10 Wedding Dresses for Curvy Brides: Ask a Plus-Size Fashionista

Hello brides-to-be! I’m Whitney Brown—personal stylist, plus-size fashion connoisseur, and your new best friend! I’ve collaborated with Maggie Sottero Designs to bring you this segment for 10 Wedding Dresses for Curvy Brides: Ask a Plus-Size Fashionista. 

I use my social media platforms to connect with women who want to improve their God-given beauty from the outside in. I look to find beauty in all things.

When I was growing up, the plus-size industry was basically nonexistent. I had to be creative in finding clothes that matched my body type and personality. Finding my day-to-day looks turned into a hobby, which eventually led to my Fashion Degree and landed me an amazing career with a top luxury designer.

My work also led me to love! I met my husband through my career. I started planning my wedding the first time we met! I just knew he was the one.

Shopping for my perfect wedding gown was fun and super exciting. My bridal boutique was absolutely beautiful, which made me feel like a princess. The gown I picked was nothing like I envisioned in my mind. I can remember my sister telling me to try them ALL on, so I did! I knew I wanted something different and in pink. I did not want any of my body insecurities to restrict myself in finding my perfect gown. I tried on every sleeveless, sheer, backless, and most formfitting gowns. When I tried on the Divina and the Serencia, I knew they were the exact styles I loved. I loved how the corset bodice hugged and accentuated my curves. In the end, I chose the Divina because it didn’t have a beaded bodice, and I wanted my statement to come from my brooch bouquet.

Walking down the aisle in that beautiful Maggie Sottero gown was absolutely magical, and seeing the wow factor on everyone’s faces was priceless and totally unexpected.

My desire is that my tips help you feel confident, absolutely beautiful and ready for love. Keep scrolling to see Maggie Sottero’s wedding gowns for curvy brides!

Happy Dress Shopping,
Whitney Brown

My Favorite Wedding Dresses for Plus Size Brides
Here are a few wedding dresses for curvy brides that I have personally tried on and loved! I’ve also included other new wedding gowns that I think will complement a plus-size figure. I love Maggie Sottero Designs for providing so many beautiful plus-size bridal gown options to choose from. I connected most with this brand because I felt like the designers understand that you can have love at any size. Every woman, no matter her size, wants to be radiant on her special day. There are some things you shouldn’t have to sacrifice, and a perfect fit is one of them. Luckily, Maggie Sottero Designs displays amazing craftsmanship and detail on every gown.

Emmanuelle Lynette is a plus size mermaid wedding gown that is an inspiration to the female form. Embrace your inner bombshell with beaded lace and shimmery tulle in a red-carpet-ready silhouette. This number would look fantastic on plus-size women who are bottom heavy and want to show off their curves.

Chevelle Lynette is a fit-and-flare ideal for plus size brides looking to accentuate just the right curves. Its off-the-shoulder sleeves, scoop neckline, and fitted bodice are perfect for hourglass and pear body types. The lace detail on the neckline and back and slight flare at the bottom also create the perfect feminine silhouette. And the best part? The illusion details give that extra hint of sexy.

I am so captivated by the simple elegance of Valerie Lynette. Not only will this A-line’s sleek fabrication flatter all body types, but it will also elongate your torso and hide any problem areas around the waist. Plus, the stiffness of Mikado will create added structure in the bodice—perfect for bustier brides!

Opt for double spaghetti straps with Devon for a chic twist on this enduring classic fit-and-flare. With support and coverage carefully crafted beneath beautifully embroidered lace motifs and shimmering glitter tulle, this gown is perfect for plus-size brides who have a smaller chest but still want to show off their curves!

Taylor Lynette is one of my favorite tulle ball gowns. The cut of the bodice creates a feminine waistline, and the beautiful layers of tulle add volume and proportion to the hips. Featuring an ivory over blush colorway, this dress reminds me of a floating princess! And the Ivory Quartz and Ivory color options are great, too!

I love, love, love this demure fit-and-flare. Daphne Lynette not only provides great coverage, it’s also very flattering to your figure! The sparkle, the sweetheart neckline, and the illusion lace cap-sleeves all make me swoon! This is definitely one of the top wedding gowns for curvy brides!

Hello modern princess! As one of my favorite ball gowns from Maggie Sottero, Thaddeus features beaded lace motifs over Chantilly lace with a unique beaded halter V-neckline, which gives a modern twist to a classic fairy tale. This gown would be stunning on any body type, but would look especially stunning on curvy women with a smaller bust because of the beading on the bodice.

Lonnie Lynette is an ideal gown to help you feel confident owning your curves. The beading on the bodice will hide any creases, while the lining in the back will give you structure, both of which will allow you to move and dance without worrying about the midsection trouble areas. And the best part? The beautiful tiered tulle skirt adds a little extra “ooh-la-la” to this elegant style.

Corrine, one of my favorite chic and simple wedding dresses, has the perfect amount of sweet and sexy. The beaded spaghetti straps add that subtle touch of sexy, and the chiffon fit-and-flare skirt brings out a soft and carefree romance in this gorgeous plus-size gown. Plus, it will hug your curves while also giving you a little extra volume.

One of my favorite gowns—Savannah— has the simple and sleek design of a flattering A-line while adding lovely romance with beaded lace motifs. And you’ll be dizzy with compliments on the train—an illusion lace hemline cut in the shape of a dahlia!

Tips for Curvy Women Shopping for Their Dream Wedding Dress

Earlier is Better
Start shopping early! Most boutiques need at least 3 months to order your gown, and any accessories you may need like a veil or belt. Allow plenty of time for fittings and alterations once the gown has been ordered and delivered.

Budget!
If you have a budget on how much you can spend on your gown, set it and stick to it. Let your sales consultant know what your max spend is. There is nothing more disappointing than trying on a $10,000 gown with an $800 budget. Don’t even think about it—not even for kicks and giggles!

Try Different Styles
When shopping for the gown of your dreams, remember to keep an open mind. Of course you like what you like, but don’t hold back from trying on styles that you normally wouldn’t choose. In my shopping and fashion experience, I’ve noticed that on the hanger, the look of a gown can be deceiving.

Body Support & Undergarments
When shopping for a dream dress, I wouldn’t immediately invest in a new or expensive strapless bra or body support. However, I would wear a moderately supportive convertible/strapless bra and body shaper to give you an idea of a gown’s fit. As you get closer to finalizing alterations, you’ll want to finalize your choice of undergarments for the big day.

Good Company
Speaking of support, bring a friend or three, but no more than three! You don’t want to cloud your judgment with a lot of different opinions. There’s nothing worse than falling in love with a gown and being ready to buy, only to see seven of your friends frowning and rolling their eyes.

You Are Your Perfect Size
It’s best to avoid ordering a gown too many sizes smaller in hopes of losing weight before the big day. Unless you have major lipo scheduled with Dr. Miami, I would order a gown in your current or recommended size, and let the alterations team take care of the rest. You can always fix a gown that’s too big, but trying to squeeze into something that’s way too small is almost impossible. I suggest looking for a corset-style dress that will give you more flexibility. It’s great to get healthy and work out, but set a realistic weight-loss goal for yourself.

Photograph Everything
Take lots of photos of your favorite gowns and accessories. After a long day of shopping, it helps to make a good decision when you can look at your options the next day. I recommend taking photos of other things you may want to consider for the wedding, such as flower girl dresses and accessories. There’s nothing worse than trying to track down a white dress or veil without a reference. Photos help you and your sales consultant be more efficient and precise.

Bring Special Pieces
If you are pretty sold on wearing your grandmother’s pearls, or any accessory that you know you’d love to wear on your wedding day, bring it to your shopping and alterations appointment. This will help give you a better idea of your completed look. On that same note, style your hair like you would on your wedding day to be able to picture yourself with the “whole look.”

Remember Why You’re There
Shopping for a gown can be a little overwhelming for any bride, and being a special size may require extra searching, and extra patience. Don’t settle for something you don’t absolutely love, and don’t let snooty sales people make you feel like you don’t deserve good service or a beautiful gown because of your size. Stay in good spirits by remembering why you are trying on gowns—you are celebrating your love story, and your sweetheart who cannot wait to spend the rest of their life with you!

I hope I have helped give you some wedspo for your upcoming big day so you can be on track to find YOUR dream wedding dress among Maggie Sottoro’s wedding dresses for plus size brides. Cheers!

Related blog content: 

Staying Body Positive While Shopping for Your Wedding Dress

Finding The Perfect Dress For Your Body Type

5 Tips To Say “Yes!” to Your Dream Dress