Plus Size Brides! Dress shopping experiences

I was so dreading dress shopping because I was sure that I won't be able to fit into anything and/or I wouldn't look good in any style dress.

I called a local shop to verify they had my size (I'm wasn't about to buy a dress without being able to try it on)...I got there & they had 0 dresses within my budget to try on. They would hold dresses up against me; but seriously...you have no way of knowing how it would fit. I left for a DB appt next & found my dress! I wore a longline bra & I would recommend trying on different styles to see what you like the best.

Pics at DB & after I had it altered by a local seamstress (I can not recommend DB for alterations).

Thanks ladies! That's where one of my appointments is at!

They have great dresses in every price range too

If you're in the Tri-state area, go to the curvy bride in Manalapan, NJ. It's where I found my dress. It's catered for women sizes 16-36

I went to a small boutique shop first and was able to try on some. They clipped me in most of them but I was able to get a feel for the dress. Second time I went to David's bridal. I tried on plenty but I really disliked how my consultant treated us (abandoning us 15-20 minutes to help another bride- just walked away didn't even explain)

I didn't find anything there I like any way

Last place was RK bridal in NYC. They have 1000s of dresses and they had a whole section of dresses I could try on. That's where I found my gown.

I brought my own under garments with me to all of my appointments so I felt comfortable changing in the room.

(I flipped the picture so you could see the whole dress)

I'm a street size 24 and ordered a 26.

The sample was a 24 and it just fit so we went up for my hips.

I first went to Davids bridal and the guy I had wasn't very helpful but I found a couple I liked. I went back to a diff DB to show my mom and they only had it in 2 sizes too small so my mom couldn't see it properly and the sales girl told me size 1-2 sizes up from my size. My mom talked me into looking into other places and I went to like 5 bridal salons, even going out of state looking. One shop was specifically for plus size woman which was super nice to not have to worry. There was only one store i called and they told me they don't carry above a 16 (but they can order up to a 32) so I just didn't go to that shop because I wouldn't be able to truly get a feel for it that much smaller. My mind just kept going back to the original DB dress and I ordered it a size up like the girl suggested. When the dress came in I was swimming in it so I decided to exchange for a size down and they luckily had just gotten that size in the store so I could try it on and make sure it wasn't too tight and I was able to take it home. Over all it wasn't that horrible of an experience a lot of bridal designers go up to a size 32 and I was able to get a good feel of what the dresses would look like on me. I love my dress it's all lace but I kind of regret not getting a more ~princess~ dress but I know I'll love being comfortable on my wedding day.

Was told to go to a store more fit for me after I tried on down dresses at what was obviously a petite store (but not advertised as such) so after feeling embarrassed that I couldn't fit in my dress I went to the one they recommended and realized you can be treated like the queen you are without feeling bad for having a curvy body. I bought the 3rd dress at the 3rd boutique I went to. All others weren't making me that excited. Until this one!

Dress

Ladies thank you!!! Your dresses are gorgeous! Definitely feeling a little better! Will I look ridiculous if I bring full out full coverage spanx, like the waist to knee ones?

No lol I wore those too hahah

I specifically searched for plus size bridal salons and I'm so glad I did! I found my dress in a cute boutique that treated my like a queen and had tons of dresses that I fit in!! I bought an essence of Australia dress. They've been great all through alterations too.

I also wore spanx. Wear whatever undergarments you want to wear during your wedding.

I had a great experience at a shop away from home. It was the only place close ish that had the dress so I could try it on. I ordered it locally to me. Both shops were great and accommodating to me.

You'll be fine Don't get number shock on the sizes; that was my big mistake when I went to my first appointment which was actually at a plus sized bridal boutique, when I saw the size on one I put on I got nauseous, but you have to try and ignore that. Bridal gowns are sized very differently than most regular clothing. I think trying a plus size store first might be helpful; these people are trained and know the ins and outs of fitting a curvier woman and they are generally super understanding and helpful. Not once did the lady fitting me make me feel weird when I had to get basically naked in front of her, belly and all. The second shop I went to was a "normal" sized shop, and luckily they only schedule appointments one at a time so I had the whole salon to myself. Beyond that, I made sure to advise them ahead of time I was on the bigger end of the spectrum and they were so nice about it. Never judged, or from what I felt. They were all super pretty skinny ladies but they made me feel beautiful. That's where I got my gown. Don't feel insecure; every bride is beautiful. Play up your assets and go in with a positive attitude It also helped I had washed my hair and put on a little makeup. If you feel your best you look your best. Here is my HP, in a very small sample size (but will be better fitted of course when mine comes in):

I did not have any luck at my local DB due to the staff. I ended up at Rienzi in Vineland as they had the AA dress that I wanted. I'm not sure about their selection specifically for plus size (they had mine in plus) but the staff there is amazing! As other said keep in mind bridal sizes are often several sizes bigger than street sizes. I had a mini meltdown when I found out what size my dress was lol.

I went to a store that has a whole "curvy" section, so all the dresses I tried on fit (with the help of clamps, etc.) but no embarrassingly too small dresses. I was also nervous about being undressed in front of a stranger, but they gave me a slip that went up to above my belly button and then I had my bra, so it wasn't that uncomfortable after all. I only went to 1 store, so I can't speak for others, but I'm glad I went to a place that specifically caters to curvy sizes as well. I only brought my mom and sister with me, and thank goodness because there was no hiding anything in there!

Make sure your hair and makeup look cute. I made the mistake of trying dresses one when I wasn't feeling so cute and it was awful.

Also, try on all different styles.

I was pleasantly surprised by my experience. I made sure before I went into my appointments that I reminded myself that wedding dresses are purposefully sized wonky and that no matter what, my FH loves me for me. It ended up being a lot of fun and the places where the dresses didn't look good, I was surprised to realize it had nothing to do with my body image but because the dress didn't flatter me. I suggest starting some good 'body talk' before you go so that when you look in the mirror the voice that wins out is the one that reminds you that you are beautiful and YOU make a dress...not the other way around!!

Here's my dress, but may end up going with the blue skirt...

ETA: I ended up going to a boutique that catered to sizes 14-30. Not only was the service heads and shoulders above national chains, but their dresses were much more flattering than others I tried on. Also, I most definitely wore the knee to waist Spanx underneath....never wear a dress without 'em.

I bought this at the Curvy Bride in manalapan nj. Amazing plus size selection. This is an Essence of Australia that I got off the rack and added sleeves for $499.

I really only went to DB but I found they had a pretty good selection of gowns in various styles to try on. I'm a street size 18/20 and a bridal size 22. I did call several other independent bridal stores to see if they had specific styles in my size, and I looked up online to see which stores carried sample sizes over 14, of which there were a decent number. As for DB, I would look at gowns online and make a note of their style number. Call your local store(s) to see if they have a sample in stock in or near your size. I was able to try on a good number of gowns I specifically wanted to try on this way, and it helped the consultant know what styles I was interested in. I also wore full-on spanx (high waist shorts) so don't be embarrassed about that!