Every bride wants to look her ultimate best on her special day regardless of size, whether she is tall and slim, curvy and full figured or any other combination … And so she should.
There is no reason why a bride should not be able to simulate her dream vision for her wedding.
Gone are the days when full figured ladies had to settle for less choice than other brides when it came to their dress. Now there is more choice than ever in plus size gowns; they are extremely exciting and pleasing, incorporating fabulous fit, design and opportunity ... It is time to think positive.
Remember to have fun and enjoy your beauty.
Concentrate On Your Best Assets
Don’t restrict yourself too early to any particular style because “fashion norm” dictates that your figure shouldn’t. You are an individual with your own special touch, by now you should know what your best points are … Play on them, use them to your best advantage. If you are full but shapely, try on a sheath or A - line style to see how it will look, if your shoulders are your best feature experiment with off-shoulder or low neckline designs, taper in a fairly neat waist with a
Basque style. Emphasising your waist will improve the general look of your shape and remember to show of full breasts and cleavage with a flattering neckline.
Camouflage Your Weak Features
You can minimise the features that you find make you feel exceptionally conscious if you wish. You do not want to feel uncomfortable on this special day. For example: If you feel really strong about a full bottom you can try A-line instead of sheath as a compromise but your weakest feature is your self image. Remember and admit that you are a beautiful person and do not allow anyone to distract you from this fact, especially yourself.
This is your time … Enjoy it.
EXAMINING A GOOD "PLUS SIZE" FIT
FRONT
The "A Line" cut has flattered the hips and accentuated a waistline, falling gently over the stomach. NECKLINE
Sweetheart neckline compliments lovely shoulders and fits neat, without bulges spilling over the top. BACK
This example shows a smooth fitting line, where the dress beautifully skims the body, without creating tight pull pleats.
GOWN TIPS
FABRICS
Steer clear of clingy, slinky fabrics which hug in a narrow fashion. Aim for a balanced look for a good plus size fit, so that you do not appear top or bottom heavy. The skirt base should balance with your hips, so those with wider hips should opt for styles with a wider bottom to correspond the look. Avoid bulky layers which will make you feel cumbersome and bigger than you are. Aim for a comfortable symmetry, you do not need to hide under layers and layers because you are full figured.
SHOULDERS & ARMS
If you have big shoulders or arms avoid tapered skirt styles. An A line fashion would be more poised and flattering enabling you to show off your assets comfortably.
If you love off shoulder but feel self conscious, consider a transparent or lace shawl as a style accessory.
Halter styles flatter broad shoulders.
You can soften your look by wearing a style with sleeves, a bolero etc. Steer clear of mutton sleeves, puff sleeves, padded shoulders etc., which will make you appear fuller.
WAISTLINE
A low V shaped waistline works well with wide hips.
SKIRTS
Avoid full skirts, ball gowns etc., which are gathered at the waistline, these have an immediate effect of piling on the pounds, making you appear to be much heavier than you really are. If you feel you simply must have full gathers, drop the waistline to the hip so that the bodice is longer with a slimming hourglass figure effect. Alternatively you can opt for full flare or pleats instead. Avoid tea length skirts which will emphasise full legs creating a short appearance. Enjoy a train which will make you appear taller.
EMBELLISHMENT
Avoid frothy decor like ruffles, bows etc which can create bulk making you appear fuller. It is a mistake to try to hide behind them, it is better to find a flattering gown which skims your body beautifully.
Simply decorated, strapless gowns minimise a heavy bust. Use embellishment to your advantage to draw attention to the assets which you want to emphasise.
WORKING WITH YOUR BODY
Buying a dress that is smaller to encourage yourself to lose weight is not advisable. It can cause unnecessary stress if you don’t manage to lose weight and you might end up having to buy another gown. You will then have to deal with extra financial stress in addition to the blow to your confidence. Wedding dresses are usually a different size (generally smaller) than what you would usually wear so it is advisable to take a size bigger or get professionally measured first.
Buy what suits your needs now and if you do lose weight remember that a dress can easily be taken in but not so easily taken out. There are ways you can achieve the look you desire without drastically altering yourself or feeling uncomfortable:.
LINGERIE: Choose your undergarments with care and try to wear them or similar when fitting your gown. One piece, smooth styles work best to minimise lines and not encourage bulges. Remember to include a good supporting bra when using strapless styles. Do not be shy to tell the shop assistant your needs for your underwear or your gown. It is only by knowing your needs that she will be able to help you, she is trained and has learned from experience not to judge, the store is there to help you. Look around and you will notice that the products are displayed; they would not order them for nothing.
Improve your posture ... You will be surprised how much difference just standing and sitting properly makes. Try not to stoop or slouch or round your shoulders in an attempt to appear thinner or smaller breasted. Rather rejoice in how beautiful you look and stand upright and proud.
Have confidence ... Thin girls also have flaws. Your fiancé fell in love with you and you are the one he is marrying not some idealistic image in a magazine. Think of yourself as the beauty you are, a bride, a real woman, un-retouched and with curves, the curves he loves ... Learn to love them too.
Make the most of your gown ... It is yours to express your vision.
