Wedding Blog
As a plus sized girl, I’ve always found it difficult to get the cute clothes that fit me well! I’m a tall size 22 and that seems to be the size of the season in plus sized stores. So, whenever I shop, I have to pay full price (no sales on this size). So, to justify the price, I often find myself just wearing what I buy until it gets holes in it.
Yes, I was hopeful in the beginning to not be plus size when it came time for the wedding, but now that I’m a little under 5 months away from the big day, it’s time to face the music!
I remember reading on The Knot about all the cute bridal accessories available in stores and online. The problem?
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See that in the red circle? Highest size is a 10!! 
Do I dare DIY? Well, when it comes to clothes, I’d rather leave it to the professionals. So, no DIY rhinestone shirt.
Then, Mom Ballet Flat showed me a beautiful dress (possible rehearsal dress) on a plus sized designer’s site called Kiyonna, and within the site, I found the bridal shop! A PLUS SIZED bridal shop! 
Let’s just say I’m gonna go a little purchase happy whenever it gets closer to the wedding! This apparel goes up to 3x and even some styles go up to 5X on this site.
Check out a sampling of what they have!!
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Do any of you plus sized brides out there have any other bridal apparel websites to share?
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Not a bridal website, but my aunt loves the deals at avenue.com and things DO go on sale there. For Christmas I got her like 3 things for 30 dollars. She also has luck with Old Navy online.
I would love to know as well. I have been having the hardest time getting somethings I think are cute!!!!
Some of this might help from torrid:
http://sillylittlemischief.blogspot.com/2008/05/plus-size-bridal-stuff.html
Though making the rhinestone thing is really easy and a whole lot cheaper. You just need an iron really.
let me just tell you that i came across this dress (http://www.kiyonna.com/plus-size-clothing/Bridal_Dresses/12060911) last year and have been wishing i was plus size ever since! i even saved all the images i could find and am thinking about having it made. i think it’s gorgeous and can’t find a single thing like it in my size… the grass alwasy does seem to be greener
Yeah I am looking up where to find the iron ons now.
Its tough being a plus size in this world—surprising since the average American woman is a size 14!! I am a 16/18 size woman and shopping is still a dreaded experience. There used to be this great chain store called Forth and Towne that used to go all the way up to a size 20 in gorgeous clothes! They were part of the Banana Republic/Gap chain and I miss them so. I sooo hate that I live in NY with all the bridal sample sales and no size higher than a 10!!! AAARGGGHHH..
What about kleinfelds they have up to 18 samples to try on? They should rotate those I would hope!! I know when I went shopping I had to put ti up to me and imagine. Thank goodness I have a great imagination.
Angie
Yep, I was right there with ya when I planned my wedding as a size 20. I couldn’t stand how I looked in the white gowns I found at Davids, although it was handy to see what shapes worked for me. I ended up having my dress made by a wonderful lady - best decision I ever made.
I also couldn’t find any of the fun accessories and gave up on the Mrs. / Bride stuff. I was thrilled this year when I saw Kiyonna offering that tank top and those boy shorts. So Cute!!
I totally understand…as a plus size 18/20 bride I couldn’t find any of those cute items for my wedding(Aug 08) but that’s OK because I’m going to go ahead and order some fun stuff anyway! I’m still a newlywed so I can still use it for the first year? LOL Thanks so much, I really enjoy your posts!
My poor sis had to just hold dresses up to herself to try on dresses.
Recently when I was trying on dresses (and it’s amazing how they can make a size 6/8 feel completely inadequate with comments like, “well THAT’s not gonna even come close to zipping”) the girl in the room next to me was quietly weeping. She was probably only a size 14 or 16, and stunningly gorgeous, but they made her just feel horrible.
The saddest part is that she wiped away the tears, put a brave face on, and went out and started joking with the mean salesgirl and trying to make *her* more comfortable. I gave her marks for bravery, and she probably never knew that she was my hero that day. I also wrote a poor review about the bridal salon for the customer service based on that interaction.
I am so glad you found this site! It seems unfair that clothing would stop in certain sizes. My sister had an awful time trying on BM dresses (which she could only hold up to herself in most cases) until we went to David’s. Even though I didn’t want to buy dresses from them (I’d heard too many horror stories), we ended up going DB because of the way they made my sister feel (like the beautiful woman she is). I’ve favorited this site so I can buy her all sorts of fun bride gear when she gets married. Thanks again for sharing and for your vulnerable honesty!
@doctorgirl:
Your story is exactly why I’m not looking forward to further dress shopping. I had a great first experience at David’s Bridal. They had most of the dresses I wanted in exactly my size (14) and if not, then a 12, and they were able to pin me in. I’d wanted to try a few smaller boutiques near my parents house, but I’m dreading it. My mom said I should just call and see if they have larger sample sizes, but I shouldn’t HAVE to, and I don’t WANT to. My mom gets uppity and says “Most women in America are a size 12 and above!” Well, that doesn’t mean the bridal industry accepts it. I know I’d be like that girl you heard crying, it will NOT be an enjoyable experience for me.
People can say what they want about David’s Bridal, but at least they do actively cater to a plus size market!
Thanks for sharing! As a plus size bride to be it’s always nice to know I’m not alone.
Yes that is what I thought also. But I sucked it up and found a really nice small place here in Chicago a Family owned business (Kasia’s Bridal) dedicated to helping brides of all sizes. I put on my spanx and said “Dress is this my day you will not beat me” and I brought some of my best friends and family with and we did it together. No tears were shed and I found my beautiful dress. The key is to find people you are comfortable to go with you and if the bridal store person gives you a bad vibe or look walk out. You do not need that and they do not deserve your money!!!
@ budgetbeautiful
I had a great experience at David’s, and I’m a 14W. I also had a great experience at a teensy boutique near my house, who carried a plethora of dresses up to an 18. Don’t dread shopping for the dress that will make you beam on your day.
Wow there are many women having the same problem i am. its so hard for me to go “anything” shopping. All the thinner girls make it very discouraging. I bursted in to tears when I went dress shopping, seeing all the thinner brides. Im 5f5 and wear a size 16. Ive noticed when I have gone to most plus size stores their clothes fits me frumpy, it is like they have no shape what so ever. Like they assume that all plus size women are just round. It makes me upset. I have AMAZING curves lol not to mention a nice round butt hehee. I wish the fashion world would be more realistic.
No crying LOL!! Except onyour wedding day ofcourse tears of joy. LOL!! Torrid is great but one think my MOH taught me is never be afraid of the label size. Buy it then have it tailored or wear a belt or something. I bought a dress that showed all my curves in the best possible way. You should not be made to feel like you have to wear a tent!
I have noticed that Lane Bryant carries a very small bridal line in terms of clothing. And I think Torrid does too. Good luck on finding things. I know how hard it is because even now they make petite plus size clothes too long.
I got my wedding gown from PlusSizeBridal.com. The prices were amazing and the service has been fantastic. We also ordered BM dresses from there. If they don’t post the particular style you’re looking for email them and ask, they’ve been very helpful. They also will sell you small size gowns as well. =)
I know what you mean… being a plus size girl I know how hard it is to find clothing but I dont let that hold me back. I like to be crafty and I bought these iron-on transfers online. http://www.libellulegifts.com/isle-walker-101-wedding-trans101.html and I’m planning on taking advantage of Old Navy super cheat Ts and creating something cute and I know that it will look awesome. I love DIY.
Have you ever tried advantage bridal? I believe they sell plus sizes there too. They have really cute stuff too. You’ll be on there for hours! :^) Good Luck!
You are so talented, I have faith you could DIY an awesome tank or undies… or hey, better yet, have a DIY PAR-TAY with your best girl buds (then maybe while you’re pouring wine, they’ll make them for you! hee hee). Though I admit, I do like the iron-on transfer idea above.
Wow, this post SO resonated with me! But don’t fear, through the miraculous power of the internets you too can have an awesome trousseau!
For the dreaded wedding dress shopping - I actually called ahead to stores to ask if they had plus sized sample dresses. Be aware that even if they don’t, lots of manufacturers sell up to a size 24 or 28. Maggie Sottero & Casablanca were my favorites, and I ended up with a Maggie Sottero dress that was gorgeous and about a size above my street size for a dress (I wear an 18 usually, and ordered a 20 based on their size chart, and it fits like a glove). I know you’ll hear and re-hear this, but try on stuff that you think will look terrible, because I had my heart set on a dress with sleeves and a surplice front and it ended up making me look terrible. Then the strapless sheath dress looked awesome even though it was super tight. So, there you go.
For cute lingerie:
- avenue.com, which was mentioned before
- torrid.com, also mentioned before
- alectra.com, which is kiyonna’s lingerie store
- fredericks of hollywood actually sells plus sizes too for TONS of their stuff - fredericks.com. I got lots of my lingerie that for really cheap, including a bridal corset
- herroom.com is a great source for lingerie with a great customer-review filled site and wonderful customer service
- hipsandcurves.com has lots of flirty and also downright naughty lingerie all for plus sizes, including some cute rhinestone bridal negligees, also great customer service
For non lingerie needs, like awesome rehearsal dinner dresses or other fun stuff to wear:
- You’re right about Kiyonna, I freaking LOVE them!
- igigi.com has some great dresses and separates to look classy - no lingerie and I think they are way overpriced, but I’ve had good experiences with them
- curvygirlclothing.com has an extremely ghetto looking site but has some cute stuff
- if you are looking for tights, welovecolors.com sells up to a 5x
- alight.com has lots of great dresses and separates
Sorry for the super long post, but this is a passion of mine, to empower lovely women to feel lovely!
I am also dreading wedding shopping. I wear a size 16/18 and have a size 12 shoe. Shopping is not fun. Thanks for the info on dress places.
It was nice to stumble across this post…. I’ve bookmarked almost all of the sites mentioned!
I LOVE the shorter dress in Kiyonna’s bridal section. Was that the dress you were thinking of for your rehearsal dinner? It is beyond gorgeous and I am considering it as a wedding dress.
@Ms.Jillian: No, that’s not the dress. I’m looking at quite a few bright colored dresses in their dress section, but I haven’t really narrowed it down. :\
I know Im a lil late to this post but thank you sooooo much for posting this website!!!
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Mrs. Ballet Flat, New Orleans
Age and Occupation: 24, Geographic Information Systems Analyst
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, IT Analyst
Engagement Date: March 16, 2008
Wedding Date: May, 2009
Blogging Since: September 25, 2008
Venue: St. Charles Borromeo Church/Jefferson-Orleans North
About Me: I absolutely love wedding planning, spending time with Mr. Ballet Flat, various crafts, watching football, baking, pop music, bargain hunting and ice cream. My idea of a great date night is dinner and clearance shopping with Mr. Ballet Flat! I currently live below sea level in the suburbs near New Orleans, where I make maps all day, everyday for my job. I'm slowly becoming more and more obsessed with anything New Orleans related for our wedding, and I can't wait for the big day!
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