Plus Size Dress Shopping Anxiety

Yes I know where you're coming from I have so much pressure to look just right as bride and it's frustrating I haven't even gone dress shopping yet and my wedding is in 9 months I'm terrified at the thought. What type of shape wear did you buy?

Honestly I just went to Marshall's. Not sure what brand but it's the shorts that go up to right under your bra. My tummy area is really the only area I am concerned about!

I will say that a lot of the dress styles are so structured, the majority of your body will appear smooth, no matter how many lumps you're working with (I have the same anxiety right now, even without being technically plus sized). The main anxiety area is usually arms, and that can be solved with a sleeve overlay if necessary. So, in other words, shapewear may make you feel better in the dressing room, but is unlikely to make a difference with the dress, unless your heart is set on something slinky.

Don't worry at all. I was so incredibly anxious leading up to my first appointment worrying that I'd be hanging out the back of everything and I would just have to hold things up in front of me because there was no sizes I could fit into. But it ended up being a great experience and there were so many options to try on it my size it made me feel great! There were even times they had to clip it up because the dress was too big... that's NEVER been a problem I've had in my life! Try not to worry, you will look beautiful in the dress you choose and you'll feel beautiful in it!

I was that way before going and when she went to put the first dress on me and I couldn't get it over my chest I almost started crying, she told me to hang on and she came back with a bigger size, the dresses won't fit you perfect but if your consultant is good she will show you how it will look when it fits properly. Try on different styles and trust the consultant, they see many body types and know what will look good. I didn't wear shape wear but I plan on buying a longline bra. When you are trying on dresses just remember you are beautiful and your FH thinks so too with all the lumps and everything! Try to have fun when you find the right dress you will know, i didn't cry but I knew.

Thank you everyone! <3

I had the same anxiety. After my first 2 dress shops, I ended up going to a boutique that caters specifically to plus sized brides. It was an incredible experience. The long line bra was also a life saver, I ended up buying one from the boutique. I agree with the above poster ... a good consultant will be able to make this a great experience for you.

I was so afraid I would look like a sausage tied in the middle with string or all my rolls would show or I would look pregnant (I'm 64 and looking pregnant is not a good look at my age). My dress has a sheer back and I can't wear shapewear with it, so I was really worried. But a good consultant will work with you and help you to find something flattering. I'm sure you'll find something you love and you'll look beautiful.

I was stunned at how different styles really make an impact on how the dress fits. As a plus size bride (size 22 street) I am terrified trying anything on! I know lots of people have had mixed experiences at David's Bridal but I could not have been more pleased with the service I received. I tried on several different styles that I thought would work best with my body type and none of them were working at all. I was on the verge of tears when my stylist pulled a dress I would have never selected on my own and it fit perfect! Not only was the fit perfect I was instantly in love with the dress. Just be open minded and try on styles that you might not normally do.

Depending on the brand, I range from a 22-26. I was seriously anxious about trying on dresses. I've been to two shops so far, and while I haven't found the one, I've been able to try on dresses at each one. I made sure to call the shops before I went to see what size samples they carried. I refuse to buy my dress without trying it on--holding it up to my body isn't good enough.

Try to relax and enjoy it. And trust in the consultant...I had my mind set on one type of dress, and now I've tried on other styles and my vision has changed. Good luck!

I started on a whim by going into our little local bridal shop just to look. The girl wasnt busy so we talked and though it wasnt planned she actually helped me try on a bunch of different styles. I looked like a giant ass marshmallow in ALL of them and I was totally considering a colored bridesmaid dress after that. Went to Davids Bridal an hour away and had an amazing experience. With the bra and slip they gave me I actually looked great and no marshmallow look in any of the dresses I tried on! Found my dress and I know you will too!

I had anxiety, too. But my consultant was really sweet and encouraging. She fussed at me b/c I picked dresses from the clearance rack that were too big for me. She brought me one that I didn't think would fit and it did. I ended up liking it and walking out the door with it.

You all are so sweet and helpful. Thank you so much! I feel so much better. Now I just want to go and try some stuff on!!

Yea I was the same way but when I was trying on dresses and then found my dress I never felt more beautiful in my life! I'm sure you will have the same luck! Try to enjoy yourself!

Keep an open mind and try on different silhouettes. You'll find that dress that makes you look & feel like a beautiful bride!

There have been a number of threads on here with "plus size" brides showing their dresses and they all look gorgeous! Search and look through one of you need inspiration. Have fun tomorrow!

I have always struggled with my weight and I'm at the highest I've ever been at the worst timing ever. But let me tell you. I didn't wear shape wear dress shopping and I felt beautiful still. It's not like trying on jeans. They have shape to them to begin with. Most of them flatter more than anything. Relax. Have fun. Don't fuss about a number.

YES! I was SO nervous. I bought shapewear, but David's Bridal just wound up putting me in one of their long bras anyway. Everyone told me that I would be fine, and I didn't believe them, but it really was great! You're going to be surprised at how beautiful you feel in some of those dresses. Try not to stress the dress, you've got this!

Here's the thing, the bridal consultants at the shops want YOU to be to as beautiful as ever. The good ones will go above and beyond the call of duty to find the perfect garments for trying on many different dresses. I wouldn't buy anything yet, until you've found a dress.

Do you happen to live on the west coast? I highly, HIGHLY recommend Strut Bridal. They're a plus size boutique and the girls who work in there are amazing!

Well ladies, if you didn't see my other post, I said yes to the dress!!! I adore it. And honestly, I didn't even use the shapewear I purchased, which means I can wear something much sexier underneath on my wedding day

ETA Thank you so much for all of y'all's advice and encouragement. The appointment went wonderfully and I felt absolutely beautiful as soon as I put my dress on. And I didn't want to take it off!

Yay! Pics to share?