More voluptuous women are easily intimidated or anxious about the process of getting fitted for a wedding gown.
Good reasons abound!
Many magazine images feature gaunt, almost skeletal women feeding the perception that all women should look like this in order to be accepted.
Not so fast! A wonderful man has just proposed to you! He decided you were the perfect woman for him. (Meanwhile, your friends are still hoping for that magic proposal!)
Focus on flaunting your strong points at the same time using discretion when dealing with problem areas. Put your best features forward and the rest will follow.
Here’s some advice for various full-figured body types:
I will buy my gown when I loose X pounds.
Losing 20 to 40 pounds before your wear date is senseless unless your health and well-being is jeopardized by the extra weight.
Solution
Reward shapely legs, with a ‘high- low’ style: a tea length or a side cut gown. High heel designer shoes add the final touch to give that needed height. Thicker straps (not the spaghetti type) on a V-neck gown minimize the bust. No strapless gowns for full figured brides, particularly those dresses with a sweetheart neckline which emphasizes the cleavage. (This might too hard to bear in a Catholic church!)
My bust is size 10 and my hips are size 14.
Solution
In this case of an ‘imbalance’ between your top and bottom, I advise a fitted top with loose ball gown skirt at the bottom. No fit and flare cut or trumpet style for a pear shape silhouette, “s’il vous plait”.
If you are not as toned as you would like to be on top, try long sleeves with a sheath bottom. Chiffon fabric works well to keep you comfortable.
In most cases fitted gowns and trumpet-shaped styles are inappropriate for larger sized brides particularly when your bust and hips measurements are disproportionate.
What can I wear under my gown to help with my shape?
Solution
Spanks and similar types of underwear can reduce your belly and hips. However, why not shop for a lovely corset with lace and bows instead and make him fall in love all over again? (Better than looking like you are being squeezed into a medieval looking contraption!)
These are some of the most common issues I have worked on with my full figured brides. There are many tricks to fool the eye (‘trompe l’oeil‘) and we have many solutions for all body shapes and sizes. Common sense and practicality should dictate the choice of your gown, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look absolutely fabulous!
I have many years of experience in helping brides find the perfect gown and I can advise you on the right fit and style based on your taste, personality and budget.
Inches do not matter, your attitude does!
