What wedding dress looks best on a plus size bride?

We turned to Phyllis Brasch Librach, bridal designer and founder of Sydney’s Closet, to get expert answers on how to find a body-loving bridal gown that fits and flatters your every curve. Here’s her professional tips on the best wedding dress styles for curvy women:

There is no one dress that looks best on all plus size brides. That’s because curvy brides come in all shapes and sizes.  The key is to embrace your curves by determining  what assets on your figure that you want to play up.  

• Got broad shoulders? Flaunt them in an elegant strapless silhouette or a halter for a more dramatic look. Remember to style your hair in a soft up do. Otherwise your locks will hide the shoulders you want to reveal. A design with a nipped waist helps to offset your shoulders.  Off-the-shoulder styles can make shoulders look broader.  

• Endowed with a large chest? Lucky you! Then you can bring attention to your décolletage!  Shop for a gown with a plunging V-neckline, a deep sweetheart neckline or off-the-shoulder bodice. A halter design, and dresses with wider straps, offer you support. Steer clear of a jewel neckline that can make your chest appear even bigger. And be careful to not show too much of a good thing. You want to highlight your cleavage but ultimately the goal is to focus on your face not on your bust. 

• A lady with great legs? Opt for a sexy style with a slit skirt. Or go for a tea-length dress that is perfect for a small intimate wedding in an informal setting like a backyard, courthouse or beach.  A hi-low gown, shorter in the front and longer in back, offers a bride the best of both long and short length wedding dresses. 

• Full hips? Play down a wider bottom opting for a gown that eye-catching details and design on the bodice.  Steer clear of skirts with pleats or gathering. Those style details only add fullness.

• Thick in the waist with a full tummy? Shop for an Empire gown with a high waist that sits just below the bust.  A bodice with a textured fabric or embellishment brings the eye up and takes the eye away from the middle of the body. Bonus! An Empire design makes you look longer and leaner so your figure is instantly trimmer. Plus the relaxed fit of the skirt is super comfortable!

• Petite?  If you’re a bride under 5’4” tall the trick is to select a style that doesn’t drown your figure. Best to stick to a simple style with a clean, uninterrupted line. A-line wedding dresses are perfect because the shape that features a natural waist and flowing skirt, works to elongate the body. Avoid voluminous ball gown skirts that can easily drown you.

• Tiny waist?  Bring attention to your hourglass figure  with a fitted waistband, belt, sash or other detail in the middle of the dress. The volume in a ballgown skirt will accentuate your waistline and show off your well proportioned curves. 

When to Say “Yes to a Dress”
How do you know you found THE dress?  It’s the one style that:

• fits your fashion styles
• does justice to your curves
• you can’t take the dress off.
• puts the biggest smile on your face
• feels comfortable 
• balances the proportions of your body. 
• Makes you feel confident and beautiful

Remember, alterations are always the key to a perfect fit!