5 Shopping Tips for Plus Size Wedding Dresses
For some brides wedding dress shopping can be a stressful experience at the best of times, but shopping for plus size dresses can be even more challenging. You might have heard horror stories of unfriendly consultants and limited available sizing. It makes us shudder as we’re dedicated to finding the perfect dress for every single bride-to-be we meet.
If you’re currently feeling a bit daunted about shopping for a plus size wedding dress, fear not! We spoke with recent bride Eliana about her experience and she was kind enough to share her top tips with us.
- Call ahead
“I think my biggest advice is to call ahead of time and ask if they have plus sample sizes. There’s nothing more disheartening than realising you don’t actually get to see what your dream dress will look like on you because the salon only carries up to a size 10,” says Eliana. We couldn’t agree more with this advice and here at Amanda K we have sample sizes ranging from a size 6 to a size 26.
- Ignore the numbers
Most bridal designers use couture sizing, which is usually much smaller than what you’d find at typical high-street retailers. So the chances are your bridal size will be a few sizes bigger than what you’re used to. “I’m a UK size 18 in trousers and dresses, and a size 22 in wedding dresses,” says Eliana. Our advice? Don’t focus on the number, focus on the look and fit of the gown. Ultimately, that’s what really matters.
- Keep an open mind
“Go into shopping with an open mind. I know, personally, I thought I’d want a very different dress than the one I walked out with. My simple, unembellished empire waist dress quickly changed to beaded, lace, pink A-line with some poof,” says Eliana.
We’re delighted Eliana brought this point up (and that dress sounds fabulous)! While you might be fiercely committed to a particular silhouette or style, we urge you to be bold and bravely delve into different designs. Your Amanda K consultant has dressed hundreds – if not thousands – of brides before, so it’s worth listening to her suggestions.
- See the same consultant
“If you end up working with a consultant you really like, but aren’t ready to purchase the first time you go shopping, make sure to ask for that same consultant again when you make your next appointment. They’re usually pretty great at remembering clients and if you’ve already established a rapport with them, they’ll be better able to help you when you go back in to try on more dresses,” says Eliana. If you’ve made a connection with one of our consultants, and feel more comfortable dealing with them, that’s no problem at all. Simply request them when you book your next appointment.
- Don’t overlook an almost perfect dress
And one more bonus tip from the team here at Amanda K! Keep an open mind even if the dress is perfect minus one or two points. Say you try on a gown you fall in love with, but the neckline is a touch too low for your liking, or you love everything about it but you wish it had sleeves – hold tight! Our seamstresses are actual magicians and can adapt dresses to suit your specific needs (find out more about alterations at Amanda K). Plus, the dresses in our Amanda K Signature Collection and our Ivory & Co dresses have been created with bespoke alterations in mind.
–
If you’d like our help finding the dress of your dreams – and nothing would delight us more! – book an appointment or give us a call on 01872 859778.
Happy dress shopping, beautiful bride-to-be!
