While many retailers are making great progress in offering a more diverse range of sizes for all shapes of women, the bridal industry can be a difficult one to navigate if you don’t fit standard sizing.
On your wedding day you want to feel like the best version of yourself, so how do you go about picking the perfect dress? Well a good rule of thumb is whatever dress makes you feel like a million bucks but here are a few tips to get you started...
Tips for picking the perfect dress
1. Know your budget – and stick to it!
It can be so easy to get carried away – and some sales staff will be experts in selling you on a dream – so make sure you are vocal on your price range from the get-go.
2. Location
Unless you are yet to pick the location (or will pick it pending your dress choice!) then keep this top of mind when shopping for your dress. The last thing you want is long sleeves on a sunny beach – or a strapless number in the snow.
3. Timing
Speak to the store about what the turnaround is that you need to work to – because some designers simply will not be able to turn around some dresses at short notice. Getting in early will leave you with much more options.
4. Go in with an open mind
While many if us dream about our wedding day since we are little, going in with one clear vision can often hinder the possibility of finding something even better! And often this can also lead to disappointment when your vision doesn’t live up to it in real life.
5. Know your body
If you’d never wear something in everyday life – then why would you want to wear it on your wedding day? Sure you want to up the ante but you don’t want to go so far that you are uncomfortable on your big day. Know what works, what you love – and what you want to accentuate
6. Take the right people with you
Only take people with you to choose your dress that you trust to give you an honest and constructive opinion – don’t take people that will just say everything looks great – or people that will tell you what you want to hear. Take friends who will make you feel a million bucks and feel just as excited as you about finding “the one”.
7. When you find it, you’ll know
It sounds like a cliché, but it’s true. Don’t rush it, enjoy the process – and the champagne along the way!
Where to buy your dress?
Many bridal boutiques require you to make an appointment so be sure to find out if they cater to your size before wasting your time in store. Or if shopping online, give the website a call and find out if they make to measure or offer options outside of regular standard sizing - and then also make sure you find out their returns policy if it arrives in the mail and it's not your dream dress.
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We’ve rounded up 12 gorgeous gowns for all shapes (and budgets) to set you on your way.
ASOS
Everyone's go-to online store can't be beaten for plus-size wedding dresses when it comes to price. They offer on-trend wedding dresses in a wide range of sizes - and they're cheap.
1. ASOS EDITION Curve, floral applique wedding dress, $330
2. ASOS CURVE BRIDAL, Vintage Lace Button Back Fishtail Maxi, $350
3. ASOS CURVE, Floral Lace Bandeau Maxi Dress, $240
Fame and Partners
Fame and Partners is an online boutique which offer made-to-order wedding dresses that are customisable. Their sizes range from 4-26.
4. Fame and Partners, Queen Of The Night, $499
5. Fame and Partners, The Fitzgerald, $1299
Lost In Paris
Sydney-based Lost In Paris is perfect for the plus-size bride with gorgeous vintage-style options for all sizes in antique laces sourced from markets all over the world - eco-conscious brides will love this too!
6. Lost In Paris, Free Spirit Dress, $2530
7. Lost In Paris, Dreamweaver dress, $3410
Grace Loves Lace
Grace Loves Lace has garnered somewhat of a cult following over the past few years amassing a huge Instagram following - and one of their gowns was named the most-pinned wedding dress of all time on Pinterest. While not all of their designs will be available in plus-size options, they do offer a number of gorgeous styles which are made-to-measure and are happy to work with you to achieve your dream dress.
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8. Grace Loves Lace, Valentina $2750
9. Grace Loves Lace, Franca, $2990
White Runway
While many people know White Runway for bridesmaid options, they also have some great bridal options in a range of sizes - and they are also great for the bride on a budget.
10. White Runway, Martinique Gown, $420
11. White Runway, Laneese Cross Over Tulle Dress, $340
12. White Runway, Ferella Dress, $420
