Where to Find: Plus Size Wedding Dresses

1 month ago 96

Karen Louise Daly

Lots of brides ask us about where to find plus size wedding dresses. When most bridal boutiques only stock sample sizes up to a 12 or 14, the idea of shopping for a plus size wedding dress can be extremely daunting. Pair that with the fact that historically, plus size wedding dresses weren't as stylish, sexy or modern as 'straight sized' gowns, it can take the shine off what should be a fun and exciting experience.

The good news is there are more boutiques offering plus size wedding dress collections and more inclusive samples than ever before, and the dresses themselves reflect contemporary bridal trends. So to help you find a gown that makes you look, and feel, gorgeous, we've put together tips for finding a plus size wedding dress, a list of plus size bridal designers, and plus size bridal boutiques in Ireland.

Tips for Shopping for Plus Size Wedding Dresses

We're using words like 'straight size' and 'plus size' throughout this guide - they're terms we hate having to use BTW (there shouldn't have to be different rules for different bodies, right?), but it's the easiest way to clarify what we're talking about!

While there are some fashion forward plus size bridal brands, alas many 'curve brands' still offer only dated, or overly fussy styles for plus size brides. Don't be put off, there are sexy/boho/vintage/glamorous dresses out there for every bride, you might just have to do your research. Hopefully this guide will help!
There are lots of great dedicated plus size bridal boutiques (get the details on some of our favourite Irish ones below!), which are a fantastic place to start your search. Shopping in a plus size boutique gives you a better selection of samples you can definitely try on, their teams are also experienced in working with brides of all shapes and sizes, so if you're anxious, it'll likely make for a more relaxing shopping experience.
Of course, any bride is entitled to check out any boutique she wants, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Unless they have dedicated plus size collections, most boutiques have just one sample for each dress. Unlike mainstream fashion, it's not a size 4, a bridal sample is generally a 12 or 14. Whether you're a size 8 or a size 28, it's not ideal (unless you happen to fit the sample size!), but due to the cost of samples, many boutiques are restricted in their stock. Boutiques do however have all sorts of magic contraptions and clips to pull and tuck you into a sample gown to give you a vision for what your dress will look like.

As most designers make their dresses to order, many 'straight size' dresses can actually be ordered in almost any size - obviously it's preferential that you try the dress on first, which you may not be able to - but it is something to keep in mind if you have your heart set on a particular dress.
If you do know the dress you want to try on, call ahead, and the boutique will let you know what size their sample is, and they'll have a good idea if trying it on will work for you. Strapless dresses for example, might be easier to try on in broader range of sizes than a sample dress with say, fitted sleeves.
Likewise, if there's a particular boutique you want to visit, ring ahead and have a chat first to make sure you're comfortable ahead of your appointment.

Listen to your boutique's advice, bridal advisors really know their stuff, be open-minded about the gowns they suggest, or listen if they discourage you from trying on a sample that they know is too small (read: they’ve seen it before!). Also on the flip side, let them know if you’re not comfortable coming out of the dressing room in a certain gown or trying on a particular dress they’ve suggested.
Alterations are your best friend - remember unlike a dress you pick up on the high street, your wedding dress will be made and tailored for your body, and will show it off in all its glory! Your seamstress/seamster will ensure your dress fits perfectly on your wedding day. We have a list of the best seamstresses in Ireland here.
Many made-to-order dresses can often be adapted to your requirements, so if you love the dress, but would prefer it with longer sleeves, less back showing, or a modesty panel on the cleavage, let your boutique know and they can suggest possible changes within the designer's remit.

Choose your shopping buddies wisely, its not always a good idea to bring your entire bridal party to your fittings. Bring your closest pals, a sister or your mum, (or go it alone if that's your bag!) just make sure, whoever you bring, they're the kind of people who boost your confidence, and who you're comfortable around.
Stay true to your personal style. Being plus size doesn't mean you have to settle on a dress you don't love, or compromise your style just to find something that fits. Be firm if anyone suggests you opt for something that doesn't feel like 'you'.
Remember you can always opt for custom made. If you have something particular in mind that you just aren't finding, why not get your wedding dress made to measure for you? We have a list of bespoke wedding dress designers here!
Likewise, if you love a particular designer, and have access to their studio or flagship store (these are often in cities like New York, London, etc), you may be able to try a broader selection of samples, or have one of their designs adapted for you.

Don't tolerate rudeness or body shaming. Unfortunately, we have heard stories of brides being made feel uncomfortable during their shopping experience. Most staff in bridal boutiques are amazing, and will go above and beyond to help you find your dress, but if you do encounter someone who suggests you lose weight for your wedding, or who makes you feel like you're not as entitled as anyone else to feel gorgeous on your big day, don't accept it - walk out if you need to!
If you don't feel represented, shout about it! Many brands are listening to customers' requests for broader size ranges and more inclusive imagery to celebrate body diversity. But if you don't see size inclusivity in your favourite bridal designers, get in touch with the brand and let them know!

Dedicated Plus Size Wedding Dress Collections

Allure Bridals

Allure Bridals have been making plus size wedding dresses long before size inclusivity became 'cool'. The vast collection features ornate beading, floral appliqués, dramatic backs and beautiful silhouettes.

Watters, Locket (Formerly Wtoo) & Willowby

Watters, and its offshoot brands Locket and Willowby offer a full selection of wedding dresses in US sizes 00–32W, with tall and petite options too in a mixture of classic and more contemporary styles. These brands are stocked in lots of boutiques around Ireland and internationally.

Rolling in Roses

Rolling in Roses doesn't have a size range, every dress comes in any required size. They make a wedding dress to the bride's nearest standard size to their measurements and then the finished piece is altered so it fits the body perfectly. With the flagship boutique in York the label is stocked in a number of boutiques throughout the UK and Europe and you can shop online too.

Plus Size Wedding Dresses | onefabday.com

Curve by Catherine Deane

Designer Catherine Deane launched her Curve collection of mix-and-match separates 'made for babes blessed with extra curves!'

Aesling

Designed and handmade in Vancouver, Canada, Aesling is adored for its focus on clean lines and silhouettes with an infusion of sculptural elements. With sizes running from 0-26, dresses are available in the brand's signature crepe or liquid satin. Brides can take their dream wedding dress to the next level with a wide-array of best-selling detachable and non-detachable sleeves on offer too.

White One

An extension of the renowned Pronovias wedding dress group, White One Curve wedding dresses stand out for the beautiful fits and high quality materials. Think elegant ballgowns and pretty lace details. White One is stocked in lots of UK and Irish boutiques, including Smart Brides and Curvy Chic.

Laudae

Available in size 0 to 40, Canadian bridal brand Laudae features timeless, figure-hugging silhouettes with gorgeous added detail, including super fine sequins and pearl embellishment.

True Bride

True Bride Curve Collection features a broad selection of gowns, with a glamorous feel in UK sizes 18-36. True Curves is stocked in lots of boutiques throughout the UK and in Ireland, including Belladonna Bridal in Galway.

Karen Willis Holmes

Karen Willis Holmes Curve wedding dresses are available in sizes AUS 14-24. Gowns designed to accentuate rather than hide your figure, they're modern, sexy and super stylish.

Studio Levana

Designed to make you feel like a total babe, Studio Levana's plus size bridal collection is filled with everything from playful gowns, with plunging necklines, to dreamy boho dresses with off-the-shoulder lacework.

Maggie Sottero

Maggie Sottero and offshoots, Sottero & Midgley and Rebecca Ingram all have stunning curve collection lookbooks, crammed with heart-stopping gorgeous dresses.

Therese und Luise

If your style is more cool, minimal and modern, you'll love Therese und Luise's curve collection with its simple, Scandi-style separates.

With a wide range of styles, Justin Alexander offers size-inclusive bridal gowns running up to size 2-32 with no upcharge.

Halfpenny London

At Halfpenny London, there is no curve collection because every piece is available in every size. It also carries a range of samples in the London store up to a UK 18 to try on, but if you're bigger than an 18 the wonderful team will still be able to fit these samples to your body and make you look and feel amazing. We absolutely love the bridal jumpsuits!

Grace Loves Lace

Australian label Grace Loves Lace is all about beautiful, accessibly-priced, ethically-made gowns that brides can feel comfortable in. All dresses are available up to an XXXL, that's an AUS/UK size 20, but now the Muse collection (pictured) comes with built-in shapewear in a real industry first.

Madi Lane

Madi Lane offers their full collection of stylish wedding dresses designed for every bride and made to order in sizes 2 to 28 (US), fitted with figure-flattering construction.

Essense of Australia & Martina Liana

Essense of Australia and its offshoot brand Martina Liana both offer a full selection of curve options. Filled with romantic embellishments and classic silhouettes, both are chic options for brides looking for an elegant, plus size wedding dress. It is stocked in lots of boutiques internationally, including Pearls and Lace in Ireland.

Alexandra Grecco

All Alexandra Grecco wedding dresses run in US sizes 00-20, with some gowns available to order in split sizing (eg. 16 bust and waist and a 20 hip). A New York-based bridal studio, the designer's signature style is contemporary, romantic, and luxurious.

Morilee Julietta Collection

The Julietta Collection by Morilee is filled to the brim with gorgeous plus size wedding dresses with dreamy detailing and romantic silhouettes.

Rembo Atelier

Rembo Atelier is synonymous with gorgeous boho gowns with dainty laces and clever dress details for added comfort. As each dress is created especially to your measurements, it can be created in whatever size you want.

Hayley Paige

Hayley Paige has long been our go-to for ultra-feminine, playful wedding dresses, and after a hiatus, she is back designing for brides again (including shoes this time!) and her creations will soon be available in a selection of size-inclusive styles.

Anne Barge

American bridal designer Anne Barge is now proud to be a size-inclusive brand and any dress from the collections can be made into sizes 0-22 and 16SP-24SP.

Hera Couture

New Zealand bridal brand Hera Couture by Katie Yeung have launched curve ranges of its best collections as well as a dedicated Curve collection with the most gorgeous selection of gowns that are chic, modern and range from pretty and playful to ultra sexy.

Rebecca Schoneveld

Believing that no woman should feel penalized for her gorgeous curves, the entire Rebecca Schoneveld bridal collection is available in a full range of sizes (00-30) with no additional charges for where the measuring tape falls. That means all the designs can be made in any size (so feel free to peruse the entire collection!).

Wed2B

Available in sizes 18 to 30, all of Wed2B's plus size bridal dresses are cleverly designed with extra support in all the right places, so you'll feel confident, comfortable and gorgeous all day.

Plus Size Bridal Boutiques in Ireland

The One I Love, Roscommon

The One I Love is a beautiful Irish bridal boutique run by bridal designer Lorren Kelly who has over 20 years of experience designing breathtaking bridal gowns. Lorren stocks a carefully selected collection of dresses for brides to choose from, specialises in plus size, and also offers her customers the option of designing their own dresses in-house. Visit the theoneilove.ie

Rebecca James Bridal (Formerly Curvy Chic), Belfast

With top designers like Studio Levana and Sydney's Closet, and a selection of dresses in sizes 14-44, the highly-trained team at Curvy Chic will ensure you don't have to choose between fashion and fit. Visit rebeccajamesbridal.com

Smart Brides, Portlaoise

Offering both off-the-rack and made-to-order wedding dresses, Smart Brides stocks an extensive plus size selection with options for everyone from sizes 2-32. Visit smartbrides.ie

Love Ellie Bridal, Virginia, Co. Cavan

Stocking a curated selection of plus size gowns by Stella York, Essense of Australia, Pronovias, Milla Nova and more, Love Ellie Bridal in Cavan is a must-visit for plus size brides. Visit loveelliebridal.com

The White Room, Mullingar

A fantastic collection of bridal gowns offering a range of designers to suit every type of bride and budget. The White Room stocks a curated selection of gowns by Evie Young, Madi Lane, and Paloma Blanca, and more. Visit thewhiteroom.ie

Pearls and Lace, Donegal

Looking for a plus size wedding dress in the North West of Ireland? Pearls and Lace is great place to start your search, with brands like Essense of Australia and Watters. Visit pearlsandlace.ie

Custom Wedding Dress Designers in Ireland

Bespoke Bridal, Dublin

Allowing you to design your wedding dress, your way, Niamh is bringing high end, custom made-to-measure bridal design to the Irish market offering options outside of the 'norm'. Visit bespokebridal.ie

Aoife Kennedy, Dublin

A skilled Irish designer who has honed her craft in Paris for more than a decade, Aoife Kennedy works closely with brides to create the gown of their dreams. Visit aoifekennedyparis.com

Celtic Fusion Design, Clare

The Ennis-based bridal studio specialises in expressive, feminine bridal wear inspired by folklore, symbolism, and a deep connection to place. Visit celticfusiondesign.com

Sarah Foy Couture, Dublin

Brides can choose gowns from Sarah Foy Couture's own beautiful collection, or work with the designer to create their very own dream dress. Visit sarahfoycouture.com

Margaret Coyne Couture, Cavan

Margaret Coyne believes that every bride deserves a couture experience when looking for her dream dress. Visit margaretcoynecouture.ie

Mizz Rio, Dublin

Mizz Rio which is helmed by Creative Director Mags Morgan is perfect for the bride looking for something different. Visit mizzrio.ie

A Final Pep Talk

When we featured Rebecca, the gorgeous owner of Curvy Chic Bridal as a real bride (pictured above, check out her fab Belfast wedding here!), she shared a message for other brides that we couldn't conclude this guide without relaying!

“As a plus size bride, I'd like to assure my fellow plus size brides to be, you will feel beautiful, I know it can be scary and we often dodge photos where we can, but I love my pictures, even though you can see my double chin and bingo wings, I adore the joy and love you can feel from our pictures. I promise you, your partner adores you just how you are, and there are amazing, modern and beautiful dresses out there in sample sizes that will fit and suit you. Don’t let being plus size stop you from loving every minute of planning your day.”

Get more tips for wedding dress shopping and finding plus size bridesmaid dresses. You can also listen to our podcast episode with Louise McSharry about why you don't have to lose weight for your wedding here.

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