As a curvy woman, finding the right wedding dress is important for feeling confident and beautiful on your big day. We understand the challenges you may face, such as limited size options and poorly fitting dresses at some shops and boutiques. That’s why we’ve put together some tips to help you select the perfect gown.
Wedding dress fabric
Aim for a dress that fits well and is not too snug, and select fabrics such as satin or taffeta that support and smooth out your curves. A lace dress offers both elegance and a romantic feel, while also creating the illusion of a slimmer figure. Try to avoid materials which can cling onto the body such as chiffon or jersey, which can stick to any lumps and bumps.
Wedding corset
Wearing a corset on your wedding day can offer extra support, create an hourglass shape and give your body that lift it may need! A well-fitted corset will cinch the waist, enhance features, and allow for comfortable breathing and movement. A longer corset with wider sides can also provide additional support for the hips and bust.
A line wedding dress
An A line silhouette wedding dress is a great option for curvy women as it can create a flattering figure. Nipping you in at the waist, flaring out into an ‘A-shape,’ resulting in a balanced and graceful look.
Belted wedding dress
A wedding dress with a belt or sash nips you in at the waist and helps to create that definition. The belt or sash can be made from the same fabric as the dress or can be a standout piece with decorative elements such as lace or beading. This type of gown is versatile and can suit various body types while adding a personal touch to your bridal look.
Curvy women wedding dresses UK
We know how choosing the perfect wedding dress that fits you perfectly can be a challenge, but don’t worry we’re here to help you!
Curves and Couture Bridal Boutique is a bridal studio in the heart of Essex specialising in wedding dresses for curvy and plus size brides. They offer a variety of styles and sizes to fit every budget, and their knowledgeable staff is dedicated to helping brides find their perfect dress. The shop carries dresses from top designers and features a range of styles.
For those ladies who live in the West Midlands region, check out Wedding Belles Love, a stunning family-run boutique in Stoke-On-Trent. Their motto is “Every bride should shine on their wedding day! Let’s make your wedding dress dreams come true” (triple heart emoji). They offer dresses in sizes 16-36, each uniquely styled to suit you. Their experienced stylists are dedicated to helping you find the perfect bridal gown and ensuring a stress-free shopping experience.
Lush Curve Bridal, located in Surrey, is the sister shop of the highly rated BRIDE by Aster bridal shop in Dorking. It offers brides-to-be a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere for selecting their dream wedding dress, surrounded by friends and family. They boast an extensive collection of dresses in various shapes, sizes, and colours, with sizes ranging from UK 18 to 36. The dresses are priced between £1600 and £2800.
Angelica Bridal, located on Liverpool Road in North London, have an array of gorgeous silhouette dresses to fit all shapes and sizes. They offer a personalised, one-on-one experience to help you find the perfect dress, as well as the accompanying accessories.
WED2B offers a wide range of plus-size wedding dresses and has a strong online presence as well as multiple stores in the UK, including locations in Baker Street, Surbiton, Bromley, Chelmsford and many more. They are known for their extensive collection of affordable, high-quality dresses and exceptional customer service.
Wedding World in Folkestone, Kent has both contemporary and classic wedding dresses in their store. They have a wide range of designer collections and offer gowns in various sizes and styles. With 20 years of experience, the staff understand the importance of feeling comfortable and confident during the wedding dress selection process.
Forever Yours Bridal, another premier boutique in North London, offers high-quality dresses at competitive prices. With experienced bridal consultants with over 20 years of experience on hand, they provide expert advice and assistance in selecting your dream dress. They also have the advantage of an in-house alteration specialist who can offer guidance on necessary adjustments to ensure the perfect fit, even before you choose your dress.
The Bridal Emporium in Exeter stocks award-winning collections and bridal designer brands such as Kenneth Winston and Mark Lesley. Recognising that every bride is unique, they stock a range of dresses from whimsical boohoo dresses to classic princess ball gowns. A family-owned business with a vast amount of experience and a fantastic team of professional bridal consultants and skilled seamstresses, it is safe to say you’re in good hands!
Heavenly Bodies Bridal in Beckenham, founded in 2014, specialises in offering wedding dresses in sizes 16-36. They offer personalized 2-hour private consultations to ensure that their customers can have an enjoyable and stress-free experience while choosing from their beautiful collection of plus-size wedding dresses.
The Bridal Suite in Fareham is dedicated to serving curvy brides by offering a diverse collection of wedding dresses, including tulle and lace-applique designs. Recognizing that curvy brides deserve the same options as smaller brides, they strive to provide a wide selection. Additionally, they are aware of the importance of budget when choosing a wedding dress, so they offer their gowns at a price range of £1000 to £1500, with an average cost of £1300.
When selecting a dress for your special day, it’s important to accentuate your best features, whether it’s your bust, hips, legs, arms, or bum. Experiment with different styles, including ball gowns and A line dresses, to find the perfect fit for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colours, remember being bold makes a statement on your wedding day. There are so many different styles to choose from, for example, an off-the-shoulder neckline adds that touch of elegance, with guests focusing more on the upper half of your body. If you want to show off your legs, a high-low hem would be the best option for you, it’s flirty and fun! The most crucial aspect of any style you choose is that you feel confident and comfortable in your wedding dress.