As avid advocates for size inclusivity in the wedding industry, we’ve often emphasized the importance of providing more options for brides of every shape and size. To further illustrate this point, we’re delighted to share the insights of Michelle Chantelle Hopewell, an Edinburgh-based writer and body empowerment activist who bravely shared her own journey of shopping for a plus-size wedding dress on social media.
Her experiences not only shed light on the challenges faced by many women but also offered valuable tips for navigating the often-daunting world of dress shopping. With this in mind, we’re thrilled to feature Michelle’s thoughts on what she learned during her search for the perfect plus-size bridal attire.
What I Learned from Wedding Dress Shopping as a Plus Size Bride
The plus size wedding dress conundrum is a common challenge many women face. The bridal industry’s plethora of options can suddenly dwindle when it comes to accommodating curvier figures. This dilemma is further exacerbated by our complex relationships with our bodies, making the search for the perfect wedding dress a daunting task. However, being plus size shouldn’t limit one’s shopping experience or the number of choices available.
Instead, it’s essential to acknowledge that every bride deserves to feel confident and beautiful on her special day. Before I got engaged, I spent years curating my ideal wedding dress styles and designs on Pinterest. While having an idea of what you like is great, it’s equally important to see your body reflected in the images you come across. Unfortunately, this wasn’t always the case for me.
As the plus size fashion industry continues to evolve, it’s crucial that we also start seeing ourselves represented within the wedding industry. This realization prompted me to share some valuable tips that helped me navigate the process of finding my perfect wedding dress. By doing so, I hope to empower other plus size brides-to-be and pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse bridal landscape.
Research is Key
When it comes to finding the perfect wedding dress, doing your homework can be the key to avoiding heartbreak. Not every boutique or store may cater to plus-size brides, so it’s essential to do some research beforehand. This involves cutting through the noise, exploring different styles, stores, designers, and materials to gain a clear understanding of what you’re looking for. This will ultimately determine which designers and boutiques to target.
Don’t be hesitant to reach out by phone or email to inquire about the size ranges and options available for plus-size brides, as well as to avoid wasting time visiting stores that may not accommodate your needs. With this approach, you’ll be better equipped to find a dress that makes you feel confident and beautiful on your special day.
Create a Body Shame Free Zone
Leave behind the habit of tearing yourself down and focusing on what’s not good enough. Instead, commit to a journey that celebrates self-acceptance and positivity. Engage in language and behaviors that uplift your body image, and encourage those around you to do the same when sharing opinions or feedback about your experiences. By doing so, you’ll create a supportive environment where you can thrive and grow without self-criticism holding you back.
Forget Sizing
When trying on dresses, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers, but many bridal sizes run small, making them unhelpful indicators of fit. Instead, consider asking your stylist to take measurements and avoiding any discussion of those numbers. This allows you to focus on how each dress makes you feel, rather than getting bogged down in sizing anxiety.
Moreover, it’s crucial not to put pressure on yourself by planning to ‘slim into’ a dress for the big day.
The wedding should be about celebrating who you are, not perpetuating toxic diet culture ideals. By letting go of these expectations, you can truly enjoy the process and find a dress that makes you feel confident and beautiful.
Make Social Media Work For You
While social media can sometimes hinder wedding planning, it’s a game-changer when it comes to finding visual inspiration for plus-size brides like yourself. By searching for hashtags like #plussizebrides, you can uncover a wealth of examples showcasing beautiful and confident brides who have also navigated the journey of body positivity.
Not only will you find stunning visuals that reflect your personal style, but you’ll also be introduced to other brides who are passionate about self-acceptance and celebrating their unique beauty. The ASOS Curve dress featured here is just one example of the many gorgeous options available for plus-size brides.
Get Inventive
When searching for the perfect dress, it’s easy to get stuck in a routine of exploring traditional routes. However, consider thinking outside the box and exploring alternative avenues such as vintage shops, charity stores, and specialist plus-size boutiques that cater to your needs. You may also want to look into bespoke bridal designers who can bring your unique vision to life from scratch.
Additionally, online retailers like ASOS, which now offers a range of curve and plus-size bridal options, are worth considering. Who knows, you might just find the dress of your dreams in an unexpected place.
“The One” Might Not Exist
Let’s debunk the myth that finding the right bridal outfit requires a dramatic, once-in-a-lifetime moment of epiphany. The pressure to look spectacular on your wedding day can be overwhelming, but it’s essential to release yourself from this expectation. After all, you may have multiple opportunities in life to feel confident and stunning in an outfit – and that’s perfectly okay.
It’s possible that there are dresses or occasions in the future that you’ll love more than your wedding-day attire, and that’s a liberating realization. By letting go of the need for perfection on your special day, you can focus on what truly matters: celebrating your love and commitment to each other.
Be Open-minded
As someone who values decisiveness, I initially found it challenging to entertain the idea of experimenting with my wedding dress options. Having a clear vision of the type of dress I wanted, where to find it, and its availability made it difficult for me to consider alternative paths. However, embracing an organic process requires being open-minded about the possibilities that arise.
This may involve exploring different styles, coverage levels, or showcasing various body parts – all options are valid. To ensure a smooth journey, setting intentions and priorities upfront is crucial. By doing so, I was able to focus on what truly mattered: finding the right dress for my special day. Ultimately, regardless of the outfit I choose, I know that I will be exceptional because, at my core, I am already an amazing individual.
If you’re looking for plus-size wedding dresses or seeking guidance on how to stay confident on your wedding journey, check out our resources.
