Plus Sized Dresses

Rebecca Ingram

Azazie, and they do custom sizing.

Following!

I'm right in your size range and I've had 8 bridal appointments where I tried on dresses by the following designers:

Eddy K
Allure
Wtoo by Watters (absolutely hated this brand; lacked support)
Essense of Australia
Stella York
Sophia Tolli
Maggie Sottero
Sottero and Midgley
Casablanca
Morilee by Madeline Gardner
Hayley Paige

And for dresses in that price range ($****), the Essense of Australia and Stella York (same brand group) dresses BLEW ME AWAY. The boning is strong and placed in all the right spots and the lining is thick and smoothing. I also find that the materials are gorgeous and feel luxurious, plus the construction details I'm picky about (loud crinolines, awkwardly placed seams, etc.) are always a nonissue with these brands. And most of all, I've found that their plus gowns are cut differently than the straight size gowns, indicating that they are really made with a plus body in mind (and not just sized up from the size 6 sample). Plus, at least at the salons I've discussed pricing with, neither Essense nor Stella have a surcharge for plus-size gowns. Essense Brands also offers hollow to hem measurements (essentially custom length) so you don't have to pay for hemming in alterations. All in all, I've found them to be an exceptional brand for plus size brides in every way.

And since no one has said it yet, David's Bridal has a great selection of plus size bridal gowns (and plus size samples in their store; can't emphasize the importance of that enough). It's not my cup of tea, but I know many, many plus-sized brides have had great experiences there and felt welcome (which is so, so important).

I also second Azazie for plus size bridesmaid dresses! I am maid of honor in a wedding this summer and ordered 4 sample gowns from Azazie to try on at home and was happy with the sizing, fit, and construction on all of them. DB bridesmaid dresses also come in plus sizes, so if you go that route with your dress, it can be a very one stop shop sort of experience!

Good luck and happy shopping!

I got a stella york. Stella York and Essence of Australia were my two favorites.

Leading Ladies L.A. is a new brand that I came across when looking for plus size bridesmaid dresses. Size inclusive and very affordable too! (Under $100) Good luck!!