The Bride’s Heart

It’s important to see that your bridesmaids will be happy and comfortable on the day of your wedding. If all of your maids aren’t exactly the same size and shape, as is the case with most bridal parties, make it your mission to be a kind bride and explore all of the many options available for those who may need plus size bridesmaid dresses.

Today there are, thankfully, a great number of elegant and fashionable, plus size bridesmaid dresses in a variety of styles, many of which are thoughtfully designed to camouflage those common problem areas, such as both A-line and empire waist dresses. The ballroom style helps to emphasize an hourglass figure, corset tops minimize the waist and emphasize the bust, and a gown with a Basque waist is wonderful for minimizing bigger hips.

Some of the very best fabrics for fuller figures include:

• Chiffon
• Georgette
• Lace
• Matte
• Organza (For the overlay)
• Satin
• Tulle (For the overlay or embellishments)

If at all possible, steer clear of any pastel colors, which not only have already been overused quite often in years past, but they also tend to be less than flattering shades for the fuller figure.

Picture credits: npiggy

Darker colors are always slimming, and always in fashion. For autumn weddings consider deep shades such as plum, mocha, burgundy, or hunter green, while nuptials taking place during the winter could have the bridal party in colors including navy, silver, and crimson red. Other shades to consider instead of pastels for weddings in the spring and summer are creamy ivory, gold, beige, or deep purple. Allow the bridesmaids to voice their opinions and let them help choose colors that will emphasize their best features.

I just love the color of these dresses!

Plus size dresses and gowns intended for special occasions like a wedding usually run on the small side, making you wonder how you possibly could have gained weight overnight. The most important thing to remember is that not every dress will fit the same and the only way to ensure a great fit is to measure, measure, and then measure again. Also, don’t forget the undergarments as there are many that can help whittle away a dress size, or even two.

And last, but certainly not least, always remember that you’re definitely not limited to the “traditional” bridesmaid outfits or gowns as today, the possibilities really have exploded as designers and bridal dressmakers have finally gotten the hint that women of larger sizes should be amply accommodated just as their thinner counterparts. Consider two piece ensembles, mix-and-match separates, and if you’re truly a modern bride, there’s even a few line of denim separates with fancy matching tops to choose from.

If you absolutely can’t find anything to accommodate one of your maids, or if you aren’t able to find the right dress for yourself, perhaps you just aren’t looking in the right places. The internet is chock full of information and innumerable gowns to browse through as well as plenty of dresses that are labeled as “cocktail” or “prom” or “special occasion” dresses that would be perfect as plus size bridesmaid dresses.

Until recently nobody seemed to care about plus size mother of the bride dresses. Your daughter’s wedding is a landmark, amazing time of not only your daughter’s life, but yours as well. You want to look your very best (without outshining the bride, of course!) and wear stylish, elegant fashions.

Traditionally, the plus sized woman was hard pressed to find anything that was sophisticated and fashionable. Full figured women found themselves confined to archaic fashion "rules" that dictated they cover as much flesh as possible in yards of dark, drab fabric. It seemed that designers were more interested in hiding women who were not model slim instead of celebrating their beauty.

It is time to do away with the outdated laws of style and step into the light as proud, plus sized women. Now designers are taking notice of this popular customer base and are designing not only special event fashions, but casual ensembles that are trendy, fun, light and beautiful. Mother of the bride dresses are emerging as colorful and fashionable. Gone are the days of drab, dreary clothing that resembled tents and hid as much flesh as possible.

You want to be stylish at your daughter’s wedding, not flamboyant drag queenish. You may want to ask your daughter to go shopping with you so that she can help you choose good, complimentary colors and designs.

All Figure Types

A sheath style of dress can work with nearly any figure. An A-line or princess style can also work well with all figure types. The empire waist is yet another universal look.

Bottom Heavy

The bottom heavy body shape is fuller in the hips and thighs while more narrow in the shoulders. This is also known as the pear shaped body.

Dresses that are nipped in at the waist and flare slightly over the hips and thighs work well for this body type. If you have pretty arms and shoulders, go sleeveless. If you are self conscious about your arms, wear a sheer shawl or cover. An empire dress will draw the eye up and away from the problem areas, but it can make you look like a mother to be if you are not careful.

Top Heavy

Also known as the apple shaped body type, the top heavy figure has narrow hips and slimmer legs while the upper body had heavier breasts and the midsection is softer.

Go for two piece ensembles such as a blouse and skirt, sleeveless sheath or a princess seamed dress. Don’t be afraid to show some skin, bare your arms or shoulders. You may even try a slit in the skirt to show a little leg.

When dressing the full figure, you want to wear colors that look fabulous on you. You are not doomed to a miserable existence of wearing all black all the time. Experiment with different colors and try shades of pink, blue and white which are complimentary for nearly any complexion.

A last important tip when choosing a plus size mother of the bride dress , is wearing clothes that FIT. No one is going to come up behind you to peek at your tag to see what size you are wearing.  Besides that, size is just a number. What does it matter if you look stunning?