When it comes to a plus size bridesmaid dress, every bridesmaid desires to be amongst the best dressed of the bridal entourage. Whether the theme of bridal party outfits is the contemporary mismatched design or the conventional sequin dress design, you can always look amazing. Here are some few pointers for plus size ladies that can help you achieve your dazzling desired look.
As they say, a journey of a thousand miles starts with one step. This is true when it comes to picking out your bridesmaid dress. Your first step on this journey is to take a moment to imagine and envision how your dress ought to look like. What are you looking to present on D-Day? Are you going for something whimsical, magical, and fairy-tale-like, or a more contemporary, formal-like, and functional taste? Would you like your dress to be simple or detailed, plain, or embroidered or with additional style details? Come up with a basic and rough idea of sorts and keep a mental note on the same.
In outlining what you desire for your outfit look, your taste and preferences will help guide your way. However, do not shy away from giving a second thought to styles and designs that are unconventional to your palate. Trying something new may be a pleasant surprise and will turn heads once you arrive at the wedding venue. Keep an open mind and have fun as you come up with various ideas. The following factors will help you ascertain what you would like:
- The theme of the wedding – pick a dress that is in sync with the color and feel of the wedding.
- The specifications of the bride – of course, it is her day. Never slight her input and preferences as you pick your bridesmaid dress. Try your best to accommodate most of her views if not all, if she wants all bridesmaid dresses to have thigh-high slits or a countryside vibe, do oblige.
- Complementary effect to the bride’s gown – your dress and that of the bride should all come together as a whole and should not appear to be isolated and estranged fragments. Typically, most brides tend to identify their gown first and then have her bridesmaids look for something complementary.
- The season – having the wedding during winter or spring will heavily influence the kind of dress you pick such as whether you will opt for a short or full-length dress, or a full sleeve or sleeveless dress amongst other details.
- Your body type – consider whether you are top heavy, bottom heavy or relatively even throughout your frame. Pick designs that highlight your best features, such as your neckline or legs, and simultaneously downplay your not-so-good features, such as your belly area or extremely thick hips.
Remember, your rough outline will help guide you on where to start the search for your ideal bridesmaid dress. With thousands of bridesmaids boutiques and fashion houses offering exceptional pieces, you really would want to have a bearing on which boutiques you should prioritize visiting. Here is the rest of the guide on how to pick out the best plus size bridesmaid dress ever!
1. Start your Search Early
Preparation is key when it comes to weddings. Usually, there tends to be high expectations for seamless and excellent looks, and at times the pressure may be crippling. Be wiser and avoid the last-minute hustle by beginning your research early. Search for designers or brands that best epitomize and actualize your bridesmaid gown vision.
A search may take hours, days, or even months! Don’t be in a rush. Carefully gloss over the pictures, commentaries, and reviews of the designers and brands you like. You can go to their websites, Instagram pages, or even visit their physical stores if they are nearby. Get to know the quality of their work and the various designs they feature. Take note of every important detail and make a list of the various designs you like, briefly stating why you like them.This information will help refine your outline. Additionally, adjust or tweak your rough outline adding more intricate details on what you would want and what you would not want.
You could even include additional styles that you may be willing to try on. Patiently go through the features of each design that appeals to you – examine its color, length, cuts, and unique details. In the instance where there the betrothed couple has contracted the services of a designer to attend to the details and specifications of the bridal party’s outfits, you can let them know what your preferences are and have them recommend which designs, brands or designers you can look into.
2. The Size Chart is your Best Friend.
The importance of sizing cannot be understated. This comes in handy especially when you are ordering online. Unfortunately, several bridesmaid designs do not come in plus size or have a limited range of plus size sizes. Always inquire whether the brand or store has your size. Bear in mind that sizes change from designer to designer and country to country. The best way to avoid the pitfalls of purchasing a size too big or too small is to know your body measurements.
Do not purchase a dress simply because it is in the plus size category and the model showcasing the piece, looks just about your size. Ascertain your measurements to the very detail. Use the most recent measurements of your bust, waistline, and hips and cross-check with the designer’s size chart. Pick the fit that closely aligns with your body measurements.
Avoid picking smaller sizes, that you intend to ‘slim down’ into them before the wedding. This may present several hurdles as you cannot accurately project how much weight you would have shed by the wedding day. If you are looking to drop a few pounds, do that before you start your bridesmaid dress search. This is because different designs frame and flatter your body size differently. A design that you may have picked before your weight loss, may not look as gorgeous when you become a couple of sizes smaller.
3. Check Your Budget
Having ascertained the styles and designs you will be going for, take time to consider their prices and whether they are within your budget. Bridesmaid dresses can be quite costly, especially, if you go for high-end and globally renowned designers. You can fine-tune your search by adding a price filter. If you are looking for a classic but budget-friendly dress you could consider browsing for some second-hand pieces of the same design. Alternatively, you can purchase the samples of the designs, which are far cheaper than obtaining a brand new one. You could also shop on websites devoted to the donation of wedding dresses and bridesmaid gowns.
However, if you don’t mind splurging on your dress and would like a unique piece, you can opt to custom-make your dress. Custom- making ensures the dress is to your exact specifications in design, style, and size. The best part about it is that you will be the only one in the world rocking that particular dress! If this is your preferred mode, ensure that you get a reputable designer with proven prowess in reproducing excellent work, preferably reproducing your desired design. Make every effort to ensure that you place your order early enough so that the tailoring, delivery, and fitting take place weeks before the wedding. We don’t want any missed deadlines!
4. Order a Sample
This is a critical step and can be what enables you to choose between two or more dress options. Several bridal outlets have this facility and allow you to order samples at a stipulated fee which ought to be returned within a week. Having a sample to try on will help you ascertain the type of fabric, the fit, and sizing of the dress and help you see how you look in real life.
If your online boutique does not have samples to send your way, you can order a sample fabric instead. This will help you appreciate the exact color or hue the dress comes in and the kind of undergarments it should be worn with. For instance, if the fabric is extremely light and flimsy it would necessitate that you have on heavy-duty shapewear and an appropriate bra to tighten your flabby areas and smoothen you out.
If you are purchasing from a physical store, request to fit into the dress. You can tag along a friend or two to help weigh in on your decision. Examine its fit on your body frame and whether it is comfortable. To make the most out of your fitting, look to wear appropriate undergarments and shoes that are or mirror those you would be wearing during the wedding. Undergarments heavily impact on your overall appearance. A snug and well-fitted bra will make your chest area appealing, and conversely a loose bra you will make you appear to have a larger droopy chest.
5. Budget Time for any Alterations
A trick which most plus size girls employ is to order a size larger than their actual size. If the sample received was well-fitting, you need not do this. However, if the sample was too tight and the measurements of the next size too large, it would be preferable to purchase the larger one and have your tailor make the requisite adjustments. Notably, it is easier to decrease the measurements of any clothing than to increase the same. Ensure you purchase your dress early enough to have ample time to make any alterations and adjustments for that perfect fit.
6. Accessorize Your Plus Size Bridesmaid Dress
Don’t just consider your dress and forget to invest in your accessories. Accessorizing goes a long way to complete any outfit. It can make even the simplest look, stand out and look like a fashion magazine cover. Carefully select your:
- Jewelry – your earrings, rings, bangles, or neckpieces should work together to achieve your desired overall look. You can pick a jewelry set that consists of matching earrings, neckpieces and hair adornments or you can select each piece from your personal collection of jewelry.
- Wedding shoes – your selection of shoes should be influenced by the length and style of your bridesmaid dress. You can pick a shoe that sharply contrasts the outfit and stands out as a statement piece. In this case, have it as your primary accessory. For instance, you can have a boldly colored or print stiletto or strappy heels. Alternatively, you can have a complimentary pair that is equally elegant as the dress and does not overshadow your look. You can opt for a pair of crystal clear heels that combine both simplicity and elegance or a shoe that has some shine and sparkle that closely resembles that of your dress. Whatever the case, ensure that your shoe is perfect for the dress and event.
- Hairstyle – pick one that is complementary to your dress. You can opt for an updo if you want to showcase the unique embroidery or neckline cut of your bridesmaid dress. Alternatively, you can wear your hair down for a more casual and simple look. Experiment with different hairstyles before you pick one that suits you. Ask around for one that is guaranteed to flatter your face and your dress. Check out our article on hairstyles here.
- Makeup – You can choose between a heavy makeup look or one that is mild and natural. How you prefer your make up done is predominantly a matter of personal choice. If you have a personal makeup artist, you can have them recommend and try on some looks on you, for you to choose the best fit. Alternatively, if you do your own makeup you can experiment on some makeup techniques to see what you like. Preferably do this several days before the wedding day and not on the actual wedding day so that you master and deliver on the look you are going for.
Final Thoughts
Always endeavor to put your best foot forward. Weddings are memorable times of joy and celebration. Pick a dress that makes your looks and the wedding as a whole unforgettable. Amazon has several bridesmaid dresses available to get your visualization juices going. With this guide, you are well on your way to having an amazing plus size bridesmaid dress that will accentuate your curvy frame and exude style and elegance.
