When you watch shows like Say Yes To The Dress you see this idealized version of trying on all these beautiful dresses. What they rarely show is the horror that is bridal sample sizes. When you go into most bridal stores they do NOT have actual dresses for sale. They only have a sample for you to try on. They take all your measurements, and then a dress will be ordered for you in the appropriate size. This is the reason brides should order their dresses 9 - 12 months before their wedding date. It takes time to get the dress in, have fittings, alterations, etc. The thing that sucks most about this system? Sample sizes are TINY.
The average traditional bridal salon carries their samples in a size 8. If you're lucky, some bridal salons carry both an 8 and a 16. They believe that if you are bigger or smaller than these sizes, you can at least slip the dress on and determine if it's right for you. Let's say you are a size 16 in regular clothes, in the world of bridal gowns you will probably be a 20! I know this seems totally ridiculous, but bridal gown sizing is based off a European system which means they can run about 2 - 4 sizes small. The sad truth is that even a size 10 may not fit into the sample size 16. If you go in to your bridal fitting with this information, you won't be thrown off guard. No matter how shocking that size tag may be, all that matters is you make your fiance's heart stop when you come down the aisle.
The only way to avoid the sample size situation is to buy from an "off the rack" store. The most popular off the rack store is David's Bridal. They are known for having an array of plus sized dresses, but you buy the dress as is. Often many women have tried it on. I know some plus sized divas cringe at the thought of buying a dress from this type of chain, but just remember, it's all about the way YOU make the dress look. A little steaming, a beautiful veil, and the right shoes can make a dress go a long way. For instance, I tried on these two dresses in my search for the perfect attire for my special day.
Funny thing is....It's the same dress. I tucked the straps in to see if I would like it better as a strapless ensemble. In the end I kept the straps, but the point is that with the right accessories and alternations, you can revamp any dress (and yes this dress came from David's Bridal).
Department stores like Macy's and Nordstrom's tend to have bridal sections with fabulous dresses that come in plus sizes. I don't really advocate buying your dress online, however, if the department store in your area doesn't have a bridal section you can feel comfortable purchasing a dress online because it can be easily returned and your money refunded. When you order from random overseas warehouses there is no guarantee that your dress will fit, arrive on time, or be anything like what you saw online.
Check your local area for formal wear stores that sell pageant dresses. Often these dresses are extremely elaborate and can work for a wedding.
Make sure you do a thorough search on dress boutiques in your area. I know here in Atlanta there are some bridal salon's such as Anya Bridal and New Natalie's that have dresses in sizes 0 - 26 available for brides to try on.
Don't give up on traditional bridal salons. Even places like Kleinfeld's carry some plus size dresses. The key is to narrow down which designers carry plus sizes and then find bridal salons that carry those particular designers. At the end of the day, shopping for your dress is a great experience if you're prepared. Go in with a clear head and have an idea of what type of dress you are looking for.
Wherever you decide to try on dresses, make sure you wear appropriate shapewear. Taffetta, tulle, and the like just aren't very forgiving fabrics. The right shape wear will make your dress fit flawlessly. Don't be ashamed. Even the skinniest of brides wear corsets under their dresses. I rocked these flesh toned spanx with a great strapless bra and it worked perfectly.
Hope this helps!
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