Finding the best wedding dress for your special day is not necessarily an easy task. Fashion has not been renowned for its inclusivity (to put it lightly) and it can still be difficult to find brands which cater to a broad range of sizes. Finding your dream plus-size wedding dress, as a result, can be even more difficult. Thank goodness, then, for the labels creating truly beautiful bridal looks which are available in an inclusive range of sizes, from UK4-24 and above. To make life easier, we've curated the very best to help you find your perfect style without too much effort.
It's (sadly) true that it's more difficult to find wedding dresses above a size 18 and, often, the choice is very limited. In an ideal world, plus-size categories wouldn't exist and all brands would cater to most sizes. The average UK size is currently 16 and, considering some luxury brands only offer up to size 14, with many high street brands stopping at 18, it's clear that millions of women aren't being served. If you know where to look, however, you can find some truly beautiful dresses which would be the perfect choice for any wedding.
Best plus-size wedding dresses at a glance:
Best plus-size wedding dress with sleeves: Monsoon Beaded Bridal Dress, £525
Best sleeveless plus-size wedding dress: Tadashi Shoji Lace Panelled Bridal Gown, £1,069
Best one shoulder plus-size wedding dress: Taller Marmo Feather-Trimmed Gown, £1,830
Best boho plus-size wedding dress: Etsy Long Sleeved Wedding Dress, £500
Best off-shoulder plus-size wedding dress: Needle & Thread Lace Off-Shoulder Gown, £425
You could also go down the custom-made route, much like Lena Dunham who had three dresses made for her wedding day by Christopher Kane in 2021. Beanie Feldstein, meanwhile, wore a beautiful Gucci gown for her wedding to Bonnie Chance, before she changed into an equally romantic Rodarte dress later on.
Etsy is a great place to look if this is something you'd like to explore – there are many independent designers offering ready-made styles which can also be customised (and made for your exact measurements, regardless of size) so you end up with a bespoke creation.
If, however, you'd prefer a ready-to-wear dress, then don't worry – we've found plenty of those, too. From Taller Marmo's feather-trimmed gowns to Monsoon's could-be-designer dresses, your dream wedding dress is out there waiting for you and, chances are, we've found it.
Shop: The Best Plus Size Wedding Dresses
Best one shoulder plus-size wedding dress
www.mytheresa.com
Taller Marmo has quickly amassed a diverse celebrity fan club thanks to its glamorous dresses which suit every body shape and size. This feather-trimmed gown would make for a wonderful bridal look, whether as your main dress or a second party outfit. It does come up a little larger, so you may want to select a size smaller than you'd usually take.
Sizes available: UK4-22
Materials: 78% Acetate, 22% Viscose, 100% Ostrich Feather Trim
Best off-the-shoulder plus-size wedding dress
www.needleandthread.com
If you're looking for a wedding dress with an off-shoulder neckline, you can't get much better than this Needle & Thread gown. Crafted from layers of soft, delicate tulle with scatterings of lace and intricate embroidery, it looks far more expensive than it is, plus it's available in a great range of sizes.
Sizes available: UK4-24
Materials: 100% Recycled Polyester
Best plus-size wedding dress with short sleeves
www.etsy.com
Handmade in organza with pretty puff sleeves and a bow at the back, this glorious dress is perfect for brides looking for something with short sleeves. It has a square neckline and long, flowing skirt, plus it comes in a truly inclusive range of sizes.
Sizes available: UK4-28
Materials: Organza
Best short plus-size wedding dress
rixolondon.com
Short wedding dresses have become more and more popular in recent years and this sequin style from Rixo, with its vintage vibes, is a gem. Whether you wear it for your civil ceremony or as a show-stopping after party look, it's square neckline and wider shoulder straps mean you can wear a bra with it and the skirt is cut on the bias for an extra-flattering silhouette.
Sizes available: UK6-20
Materials: 100% Viscose
Best plus-size wedding dress with long sleeves
www.monsoon.co.uk
Embellished with pearlescent beads and sequins, with floral embroidery and a short train, this is a beautiful long-sleeved dress for any bride. There's and elegant V-back and even a bustle loop to allow you to shorten the train for dancing.
Sizes available: UK6-22
Materials: 100% Recycled Polyester
Best plus-size bridal jumpsuit
www.phase-eight.com
For the brides looking for something other than a traditional gown, a jumpsuit can feel just as dressed up with a contemporary edge. The floral appliqué of this Phase Eight style maintains a sense of romance, while the wide leg gives an elegant silhouette.
Sizes available: UK6-20
Materials: 100% Recycled Polyester
Best sleeveless plus-size wedding dress
www.farfetch.com
If you're looking for a traditional silhouette, this tulle gown with lace bodice is the perfect choice. It has an elegant V-back detail, floor-sweeping skirt and concealed rear zip fastening. The guipure lace bodice adds structure without compromising the romance of the dress, plus it's available in a brilliant range of sizes.
Sizes available: UK4-24
Materials: 100% Polyester
Best boho plus-size wedding dress
etsywww.etsy.com
The ideal boho wedding dress, there's a flowing skirt and wrap-style top to give maximum comfort with a romantic silhouette. If you have bigger boobs are you're worried about the wrap-style feature, there's a handy transparent button to adjust the depth of the neckline. While an inclusive range of sizes are available, you can also order a custom dress, made to your exact measurements. You can even customise the sleeves, adding lace or a bigger cuff if you want to. Even better? The dress has many five star reviews on Etsy, with people praising the quality and fit, in particular.
Sizes available: XS - 3XL (custom size also available)
Materials: Premium Chiffon, Viscose
Where can I find stylish plus-size wedding dresses?
There are several places where you can find stylish plus-size wedding dresses. Many bridal boutiques now carry a range of sizes to cater to diverse body types. Online retailers specialising in plus-size clothing including ASOS, Rixo and Reformation, also offer a wide selection of stylish options.
How do I choose the right plus-size wedding dress for my body type?
When choosing a dress, it's important to consider your body type and personal preferences. A-line and ball gown silhouettes are popular choices as they flatter many different figures, as do tea-length wedding dresses. Empire waistlines can accentuate the waist and create an elongated look. Experimenting with different styles and consulting with a bridal stylist can help you find the perfect dress for your body shape.
Ultimately, it's about finding something that just makes you feel great. Don't feel like you need to stick to any hard and fast rules – if you try something on and it makes you feel like your best self, then say yes to that dress.
Bethany Rutter is an author, editor and podcaster who specialises in plus-size fashion. Follow her on Instagram for more.