Finding the perfect wedding dress can be one of the most stressful parts of planning a wedding, and when you’re looking at plus size wedding dresses, that stress can increase as the number of choices available in your size diminishes. Luckily there are more and more high street retailers realising that there is a huge market for plus size wedding dresses, and here at Plus Size Tall, we’ve compiled our top seven tips for finding your dream dress.

There are plenty of options out there for those who are happy to search, and it is best to give yourself as much time as possible so that you can get the dress tailored if needs be.

1. Good underwear is the building block to the perfect dress.

As with every outfit, having good underwear is the all-important first step. Whether you want something which lifts, sucks, tucks or all of the above, there is a bridal range which will cater to your need. There is a misconception that bridal underwear is designed to be pretty and floaty.china wholesale bridesmaid dresses This can be true for the skimpier items, but for the most part bridal underwear consists of gravity defying strapless bras and Basques with more pull then ten pairs of Spanx! We particularly love the Panache Evie Bridal Basque (46) from Simply Be which is both beautiful and feminine with pretty, floral embroidered lace. The Basque has under-wired cups, suspender attachments and adjustable straps to give you several options of how it best fits with your chosen dress. It’s also very important to have a dress fitting in your chosen underwear as some of it – corsets especially – will drastically change the shape of your body.
2. Know your body shape.

Different body shapes will suit different types of plus size wedding dresses, so it is helpful to have a rough idea of what shape suits you and what parts of you body you want to flaunt or hide. An A-Line shape is flattering on most figures as it skims over the hips, whilst full ballgown skirts will add roundness to the area. However don’t be scared to break the rules – the best thing to do is to try on a range of styles, and see which ones makes you melt when you view your reflection.

3. Weight Changes.swim bikini

Whilst planning your dream wedding, there is a real chance of your weight fluctuating due to stress and if you’re buying your dress early on, this is something important to keep in mind. Of course it is always advisable to visit a tailor to get your chosen dress fitted properly, but you don’t want to have too many big changes to make in the final run-up to your wedding.

Additionally, it is inadvisable to buy a dress several dresses to small with the aim of “fitting into it”. Not only is this bad for your self-confidence, you really don’t want to add something else to your list of things to worry about. And if by the end, you haven’t fit into the dress you’re stuck as it’s much harder to take a dress out, than it is to take one in.
4. Seasonal Fabrics.

The choice of dress fabric is often in keeping with seasonal trends.ball gown wedding dress Lace and lighter weight fabrics are perfect for the warmer weather, whilst heavier dresses made from fabrics such as ribbed silk are much more suited to Autumn and Winter. The weight of the dress is just as important as the fabric, and it is good to keep in mind that additional adornments such as beading can add a substantial amount of additional heaviness. Most brides will be wearing their dress for at least five hours, so you need to ensure that you will be comfortable standing in it for that long.
5. Cover-Ups.

As well as the underwear and plus size wedding dresses themselves, cover-ups are another essential tip, especially in the Winter. Whether you want to feel a little more covered, or simply want to add some more drama or warmth, a cover-up can transform the feel of your chosen look greatly. For a Winter wedding, we love this Snow Queen style Ivory Stand Up Collar Bolero (45) from Début at Debenhams.cheap demetrios wedding dresses made in china
6. Tailoring.

Perhaps the most important piece of advice given to a plus size bride is to not buy a dress just because it comes in your size. If you’re not in love with it, keep looking. Remember you can have your dress tailored to fit you perfectly if required. Don’t let the sales-clerk push you into a particular style and if you’re visiting a shop in person, try to take a friend or two with you as back-up and to offer a second opinion. You must feel comfortable and special in your chosen dress, something which should be non-negotiable in your plus size wedding dress search. The way a garment fits can make all the difference in the world to how you look AND feel.
7. Comfort.

Even the most stunning dress in the world won’t look great if you’re constantly pulling it up or tugging it down with a stressed and uncomfortable look on your face. You’re going to be stood in the that dress on full display for quite some time, so consider whether you can stand, sit, get in and out of cars, walk and move around with ease.

When trying on your dress, don’t just look in the mirror standing up. Sit down, check the back and make sure that there are no bulges or rolls on display. Many dresses are laced up, so the dress should fit you perfectly with capes and boleros also a good aid in hiding anything which you’re not happy with being seen.

If the thought of being stood in your heavy dress all night fills you with dread, then bring a second evening dress to change into once you’ve arrived at your reception and had your photos and first dance taken care of. Then you should be free to enjoy the rest of your special day in comfort and style.