Choosing bridesmaid dresses is exciting for many brides, especially since they connect to the colors and themes at your wedding. While it’s easy to get lost in the fun of pretty bridesmaid gowns, you also need to consider how they will fit on the women you choose to be your bridesmaids. One factor you may need to consider is plus size bridesmaids dresses – where to find them, how they fit, and more.
It’s important to keep in mind that your bridesmaid dresses also need the input of your bridesmaids. When you have a group of friends of all different shapes and sizes, it’s hard to find dresses that work for everyone. Keep reading for more on where to find plus size bridesmaids dresses.
How To Choose Bridesmaid Dresses
When you’re shopping for your bridesmaids, there are some things to keep in mind. Most importantly, you want your bridesmaids to like the dresses you pick. The stereotype of the hideous bridesmaid dress is an awful rumor that you certainly want to dispel!
There are other things too, like some colors may not look good on one of your bridesmaids because of their hair or eye color (and some colors don’t look good on anyone!)
It’s important to do what you can to complement your friends as much as you can. There are also issues of cut, as some styles look good on some bodies but not on others.
Where to Shop for Bridesmaid Dresses in All Sizes
As anyone considered plus size knows, shopping can be a real pain. Not a lot of stores offer very inclusive styles, making it difficult to know where to shop, and then there’s still the issue of fit and price.
Lately, the body positive movement has done a lot to forward the acceptance of all bodies, but the fashion industry hasn’t totally caught up.
If you’re shopping for plus size bridesmaids, the most important thing to do is to avoid making them feel bad about their size. Everyone is beautiful as they are, and since you love your bridesmaids enough to want them in your wedding, you already know that.
If you’re thinking about options, keep reading for where to find plus size bridesmaid dresses.
Best Stores for Plus Size Bridesmaid Dresses
If you’d like to go shopping in person, there are some lovely stores and boutiques to try. For many, the must-go place is David’s Bridal. The most well-known bridal chain in the United States, David’s offers many of their bridesmaid styles up to a size 30 as well as 1x, 2x, and 3x.
It’s also worth looking into what’s offered by local boutiques in your area. Many bridal boutiques are happy to serve the area and will offer a wide variety of styles in different sizes. Before your consulting appointment, call ahead and make sure they can cater to all of your bridesmaid’s sizes.
Best Websites for Plus Size Bridesmaid Dresses
If shopping online is more your route, there are also many websites that offer a variety of bridesmaid styles. However, be sure to keep in mind that shopping online can cause fit issues for purchases of all sizes, so be aware that you might need to make returns or get alterations done!
Popular websites that offer plus size bridesmaid dresses are:
- Azazie.com
- Bhldn.com
- Birdygrey.com
- Jjshouse.com
- Kennedyblue.com
- Modcloth.com
Most of these websites are also set at pretty affordable prices, so you won’t break your bridesmaid’s bank! These websites also offer a wide variety of colors, fabrics, and styles, so you’ll be sure to find something everyone can agree on!
Shopping for Bridesmaids of Varying Sizes
Thankfully, every place listed that sells plus size dresses also offers the same styles in standard sizes. As a result, it should be easy to get matching dresses for women of all sizes. Nobody needs to feel bad for limiting the options or be worried that nothing will look good on them.
Lately, many brides are doing something a little different by putting their bridesmaids in all different dresses. Some do all the same color, but different cuts and styles, while others do a variety of similar or complementary shades of the same color palette. This might be a good option, because then you’re more easily able to pick dresses that work best for each bridesmaid.
Fitting Plus Size Dresses
Of course, it’s essential that your bridesmaid dress fits. Though not as variable as wedding dresses, different designers still make gowns in fluctuating sizes, and it’s hard to know which brand or silhouette will work for everyone.
There are two parts to fitting your bridesmaid dress– purchasing the correct size, and getting the necessary alterations. Generally, both of these things are going to be necessary. As a result, it’s best to plan ahead.
According to our one year wedding planning timeline, you’ll want to purchase your bridesmaid’s dresses 6 months in advance of your wedding.
Learning Your Size
Obviously, a lot of problems can be avoided if you already know your size. This size chart above shows how different sizes line up with bust, hip, and waist measurements and how different size charts compare with each other, like US and UK sizes.
This is especially important if you’re buying online, as you want to purchase the correct size from the outset so as to avoid the hassle of constant online purchases and returns.
This might be a fun way to get all of your bridesmaids together on a Sunday! You can get your measurements and place dress orders, and then go out for brunch!
Getting Dresses Tailored
Once you have the dress, you’ll probably want to get some alterations done. To do this, you’ll have to find a good seamstress in the area! This is an essential for any wedding– almost every member of the wedding party will likely need garment alterations done.
A good tailor will be able to tell what parts of the dress need to be shortened, taken in, or let out. However, for alterations in a pinch, you can try any of these quick solutions for a bridal gown on a bridesmaid’s dress.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Bridesmaid Dresses
There are many different kinds of bridesmaid dresses between fabrics, colors, and styles. Depending on your wedding and the preferences of your bridesmaids, you may want to get a longer, more conservative dress, or you may want cute teacup dresses. There are tons of different and exciting styles.
When shopping for plus size bridesmaids, they will know what looks best on their own bodies. Be sure to talk openly with your bridesmaids to see what they feel more comfortable in! However, there are certain fabrics and silhouettes that generally look better on everyone than others.
Dress Fabrics
One thing to know is that certain fabrics are better for certain body types, wedding dates, and temperatures than others.
For example, lace bridesmaid dresses are normally very pretty, but tend to be a bit more rigid than fabrics like silk and cotton. Further, velvet is popular for winter weddings, but will likely be way too hot in the summer.
One of the most popular fabrics for bridesmaids dresses is chiffon – it’s lightweight, inexpensive, and tends to look good on everyone when styled right. Tulle and other mesh fabrics work similarly well!
Cuts and Silhouettes
There are also certain waistlines and cuts that work for different people.
Some women may be very insecure about their arms, making it better to go for a dress with sleeves.
Most women are flattered by a natural waistline in a dress– some sheath cuts are very limiting, making an A-line a better bet for everyone.
Length
Consider whether you want your bridesmaids in full length gowns or shorter dresses. Most formal weddings feature bridesmaids in long gowns, but it’s up to you!
Mismatched Dresses
A popular new trend is to have your bridesmaids choose their own style of dress, so long as they all wear the same color. As the bride, you can choose the color and offer a few different dress options, or let all your bridesmaids find the dress style they feel most comfortable in.
One concern is that the colors of the dresses might not match exactly. To avoid this issue, have your bridesmaids all shop at the same store! Online bridal shops like Azazie have hundreds of dress styles to choose from in the same exact colors, so you can ensure everyone matches.
You could also rent different, gently used bridesmaid dresses and return them, saving on your bridal party budget.
More About Bridesmaids
Here at Yeah Weddings, we’re here to help with all of your wedding planning needs. From how to pick your bridesmaids to bridesmaid bouquets, keep reading for everything you need.
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