when I found "the dress", they had to put in many binder clips and the length was super long. However I took a leap of faith and when my dress arrived in a size closer to me, it was everything I could have imagined and more.

You WILL find the right dress and you WILL be the most beautiful bride on your wedding day!! Congrats!

Well that made me feel great. >.>

46-36-46 here, size 18ish. I love my dress and how I look in it. It smooths everything out and gives me an awesome silhouette. Look for dresses with a very structured bodice to help with problem areas.

Ashley I was afraid too but was truly pleasantly surprised when I went shopping! The biggest thing to remember is DONT pay attention to the numbers on the dress because the sizing is always wrong.

In college I was a plus size model at a size 12/14 and with wide hips I always believed the best dresses on me were loose and flowy. When I look at pictures, I always look best in the gowns that were more fitted. I had the same fears about my wedding gown but ended up choosing something fitted and I'm so glad!

15 pounds is incredible AND you still have a year to lose more weight if you wish!

Also, I went with a ball gown because that's what I wanted. Silly me, I didn't realize I should be trying to hide myself beneath my dress. Guess I just got lucky, eh? >.>

Hi Ashley - I have the same shape situation, along with the excess 'love handles'. I'm fearing that I will have the same issue because I've gained an uncomfortable amount of weight (for me) in the past year or so. Definitely be honest with your bridal consultant and try on every silhouette. Bring your supportive friends and have fun. Go into it with an open mind and you'll come out with something you love!

ETA: DO NOT LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THE DRESS - each designer uses their own guidelines... many will make you feel worse.

The perfect dress is out there for you. Don't be afraid to try on different styles. Many brides have ended up falling in love with a dress that is very different than what they originally imagined. Try to go into it with a positive frame of mind. Most of us don't have perfect bodies, and we still end up finding flattering dresses that we love. You will too!

Congrats on the 15 pounds!!!!

That's a huge accomplishment. I think a lot of us are and were worried when going to try on bridal gowns. But I believe it's truly trial and error until you find the dress that makes you feel amazing. Since you are worried about specific things I would definitely find a bridal shop that has dresses that you are able to try on appropriately without feeling like you are squeezing into a dress that's 3 sizes too small. I learned that after a few appointments and it makes a world of a difference. Good luck to you!!!

Congrats on losing 15 lbs! That is hard work. As far as dress shopping goes, i feel you. I went in January and was the heaviest I've ever been. I didn't want to buy a dress without losing some weight, but I also didn't want to push back shopping too far so there was time for it to come in and get alterations. I ended up going and found a A-line dress that was perfect. It covered the areas that made me stress really well, while showing off the areas I'm happier with. You will just have to go and try on all sorts of dresses and figure out what you feel most comfortable in!

15 pounds is an incredible accomplishment! And hey, you still have another year, so if you would feel more comfortable losing more, go for it! It doesn't all have to be before dress shopping.

I'm also planning on losing about 15-20 pounds before I'm married. I'm starting slow (actually tomorrow I'm starting on my new lifestyle of working out harder and clean eating). My first appointment for trying on dresses is in 11 days. I should see some small improvements by then if I stick to it. The key is to not stress yourself out. If you go off track and have a day full of pizza, pop, chicken wings, chocolate, and potato chips, get back on track the next day.

I'm sure you will look beautiful! Corset backs are always a good option when looking at different styles. You will find something that makes you forget about the little insecurities. Make sure you update us with some pictures after your appointment! Looking forward to hearing how the day goes for you. Keep your head up, beautiful!

I'm plus sized and was worried about finding a dress that I love and look good/feel pretty in. You will find a dress and when you know you've found the right one, you won't care about body image. I gained some weight after buying my dress, but I'm just a few pounds away from my buying weight. I've lost almost 14 lbs over the last 3 weeks. You have plenty of time. Try to enjoy this, you only get to do it once.

I understand that you feel insecure about your body and I'm sorry you feel that way. It sounds like you are succeeding so far in your weight loss, and you still have plenty of time to loose more for whatever your goal is. I don't think that a size 8 is real big. I'm between sizes 6 and 8 depending on the dress, because I'm pretty straight figured. When you go dress shopping, don't feel scared, imagine your goal while trying dresses on. Later on down the road closer to your date, you can have the dress altered when you reach your goal. And a size 8 should be fairly easy to be altered to fit. You'll be alright

The right dress will make you look amazing! No matter what size/shape you are!